Die/Mold Designer

かながたせっけいし

Industry & Occupation

Engineering & Manufacturing

Classification

Summary

Technical role responsible for structural design of molds used in plastic molding and metal processing, as well as design of flow paths and cooling systems. Uses CAD and CAE to develop molds that achieve high quality and high productivity.

Description

Die/mold designers are technical professionals responsible for designing molds (such as plastic injection molds and press molds) used for product molding and processing. They use 3D CAD to design mold structures, flow paths, and cooling systems, and perform flow analysis and thermal analysis using CAE to optimize them. Additionally, through the creation of drawings and parts lists, they collaborate with manufacturing departments and outsourcing partners to develop and improve high-precision molds with excellent mass productivity.

Future Outlook

Due to demand for high-performance parts domestically and internationally, the push for higher precision in molds, and advancements in smart mold technology utilizing AI/IoT, demand for highly specialized die/mold designers remains strong. Acquiring new technologies such as 3D printing will also enhance market value.

Personality Traits

Cooperative / Good at logical thinking / Meticulous / Patient

Work Style

Design Contracting / Flexitime / In-House Development Manufacturer / Office Work / Partial Remote Possible

Career Path

Junior Designer → Senior Die/Mold Designer → Team Leader → Die/Mold Design Manager → Technical Department Head

Required Skills

2D CAD / 3D CAD / Die/Mold Design / Flow Analysis / Strength of Materials and Heat Conduction

Recommended Skills

CAE (Thermal-Structural Analysis) / English Technical Document Reading Ability / Metal Processing / Plastic Molding / Project Management Skills

Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)

Item Description
Analytical & Logical Thinking Because logical and mathematical thinking is required for CAE analysis, cooling calculations, etc.
Attention to Detail & Accuracy Because even minor design mistakes can lead to mass production defects.
Numerical & Quantitative Analysis Because quantitative calculations such as dimensional tolerances and flow analysis are important.
Problem Solving Essential for design improvements based on analysis results and troubleshooting.

Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)

Item Description
Physical Stamina & Endurance Mainly desk work, so physical demands are relatively low.

Related Qualifications

  • 3D CAD Utilization Technician Examination
  • CAD Utilization Technician Examination
  • Mechanical Design Technician Examination
  • Plastic Molding Skilled Worker

Aliases

  • Die Designer
  • Mold Design Engineer

Related Jobs

  • CAD Operator
  • Die/Mold Manufacturing Technician
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Mechanical Design Engineer

Tags

Keywords