Rudy, CNC press brake operator at Contour

Curious what it is like to work as a CNC press brake operator at Contour? Rudy gives you a look behind the scenes! He is one of our skilled people who turn metal sheets into essential parts for the high-tech industry every day, with precision and passion.

Passion for precision: working with your hands and your head

“The best thing about my job?” Rudy does not have to think long. “That I get to work with my hands all day and really make something. But don’t be fooled, it also takes a good deal of thinking!” The word that comes to mind when he thinks about his job is “challenging”. That is exactly what he is looking for.

“No two days are the same,” Rudy explains. “We work for a very diverse range of customers, from chip machine builders to the medical sector. That means a huge variety in materials and in the tolerances we have to work within. Precision is key here.”

A typical day: independence and craftsmanship

What does such a challenging day look like? “It starts with checking the digital planning screen: which orders have priority? I bundle similar products to shorten setup times. Efficiency is important, and you work very independently here,” Rudy says. “Then it is a matter of hanging the right tools in the press brake and setting up the program (sometimes preprogrammed, sometimes I program it myself at the machine) and, after measuring the first product, fine-tuning the program until it is perfect.”

That precision is crucial. “You have to stay sharp all the time and check that every operation runs flawlessly. For me it is a sport to spot any deviation right away and correct it. I get satisfaction from that bit of problem solving.”

Rudy, CNC press brake operator at Contour

Teamwork and atmosphere: working hard with a smile

Although you stand at your machine on your own, cooperation within Contour is indispensable. “Technical challenges in the production process? We tackle those together,” says Rudy. “We have a very collegial team. Everyone is willing to help each other. We are hard workers, absolutely, but there is always room for a joke. The atmosphere is simply good.”

Growing at Contour: Rudy’s tip for you!

Does Rudy have advice for new colleagues, young or experienced? “Absolutely! Dare to ask anything and listen closely to your colleagues’ tips. Everyone is open to helping you. That helped me enormously to master the press brake quickly and build broad product knowledge.” This open culture, combined with the chance to learn and grow, whether you are just starting or bring years of experience, is typical of Contour.