Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

The occupation "Model Makers, Metal and Plastic" has an automation risk of 47.8%, which closely aligns with the base risk estimate of 48.4%. This moderate level of automation risk reflects the blend of routine, repetitive tasks and those that require more complex problem-solving or creativity. Many duties in this field involve hands-on manipulation of materials as well as close collaboration with human designers and engineers, placing the profession at a midpoint on the automation spectrum. The proximity of the occupation's risk to the base value suggests that several key functions remain only partially susceptible to mechanization due to ongoing technological and practical constraints in automation technology. The tasks with the highest automation potential in this occupation are generally those that are repetitive, rules-based, or require precision rather than judgment. The most automatable activities include studying blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions and necessary actions—procedures that computer vision and CAD software can increasingly handle. Inspecting and testing products against specifications, often using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers, is another area where automation thrives since modern machines excel at consistent measurement and error detection. Additionally, drilling, countersinking, and reaming holes in parts—using power tools—represent physical, repetitive actions that industrial robots are being designed to perform reliably and safely, furthering their automation potential. Conversely, the most resistant tasks highlight the ongoing necessity for human creativity, adaptability, and communication within the role. Wiring and soldering electrical connections demand sensitivity and adaptability to nuanced assembly challenges, making them difficult to fully automate. Recording model specifications and production operations, particularly when translating these records into evolving standards and procedures, requires contextual understanding and initiative. Lastly, consulting and conferring with engineering personnel to troubleshoot issues and recommend modifications involves a high degree of creativity and interpersonal communication. The bottleneck skills quantified as Originality (2.5% and 2.8%) underscore that tasks calling for original thought and adaptive thinking remain substantial impediments to total automation, contributing to the occupation’s moderate risk classification.