Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Brake Press Operator
A Brake Press Operator is a professional who plays a crucial role in the manufacturing industry. They are responsible for operating and controlling brake press machines, which are used to bend, shape, and form metal sheets and plates into various components and parts. In this blog post, we will delve into the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Brake Press Operators, shedding light on the key aspects that make them indispensable in the industry.
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Main Responsibilities of a Brake Press Operator
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Brake Press Operator:
Adhere to
Adhere to all safety guidelines.
Adhere to company policies, regulations, and quality standards.
Adjust
Adjust machine settings and controls to achieve desired specifications.
Adjust ram and back gauge locations per process control instructions and blueprints.
Assist in
Assist in training new brake press operators on machine operation and safety protocols.
Assure
Assure the quality of work produced is acceptable to company standards and specifications.
Check
Check machine for defects.
Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications.
Clean
Clean and lubricate machinery and equipment.
Clean and organize scrap tubs, material storage areas and general production areas, as assigned.
Clean press area prior to equipment operation.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with supervisors and colleagues to optimize production processes.
Collaborate with the engineering team to resolve any design or production-related issues.
Communicate
Communicate any production issues or concerns to the appropriate personnel.
Complete
Complete and maintain paperwork.
Comply
Comply with quality control standards to ensure customer satisfaction.
Conduct
Conduct quality checks on finished parts using measuring tools, such as calipers or micrometers.
Configure
Configure bend allowances for sheet metal (stainless, aluminum & regular steel).
Coordinate
Coordinate with the materials department to ensure an adequate supply of raw materials.
Dump
Dump scrap tubs during operation, as necessary.
Ensure
Ensure machine is calibrated and cleaned.
Ensure production times and quantities produced meet company specified standards.
Ensure quality of parts match blueprint specifications.
Follow
Follow proper waste disposal procedures for metal scraps or waste materials.
Follow safety guidelines and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
Identify
Identify and report any equipment maintenance or repair needs.
Inspect
Inspect formed parts for defects, such as cracks, warping, or dimensional inaccuracies.
Keep
Keep inventory of tooling and materials used in brake press operations.
Keep work area, including machine surfaces, clean at all times.
Lay out
Lay out, set up and operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machines.
Load
Load, install and correctly set up the tools required with some assistance from supervisor / lead.
Load proper tooling into press brake by entering instructions, including zero and reference points.
Maintain
Maintain a clean and organized work area to promote efficiency and safety.
Maintain a safe work environment.
Maintain production records and documentation of completed work orders.
Measure
Measure workpiece or traces from template to locate holes or cutting lines.
Meet
Meet customer specifications and delivery requirements.
Meet production quotas and deadlines as assigned.
Metal
Metal product fabrication industry.
Monitor
Monitor machine operations to ensure accuracy and quality of formed parts.
Operate
Operate Accupress CNC Brake Press with Autogauge CNC 150 - 99.
Operate brake press machine.
Operate brake press, performing self-quality inspections based on blueprints.
Operate press, making sure the press area remains free of slugs.
Operate the brake press machine to bend, shape, and form metal components.
Participate
Participate in equipment preventative maintenance at the operator level.
Participate in meetings or training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
Perform
Perform all required routine and minor maintenance activities according to procedures.
Perform assigned work to time standards and quality expectations.
Perform basic mathematical calculations for measuring and adjusting machine settings.
Perform complex programming using all features of the brake press.
Perform die set-up and equipment repair efficiently, in the least possible amount of time.
Perform inspections of parts.
Perform quality control of materials and ensure accurate packaging on all finished goods.
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of the brake press equipment.
Position
Position and align metal sheets or workpieces on the brake press.
Position specified cutting blades into cutting slot, and notching dies or.
Position specified punch and die set and turns pressure screws to lock them.
Prepare
Prepare materials as necessary.
Produce
Produce parts for assembly operations.
Program
Program the CNC to produce new parts meeting specifications.
