How to Become a Press Brake Operator
A press brake operator is highly skilled professional in the manufacturing industry. Press brake training takes longer than instruction for any other piece of equipment. The press brake is used to form, cut or punch metal while following blueprint specifications. The work is extremely precise and experience is essential.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Look for an entry-level position in manufacturing. Post press brake operators are typically promoted from other positions and trained on the job. Training is extensive and may last 6 months, so employers tend to choose responsible employees with proven track records of reliability.
-
2
Learn to read production routing and production blueprints, which are used in forming and cutting metal. Metal formed by press brake operators is generally "value-added," meaning it has been pre-fabricated. Mistakes are costly and usually lead to the metal being scrapped.
-
-
3
Become familiar with the equipment, including measuring tools and dies. Learn about safety guidelines and precautions when working with press brakes.
-
4
Learn how to determine setup requirements and the sequence of operations in running a press brake, including how to determine the dimensions and tolerances of finished products. Understand the principles of air forming and learn to calculate bend functions while training to become a press brake operator.
-
5
Become a forklift driver or crane operator to enhance your job skills as a press brake operator. Cranes are often used to position metal to be cut and shaped. Computer skills may also be necessary.
-
6
Develop your endurance. Press brake operators must be able to stand for entire shifts, which may last 10 hours. Operators must also be able to lift between 50 and 75 lbs.
-
7
Find a press brake operator job. If you eventually leave the company you trained with, you may find that your experience and skills will directly affect your pay rate. Before you are hired, a company may require that you take a press brake test to determine your wage.
-
8
Post your resume on the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) job board or other online job sites (see Resources below).
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Know that experts predict that skilled press brake operators will be in demand even with automation eliminating some positions because there are some judgment calls robots won't be able to make.
Most employers require a high school diploma or GED and may require drug screening and a background check.
