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Description
Set up, operate, and tend press brakes and other metal bending machines to bend, form, or straighten metal parts to blueprint specifications, ensuring quality, safety, and efficient production.
Job tasks Attributes
  • • Change dies and tooling and set stage bending setups for multiple or successive bends.
  • • Measure finished parts to verify dimensions and bend angles using calipers, micrometers, protractors, gauges, or rulers.
  • • Inspect parts for defects such as cracks, gouges, galling, or springback deviations; segregate nonconforming pieces.
  • • Read work orders, blueprints, and production schedules to determine materials, bend radii, angles, sequences, and tolerances.
  • • Load metal blanks, bars, tubes, or formed pieces into bending machines.
  • • Set up, operate, and tend press brakes, roll benders, and tube/section benders to bend or straighten metal.
  • • Start machines, monitor operations, and record production and quality data.
  • • Test and adjust ram speed, approach/retract rates, backgauge positions, dwell time, and tonnage to meet specifications.
  • • Install, align, and secure punches, dies, fingers, and other tooling using gauges, shims, feelers, and hand tools.
  • • Clean and lubricate machines and tooling.
  • • Position, align, and secure workpieces against backgauges, fingers, clamps, or fixtures.
  • • Mark bend lines or reference points on workpieces according to blueprints, templates, or samples.
  • • Program or set CNC controls for bend sequence, angle, radius, and backgauge positions.
  • • Adjust ram stroke or press depth to specified lengths using controls or hand tools.
  • • Move and place workpieces on machine tables using hoists, cranes, or lift assists.
  • • Set and adjust guides, stops, and holding blocks for repeatable bends using hand tools and measuring devices.
  • • Feed bars, tubes, or sections through roll or tube benders and verify alignment.
  • • Apply forming lubricants or protective films to workpieces as required.
  • • Replace worn or damaged punches, dies, fingers, or tooling, using hand tools.
  • • Mark identifying data, orientation marks, and job numbers on workpieces.
  • • Set bend speed, ram speed, and backgauge offsets for specified operations.
  • • Plan bend sequences and tooling setups using knowledge of material properties, bend allowance, and springback.
  • • Hand-form, tweak, or finish bends using mallets, hand brakes, or vises when required.
  • • Deburr edges and remove sharp corners using grinders, sanders, or polishing tools.
  • • Clean and polish tooling contact surfaces to reduce galling and surface marks.
  • • Remove guards, tool holders, or covers to replace worn parts such as springs or bushings, following safety procedures.
  • • Select, clean, and install spacers, fingers, press brake tooling, or rolls on arbors.
  • • Preheat thick or high-strength workpieces using furnaces or torches when specified.
  • • Maintain a clean, organized work area and dispose of scrap safely.
  • • Operate forklifts or pallet jacks to move materials and finished parts.
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Source
Tasks & skills: O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge). Learn more
Sources & Standards: This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
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