Press Operator

Primary Purpose:
The primary purpose of this position is to support the needs of all Lower Plant teams by safely setting up and operating a bank of presses ranging from a 10-ton mechanical punch press to a 135-ton hydraulic press and adjacent 30-60 ton mechanical presses to provide punched metal components on a timely basis.

Job Duties & Requirements:

• Exhibit good mechanical aptitude and have very good hand eye coordination.
• Must be able to read a tape measure to 1/32nd as well as other precision measuring instruments such as calipers and after training, chamfer gage.
• Must be comfortable running basic shop machinery such drill presses, tapping heads, Time Saver sander.
• Must have thorough knowledge of the use of hand tools i.e. files, hammers, screw drivers, etc.
• Work independently generally but seeks help when necessary to guide the installation of heavy die components.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize equipment anomalies and work effectively with maintenance to promptly resolve equipment problems. Able to perform appropriate press PM and documents such actions.
• This position is physically challenging. Must be able to safely maneuver heavy dies into the press with the assistance of a second operator by utilizing a hydraulic lift cart, moving dies into and out of a storage rack and onto the cart, then from the cart into the press and into the proper position based off of set-up charts or spec sheets.
• Mechanically inclined; must be familiar with the proper use of tools such as wrenches, feeler gauges, calipers, micrometers, and dead blow hammer. Must be able to read and comprehend machine operating and trouble shooting instructions in English. Demonstrated mechanical common sense relating to proper torque of fasteners and component clearances is required.
• Must show respect for very expensive dies, taking care to set proper clearances and handle carefully. Die breakage can be very costly.
• Must be watchful of die operation in maintaining good slug discharge, cleaning die, retaining training on when die needs repair or sharpening. Doesn’t have “just run it” attitude, but rather an “owns it” attitude.
• Keeps area neat and tidy, stores dies and tools properly. Must help enforce area 5S requirements once they are established and sustain them.
• Practice proper LOTO, blocking, and standard operating procedures when setting up press.
• Show ability to select appropriate die components and install them in press.
• Must be capable of becoming certified forklift operator.
• Maintain an understanding of the product line and the functionality of the parts that are punched for all components. Must understand the relationship of components made and how they can affect the overall product functionality. If the component is incorrect, it can prevent mating parts from lining up properly.
• Excellent communication needed with line leaders. Need to be efficiency-minded by keeping selected stock items readily available at all times, by utilization of Astragal Punch List.
• Able to set up dies from specification sheet to ensure punched bodies are dimensionally correct. Takes on the responsibility of producing correct components via RF scanning.
• Able to accurately report production and scrap to inventory control associates.
• After training, must be able to serve as a backup in areas such as security flanges, L-punch dept, Piranha and Cincinnati press.
• Ensure all inventory tags are scanned/made for the raw metals and material being punched via RF scan system