Forming structural sections using machines

URN: SEMFWE240
Business Sectors (Suites): Fabrication and welding suite 2
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 30 Mar 2017

Overview

This standard identifies the competencies you need to bend and form rolled sectional material using presses, bending machines and power rolls, in accordance with instructions and approved procedures. You will be required to use the most appropriate type and size of machine, based on the operations to be performed and the type and section of material being used. In producing the components, you will be required to operate the equipment safely and correctly to form the material to the required profile without flats or deformities. The operations to be performed will include bending beams, curved beams, circular sections, counter curved sections, twisted beams and straightening of beams.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the use of the machines and the process activities undertaken, and to report any problems with the forming equipment, materials or forming activities that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work to instructions, with a minimum of supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you produce.

Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a good understanding of your work, and will provide an informed approach to forming structural section material using power machine procedures. You will have an understanding of the forming equipment being used, the forming principles, and their application, and will know about the processes involved and their limitations, in sufficient depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting any faults and ensuring the work output is produced to the required specification.

You will understand the safety precautions required when working with the forming machines and their associated tools and equipment. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
  2. confirm that the equipment is set up correctly and is ready for use
  3. manipulate the machine controls safely and correctly in line with operational procedures
  4. produce formed structural sections to the required specification
  5. carry out quality sampling checks at suitable intervals
  6. deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
  7. shut down the equipment to a safe condition on conclusion of the machining activities

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the specific safety precautions to be taken when working with power operated bending and forming equipment (such as presses, bending machines and rolling machines) in a fabrication environment
  2. the general workshop and site safety requirements, statutory requirements, risk assessment procedures and relevant requirements of HASAWA, COSHH and Work Equipment Regulations; safe disposal of waste materials
  3. the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling precautions to be taken when working with structural section materials (such as gloves, eye protection, safety helmets, ear protection)
  4. the handling precautions and correct methods of moving or lifting heavy structural section (such as RSJs)
  5. the hazards associated with power-operated bending processes (such as handling heavy structural materials and components; operating moving equipment; using faulty or badly maintained tools and equipment), and how they can be minimised
  6. the safe working practices and procedures for operating power operated bending and forming machines
  7. how to obtain the necessary structural drawings and bending procedure specifications
  8. how to use and extract information from engineering drawings and related specifications (to include symbols and conventions to appropriate British, European or relevant International standards in relation to work undertaken)
  9. marking out conventions applicable to the bending process (such as centre lines, bending lines)
  10. the various types of power-operated bending machines that are used for structural section materials, and their typical applications
  11. how to prepare the machine for a range of different bends (angled bends, curved sections, twisted sections and straightening of sections)
  12. the types of bending tools that are used for the various operations, and how they are secured and set to the machine's toolholding device
  13. the ways of limiting distortion, marking and creases in the finished workpiece
  14. the preparations to be carried out on the materials prior to bending them
  15. the basic characteristics of the materials with regard to the bending operations undertaken
  16. why some materials may require a heating process before bending begins
  17. the need to take care of the bending tools and equipment; how to recognise faulty or damaged forming tools; how bending and forming tools should be stored
  18. the problems that can occur with the bending and forming activities, and how they can be avoided
  19. the organisational quality control procedures that are used, and how to recognise defects in the bends that you produce
  20. how to make dimensional and forming inspection checks, and the tools and equipment that can be used
  21. accuracy and limitations of processes
  22. the extent of your own authority and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve
  23. reporting lines and procedures, line supervision and technical experts

Scope/range


Scope Performance

  1. Confirm that the equipment is safe to use and fit for purpose, by carrying out all of the following checks:

    1. the appropriate machine is selected for the operation being performed
    2. the machine guards and safety devices are in position and function correctly
    3. forming tools are appropriate and in a serviceable condition (secure, correct shape, free from damage)
    4. machine settings are suitable for the material thickness and operations to be performed
  2. Use one of the following types of machines:

    1. power press
    2. hammer machines
    3. section bending machine
    4. powered rolls
    5. special-purpose machines
  3. Produce formed structural sections which contain three of the following features:

    1. right-angled bends
    2. angular bends
    3. curved beams
    4. circular sections
    5. counter-curved sections
    6. twisted section
    7. straightening
  4. Bend and form structural components made from three of the following forms of material:

    1. rolled steel joists (RSJ)             
    2. structural tubes/pipes
    3. angle section                          
    4. extrusions
    5. channel section                      
    6. tee angle
    7. other specific form of materials
  5. Produce structural components which meet all of the following quality and accuracy standards:

    1. bend position and dimensional accuracy is within the specification tolerances
    2. the form or sharpness of the bend conforms to best practice and/or specification, without deformation or cracking
    3. the bend conforms to the required shape/geometry (to the template profile)

Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours

​​Additional Information

You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:

  • strong work ethic
  • positive attitude
  • team player
  • dependability
  • responsibility
  • honesty
  • integrity
  • motivation
  • commitment

Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

31 Mar 2020

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Semta

Original URN

SEMFWE240

Relevant Occupations

Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades

SOC Code

5213

Keywords

engineering; welding; fabrication; machining; forming; structural section; power press; hammer machine; bending