Pull
Pull lever or depresses pedal to activate machine.
Pull lever to engage power to section used.
Read
Read, analyze and interpret shop drawings.
Read and follow shop drawings and blueprints for part specifications.
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and job orders.
Read and interpret specifications or follow verbal instructions.
Read an interpret blueprints for dimension and tolerances.
Report
Report and document basic material, production and quality control issues.
Return
Return materials, tools, rags, gloves and other equipment to appropriate areas when no longer needed.
Review
Review and complete inspection sheets during equipment operation.
Review press logs for material specifications and verify correct material is in place.
Review production schedule and prioritize output based on team lead / supervisor's needs.
Review production schedule and prioritize output based on team lead / supervisors needs.
Run
Run bend and forming operations on Multi bend parts using standard and custom tools.
Run bend and forming operations using standard and custom punches.
Screw
Screw to lock them in place to set up cutoff, and trimming and notching.
Select
Select and install appropriate tooling and dies for specific bending operations.
Select correct tooling for the job task with setup documents or supervisor / lead assistance.
Set
Set stops or positions guide jigs to specified point on built in scale when.
Set-up
Set-up and operate a brake press, performing self-quality inspections.
Set-Up and operate a break press by choosing the proper die and calculating bend allowances.
Set-up and operate a CNC brake press, performing self-quality inspections.
Set-up and operate a hydraulic press or punch for routine established work.
Set-up and operate CNC Brake Press.
Set-up and operation of brake press machines.
Set-up and prepare brake press machines for operation.
Stay updated with
Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in brake press technology.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and perform corrective action or minor repairs.
Troubleshoot and resolve minor machine malfunctions or operational issues.
Use
Use a CNC controller to input information into machine.
Utilize
Utilize a fork lift truck for materials if a qualified driver.
Utilize sheet to check off information accordingly, noting acceptable and discrepant parts as found.
Work with
Work as a member of a team to meet production goals.
Work in an efficient and timely manner.
Work safely and efficiently abiding by all safety protocols and procedures.
Work within designated tolerances.
Work with tight tolerances.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Brake Press Operator:
Brake press machine operation and setup
Blueprint reading and interpretation
Tooling and die selection and installation
Metal forming techniques and principles
Machine controls and settings adjustment
Quality control and inspection methods
Measurement tools and equipment (calipers, micrometers, etc.)
Basic mathematical calculations for measurements and angles
Troubleshooting and basic maintenance of brake press machines
Occupational safety and machine operation protocols
Production scheduling and meeting deadlines
Materials handling and inventory management
Machine maintenance and cleaning procedures
Knowledge of different metal types and their properties
Safety regulations and guidelines for handling metals
Computer skills for data entry and record-keeping
Knowledge of manufacturing processes and workflow
Familiarity with industry-specific terminology and terminology
Continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles
Communication skills for effective collaboration and reporting.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Brake Press Operator:
Attention to detail and precision in work
Time management and organizational skills
Teamwork and collaboration with colleagues and supervisors
Problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced production environment
Strong work ethic and reliability
Effective communication skills for clear instructions and reporting
Ability to follow instructions and work independently when needed.
Critical thinking skills to identify and resolve issues during production.
Physical stamina and dexterity for prolonged periods of standing and operating machinery.
Analytical skills to analyze measurements and ensure accuracy.
Decision-making skills to make adjustments to machine settings for optimal results.
Multitasking skills to handle multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions.
Continuous learning mindset to stay updated with new techniques and technologies.
Attention to safety protocols and commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
Detail-oriented approach to ensure precision and quality in formed parts.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn and adapt to changing demands.
Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members.
Professionalism and a strong work ethic to meet production targets and deadlines.
Conclusion
By possessing a combination of these hard and soft skills, Brake Press Operators can excel in their roles and contribute to the success of manufacturing operations. Developing and honing these skills will not only enhance their job performance but also open up opportunities for career growth in the field.
