Roll-Forming Machines Education and Training

Receive training for efficient operation of roll forming equipment
By Denise Brown Roll forming machinery is a tool used in many machine shops and factory settings. You can get training to use roll-forming machines from a variety of sources. While you don’t necessarily need any special training, your prospective employer will look at whatever specialized training you have as an asset as he reviews your resume.

Roll forming equipment produces many items, but as you do your training, you want to get a general feel for the capabilities of all roll-forming machines. The opportunity to work on a new or used roll forming machine should be available to you as you take classes. Depending on the class, you may also have the opportunity to use a customized roll forming machine as part of your course work. The training you receive should enable you to do the following:

1. Set up a roll form machine.

2. Operate the roll forming equipment safely.

3. Troubleshoot any problems with the roll forming machinery.

Understand the basic skills needed to operate roll forming machinery

If you want a career operating metal roll forming machines you need to understand that there is a certain amount of physical labor involved. You also need to know that there are mathematical skills necessary to set up the machines so they operate at their peak efficiency.
Try:  You can find the basic skill set necessary to operate roll forming machinery at O*NET. You can also find anticipated job growth, as well as average salary for roll forming equipment operators. EarnMyDegree.com can also help you determine if you want a career operating roll forming machines.

Take classes to learn how to operate roll forming machinery

Typically these classes are part of machinist training or another industrial technology certificate program. As you take classes, you'll learn the proper methods used to operate roll forming equipment, and get experience on other pieces of equipment you might need to operate on the job.
Try:  Learn how to set up and operate a roll form machine from the online courses offered by Tooling University. Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois offers an apprenticeship-training program that enables you to acquire hands-on roll-forming machines education and training.

Continue your roll-forming machines education and training once you get a job

Take any classes you can that are available from a roll forming machine manufacturer. These classes give you knowledge on the day-to-day operation of the equipment you use in the shop or factory. Refresher classes are also available through many trade groups.
Try:  Engel Industries offers set up and training as part of the sales process for each roll forming machine it sells. Get customized training from metal industry experts by signing up for classes through the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International. It offers classes featuring metal roll forming equipment, as well as generalized trade classes.

• Pay special attention to any training on setting up roll forming equipment. If the roll of material is off by the tiniest fraction of an inch, you can wind up costing your employer a lot of money in lost materials and time. If you mess up too many times, it can cost you your job.