Bladder Press Operator

Bladder Press Operator

Set up and operate a Bladder Press to form various sizes of flat pattern sheet metal aircraft components according to specified written instructions and drawings.  Operators must be able to follow detailed standard work and procedures utilizing existing programs for various size of raw material sheet size, change out and maintain form blocks.  Must understand machine maintenance requirements.  Must be aware of cosmetic appearance of parts and make sure that they are deburred per customer requirements.  Ensuring that the first part and every part is the same, being especially aware of possible loss of vacuum, drills and cutters that are close in size that can cause dissimilar parts.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or calipers and portable CMM or FARO to ensure conformance to customer specifications.
• Able to change out form blocks and maintain blocks to proper operational condition.
• Aware of the possible debris or foreign object debris is not left on the forming blocks that could cause damage to parts.
• Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency
• Reading sample parts, blueprint, drawings, or engineering information to determine product conformance and how it relates to customer requirements.
• Understands schedules and priorities.  Able to follow schedule and make decisions in which order is most critical. 

• Understands material, certifications and traceability and looks out for discrepancies.
• Brings planning changes to supervisor when running on a different machine would be more efficient.
• Displays a superior knowledge of cosmetic appearance of parts. Catches all flawed parts in the bladder press area instead of at a later operation.
• Regularly suggests process improvements. Looks for improved methods of tooling and pathing parts. 
• Communicates well with supervisor. Offers suggestions for process improvements. 
• Knows the importance of cosmetic appearance and what is acceptable.  Works to eliminate needless burr and scrap.  Monitors countersink tools, reamers, and drill bits to make sure that holes are within tolerance. 
• Must be able to follow detailed standard work procedures for various sizes of flat pattern parts to be formed on the bladder press.
• Must be aware of cosmetic appearance of parts and ensure that the first part and every part is the same.
• Must be able to understand bladder maintenance requirements.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Tasks:

1. Able to do repetitive work according to schedule need.  Looks for ways to reduce set up and run time. 
2. Has moderate to advanced blue print reading skill.  Able to recognize countersink designations and sizes.  Understands specifications include with work order.  Brings obvious planning errors to supervisor’s attention. 
3. Can utilize inspections tools, such as calipers, height gauges, depth gauges.  Always brings in first part to quality that is within company guidelines. 
4. Maintains equipment in good working condition.  Makes sure drill jig bushings are in good working order.  Does periodic maintenance, keeping area well lit, clean and floor swept.