Tool and die manufacturing industry skills matrix template

Overview Copied

A skills matrix template is a tool that organizations can use to effectively manage and assess the skills and certification statuses of individual employees or teams.

For example, you can use this free tool and die skills matrix template to identify your employees’ proficiency levels in various tool and die operations such as milling, grinding, lathe work, and EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining).

Machining Operations

• Milling and grinding intro
• Lathe Work
• CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Programming
• Surface Finish Enhancement
• Tolerance Analysis
• NIMS Grinding Skills Certification
• Haas CNC Certification

Tool and Die Assembly & Maintenance

• Die Maintenance and Repair
• Tool and Die Assembly
• Fixture Design and Setup
• Workholding Techniques
• G-code and M-code Understanding
• CAD/CAM Proficiency

Material and Metallurgy

• Material Science
• Heat Treatment Knowledge
• ASM Materials & Metallurgy Certification
• Material selection for durability and performance
• Analysis of metallurgical failures in tools and dies

Safety and Processes

• Safety Protocols
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Six Sigma Green Belt
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification

Related skills Copied

You can use your tool and die skills matrix template to track skills and certifications related to the following (and more) areas:

Tool Design: This involves the ability to design tools and dies for specific applications. A certification that can prove this skill is the Certified Tool and Die Maker (CTDM) certification offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

Materials Science: This involves the ability to select and use materials for tool and die manufacturing. A certification that can prove this skill is the Certified Materials and Process Engineer (CMPE) certification offered by the Society of Plastics Engineers.

CNC Machining: This involves the ability to use computer numerical control (CNC) machines to manufacture tools and dies. A certification that can prove this skill is the Certified CNC Machinist (CCM) certification offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

Quality Control: This involves the ability to ensure that tools and dies meet quality standards. A certification that can prove this skill is the Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Safety: This involves the ability to identify and mitigate safety hazards in tool and die manufacturing processes. A certification that can prove this skill is the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

Metallurgical analysis. The ability to analyze material properties, heat treatment effects, and microstructures, and select the right materials and treatments to achieve the desired tool and die performance characteristics

Lean manufacturing principles. Understanding and implementation of Lean manufacturing principles such as 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping

CAD/CAM. Proficiency in CAD/CAM software for designing intricate tooling geometries, creating efficient machining tool paths, and simulating manufacturing processes for optimal part production

Benefits Copied

Using a tool and die manufacturing skills matrix template can benefit your teams in various ways. Among them:

• Tool life optimization. By using this skills matrix to identify employees with expertise in tool and die maintenance and sharpening, you can ensure tools are properly cared for and replaced at optimal intervals. This will extend tool life, reduce tooling costs, and maintain consistent part quality over longer production runs
• Rapid setup reduction. A tool and die manufacturing skills matrix also allows you to easily find employees who are capable of quick changeover techniques for CNC machines and fixtures, minimizing downtime and allowing for more frequent production changeovers and increased machine uptime
• Regulatory compliance. By tracking employees’ certification statuses for safety protocols, machine operation, and environmental regulations, you can ensure compliance with industry standards, avoiding costly fines and production shutdowns

Download the free Excel Tool and die manufacturing industry skills matrix template Copied

We also have a free Excel template available that you can download if you are not ready to get started with AG5. To download it, please complete this form here.

Looking for alternatives to Excel for your skills matrix templates? Copied

Customizing a tool and die skills matrix template Copied

Frequently asked question Copied

Author Copied

Rick van Echtelt

Rick van Echtelt is the Co-Founder and CEO of AG5, where he leverages over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship and developing skills management software.

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