Precision Press Brake Certificate

Master the principles of precision sheet metal bending with an understanding of the techniques, calculations, and equipment!

This intensive seminar will teach you the theory and math fundamentals behind the machine to uncover the secrets to working with press brakes. You’ll understand the principles behind quality sheet metal bending through interactive instruction and sample work problems throughout the course. With easy-to-understand exercises, you will learn the skills needed to calculate accurate bend deductions, select the best tooling for the job, and determine the correct v-die opening to avoid part distortion.

Course Availability

Course Details

  • Course Date:
    July 31-August 1, 2024
  • Location:
    FMA

    2135 Point Blvd

    Elgin, IL 60123

  • Price: $645.00
  • Member Price: $445.00

    Members save $200 or more!

    Join FMA

About the Program

Welcome to the in-person course! The class spans two days, running from 8 am to 4:30 pm CDT, and is focused on classroom instruction. Lunch and snacks will be supplied on both days. Additionally, participants will receive a complimentary copy of Steve Benson’s textbook, "Bending Basics" (valued at $95). Upon course completion, attendees have the chance to obtain FMA’s Precision Press Brake certificate by successfully passing an exam.

Register Now

Meet the Instructor

Photo of Steve D Benson

Steve D Benson

With more than 40 years experience in the sheet metal industry, Steve Benson is president of ASMA, a supplier of software, textbooks, and training for press brake operators and engineers. He has authored seven press brake texts, programmed related software, and currently publishes the Precision Sheet Metal Chronicle. Steve is an active member of FMA’s Precision Sheet Metal Technology Council.

Precision Press Brake On-Demand Certificate Course

Price: $395.00

Member Price: $295.00

Learn the theories and math fundamentals behind the machine to uncover the secrets to working with press brakes. 11 hours of training in a convenient, on-demand format.

Custom training with FMA
Customized training

On-Site Precision Press Brake Training

Unable to send your operators to off-site training? Bring the instructor and course to you. Schedule expert training in your plant, on your equipment. We also provide assessment testing so your operators can earn a technical certificate after completing their training.

Learn More
Certificate audience

This Course is Designed For

  • New and minimally skilled press brake operators with at least 6 months experience
  • Engineers, designers, programmers, and front-line supervisors looking for cross-training
  • Experienced operators who want to enhance and refresh their understanding of press brakes operations and principles

This course may qualify toward up to 15 hours of professional development or recertification credits. It is the attendee's responsibility to verify qualifications and applicability with their organization or credentialing body.

Qualified

Course Requirements

Prerequisites: You must pass an online pre-assessment quiz (20 questions) to register for the class.

Find Out if You Qualify

Testimonial

"This course is a rare find. It's great information from someone who is genuinely interested in the subject of press brakes. The class teaches the essential 'how's' and 'whys' behind press brake operations."

— Erik Klotz, Havis Inc

Class Content

Course Topics and Assessments

Download as PDF

Primary Types and Methods

  • Know and understand basic precision sheet metal vocabulary terms
  • Describe precision hand measurement tool care and its use
  • Understand press brake types and forming methods from mechanical to electric press brakes
  • Understand bending methods including air, bottom, and coin bending

Calculations and Blueprints

  • Understand fundamental mathematic concepts used in a fabrication shop from basic calculator functions through right angle trigonometry
  • Know and understand bend functions, how to develop bend allowance, bend deductions, setbacks, and mold lines
  • Understand blueprint interpretation for sheet metal including Y14.5

Punches

  • Understand press brake punches including the types, styles, uses, and limits of each
  • Know press brake load limits as compared to tooling limits
  • Know the differences and effects of various methods (air, bottom, or coin) on tooling selection

Dies

  • Understand press brake dies including the types, styles, uses, and limits of each
  • Understand how to make proper die selection to achieve desired results from engineering to the shop floor

Forming

  • Understand forming types including sharp, radius, and profound radius bends
  • Understand cold forming, warm forming, and hot forming and the effects of heating and cooling materials
  • Understand basic plate forming issues including cracking, bend reliefs, grain direction, and various forming tools
  • Selection and application of effective forming strategies

Additional Tools and Methods

  • Describe other press brake tools and methods
  • Understand deep box forming using balanced and unbalanced tooling
  • Understand bump radius bending technique
  • Know the basics of urethane forming and understand durometers (how to work with both low and high durometers) and pad volumes

Bottom Bending

  • Describe bottom bending and how it works
  • Understand the proper use and application of bottom bending, if and where the method is used
  • Know the safety issues of bottom bending and discuss the dangers of the process on the parts and to the machine

Press Brake Safety

  • Describe basic inspection and quality control functions on the shop floor
  • Understand general sheet metal safety practices and safety issues specifically concerning the press brake
  • Describe OSHA regulations and unacceptable safety practices

*The Precision Press Brake Certificate does not imply the designation of a professional certification, nor does it require renewal.

Corporate Partners of FMA Membership

Log In