Unlock the Full Potential of Precision Sheet Metal Bending
Whether you’re starting or advancing in your career, this seminar gives you the foundation needed to operate a press brake with accuracy.
- Learn real-world techniques from expert instructors
- Master the calculations and theory behind bend angles, material behavior, and tooling selection
- Solve complex bending challenges with ease
- Boost your professional profile with in-demand skills
Course Availability
Course Details
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Course Date:
July 22-23, 2026 -
Location:
FMA2135 Point Blvd
Elgin, IL 60123
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Price: $645.00
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Member Price: $445.00
Members save $200 or more!
About the Program
This two-day, in-person course is delivered in a classroom setting and emphasizes instructor-led learning. The class meets from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT each day. Lunch and snacks are provided. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of Steve Benson’s Bending Basics textbook (a $95 value). Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will have the opportunity to earn FMA’s Precision Press Brake Certificate by passing the required exam
Register NowMeet the Instructor
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.
Recommended Hotel
Comfort Suites
2480 Bushwood Dr
Elgin, IL 60124
Phone: (877) 424-6423
This course is sponsored by
CNA is one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance companies. Backed by more than 125 years of experience, CNA provides a broad range of standard and specialized insurance products and services for businesses and professionals in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Learn more: www.cna.com/industries/manufacturing
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.
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 MoreTestimonial
"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."
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.
Test your knowledge
Take a free online assessment to see your current understanding of press brake operations.
See Your ScorePrimary 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.
Additional Resources
Bending Basics
Price: $105.00
Member Price: $84.00
Bending Basics is an A-Z comprehensive reference on the art of press brakes. It is ideal for individual use or in classroom and on-the-job training programs.
