What is a press brake?

Today’s press brakes use advanced computer technology to bend sheet metal and other materials into straight lines or complex shapes, such as cylinders, cones and more. The CNC technology delivers incredible precision, but it still requires assistance and intervention from a machine operator.

What are the duties of a press brake operator?

Press brake operators are responsible for the daily setup and operation of the machine. Tasks often required by the job include:

Reading customer orders and completing all projects to specifications

Reading production schedules and determining materials as needed

Setting up, operating and tending to the machine

Communicating with other operators, the press brake programmer and other departments regarding job timing, process, flow and new projects

Demonstrating a full understanding of print reading and geometric tolerances and how they relate to the finished part

Measuring work pieces’ dimensions to determine accuracy

specification