Ever wondered how engines are built, custom tools are formed, or how complex parts come to life on the factory floor? DMACC's Tool and Die Making Program is opening its shop doors to the public for a one-of-a-kind open house this Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ankeny Campus.
If you’ve ever been mesmerized by the show “How It’s Made,” this is your chance to see it live — with vertical mills, lathes, and CNC machines humming in real-time. And yes, safety glasses are provided.
DMACC’s Tool & Die program offers hands-on training in one of the most foundational — and often overlooked — fields in manufacturing. From gunsmithing and medical device design to engine making and production engineering, Tool & Die makers are behind the precision tools and components that power the world.
“Most people don’t know what Tool & Die even is,” said Professor Dennis Knittel. “So, we’re inviting the community to come check it out for themselves. Bring the family, tour our state-of-the-art labs, and talk with instructors and current students.”
Students in the program learn to design and build tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures using high-end manual and computer-controlled machines. The program’s small class sizes and lab hours allow for personalized instruction and flexibility — a big draw for students looking for a career path without the traditional four-year route.
Logan Halsrude, a 2020 graduate who now works for Accumold in Ankeny, said the program gave him exactly what he was looking for right out of high school.
“I knew I wasn’t a test taker,” Logan said candidly. “But the hands-on lab work — it felt like I was jumping straight into the workforce.”
And that’s exactly the point. With a growing demand for skilled machinists and toolmakers across the country, DMACC’s Tool & Die program equips students with real-world experience.
Whether you’re curious about careers in machining, looking to switch things up, or just want to see how cool this stuff really is, DMACC’s Tool & Die open house is your backstage pass to the world of precision manufacturing.
Learn more about the program at: dmacc.edu/toolanddie
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Savannah Eadens
Public Relations & Communications Specialist
515-675-3275