Model Makers set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jigs borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.
The duties of a Model Maker consist of the following:
- A Model Maker sets up and operates machines, such as lathes, drill presses, or band saws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
- A Model Maker determines fixtures, machines, tooling, and sequence of operations to fabricate parts, dies, and tooling, according to drawings and sketches.
- A Model Maker drills, countersinks, and reams holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screw, and other fasteners, using power tools.
- A Model Maker must do a layout and marks reference points and dimension on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
- A Model Maker cuts, shapes, and forms metal parts, using lathe, power saw, snips, power brakes and shear files, and mallets.
- A Model Maker grinds, files, and sands parts to finished dimensions.
- A Model Maker studies blueprints, drawings, or sketches, and computes dimensions for laying out materials and planning model production.
- A Model Maker fabricates metal or plastic parts, using hand tools.
- A Model Maker aligns, fits, and joins parts, using bolts or screws or by welding or gluing.
- A Model Maker assembles mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
- A Model Maker wires and solders electrical and electronic connections and components.
- A Model Maker reworks or alters component model or parts as required to ensure performance of equipment or that parts meet standards.
- A Model Maker inspects and tests model or other product to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit tester.
- A Model Maker devises and constructs own tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modifies existing tools and equipment.
- A Model Maker makes bridges, plates, wheels, cutting teeth on wheels and pinions, and threaded screws.
- A Model Maker consults and confers with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and recommend modifications to correct or improve performance of product.
- A Model Maker records specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of model for use in establishing operating standards and machinery procedures.
The Model Makers duties are many but in order to do all these functions they must have knowledge in a variety of areas. The knowledge consists of a variety of materials and is as follows:
- A Model Maker must have knowledge of design techniques, principles, tools and instruments involved in the production and use of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- A Model Maker must have knowledge of equipment, tools, mechanical devices, and their uses to produce motion, light, power, technology, and other applications.
- A Model Maker must have knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, benefits, repair, and maintenance.
- A Model Maker must have knowledge of electric circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- A Model Maker must have knowledge of materials, methods, and the appropriate tools to construct objects, structures, and buildings.
- A Model Maker must have knowledge of numbers, their operations, and interrelationships including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.<
- A Model Maker needs knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- A Model Maker needs knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- A Model Maker needs knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, and applications including air, water, material dynamics, light, atomic principles, heat, electric theory, earth formations, and meteorological and related natural phenomena.
- A Model Maker needs knowledge of weaponry, public safety, and security operations, rules, regulations, precautions, prevention, and the protection of people, data, and property.
- A Model Maker must have knowledge of the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemical and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- A Model Maker must have knowledge of theory and techniques required to produce, compose, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.