TS 12666

TS 12666 is a vocational standard for diemakers working with sheet metal, covering the description and classification of the people in the occupation as well as the measurement criteria used to assess the required properties of tools, equipment, and each class of worker. In general technical terms, sheet-metal die work is a precision production field in which metal sheet is cut, formed, bent, pierced, or otherwise processed to achieve a defined shape, so accurate tooling and consistent measurement are central to the trade.

How the occupational framework is organised

The scope focuses on defining the occupation, separating it into classes, and setting the criteria by which the characteristics expected from each class are measured and evaluated. This type of structure helps distinguish different responsibility and skill levels within the same trade, making competence, experience, and equipment needs easier to assess in a consistent way.

From a general engineering perspective, sheet-metal die making depends on repeatable dimensions, controlled forming behaviour, and appropriate tooling arrangements. Dies, cutting and forming elements, press-based systems, and supporting measuring instruments are typically considered together in this field. The standard’s title and scope place special emphasis on the equipment used and on evaluating the properties expected from each class of practitioner, while not presenting itself here as a process standard for a single manufacturing method or a step-by-step test procedure.

• Description and classification of personnel
• Required characteristics of tools, equipment, and apparatus
• Measurement criteria for each class
• Evaluation of those criteria