MC Machinery Experts Addressing
Press Brake Technology and Safety in FMA Virtual Conference Session March 4
As part of the upcoming Fabricators & Manufacturing Association Virtual Annual Meeting, MC Machinery press brake experts will discuss how press brake technology enhances safety on Thursday, March 4 at 1 p.m. EST.
MC Machinery Press Brake Product Manager David Bray and Bending Specialist John Meyer will highlight how modern advancements in press brakes can improve safety while also helping new operators become valuable team members with less training and fewer resources.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15 percent of all workplace injuries in 2019 were in the manufacturing industry.
The majority of press brake injuries result from unsafe equipment lacking modern safety capabilities, Bray said.
Press brakes that have operator support systems can improve safety and productivity while also helping novice operators perform even complex jobs.
Other technological advancements in press brakes include smart features like tonnage sensing and calculations, automatic tool changers, and back gauge features.
“The more information you can provide your operator, the less likely they are to make mistakes, damage parts, damage tools or harm themselves,” Bray said. “The days of a single operator having all the knowledge should be over.”
With an ongoing shortage of skilled manufacturing workers, technology that reduces or eliminates the need for lengthy training is essential for fabricators to stay competitive. Also, automation is becoming essential to maximizing productivity by lifting heavy parts, accurately setting up tools and preventing bottlenecks in the production process.
The 2021 FMA Virtual Annual Meeting March 3 and March 4 will celebrate hundreds of leaders and manufacturing heroes in metals fabrication, processing, and distribution. To register for annual meeting virtual events, visit www.fmamfg.org/annualmeeting.