CNC bending machines are essential tools in manufacturing industries, used to bend cold metal sheets into various geometric shapes. Widely utilized in automotive, aerospace, light industry, and shipbuilding, understanding how to safely operate these machines is crucial. This guide covers safety protocols, operational steps, and practical tips to ensure efficient and safe use of CNC bending machines.
Safety Operating Procedures
To ensure safe operation, adhere to the following guidelines:
Personal Protective Equipment
- Wear the required personal protective equipment as specified by the equipment regulations.
Pre-Operation Checks
- Inspect the motor, switches, wiring, and grounding for any abnormalities.
- Check the alignment and stability of the upper and lower dies, and ensure the positioning device meets processing requirements.
- If the slide plate and positioning axis are not at the origin, execute the return-to-origin program.
Initial Operation
- Start the machine and allow it to run idle for 1-2 minutes.
- Perform a full stroke movement of the upper slide plate 2-3 times.
- If any abnormal sounds or malfunctions are detected, stop the machine immediately for inspection and repair.
Operational Protocols
- Ensure clear communication and coordination among all personnel during operation.
- Secure the sheet metal firmly to prevent it from lifting and causing injury.
- Disconnect power and stop the machine when adjusting the sheet metal or die.
- Ensure no material contacts the lower die when changing the variable lower die opening.
- Do not allow anyone to stand behind the machine while it is operating.
- Avoid bending sheet metal from only one end.
- If the workpiece or die is misaligned, stop the machine to make corrections; never use your hands to correct alignment while the machine is running.
- Do not attempt to bend ultra-thick iron plates or quenched steel plates beyond the machine’s capacity.
Operational Steps
1. Powering Up
- Connect the power supply.
- Turn on the key switch on the control panel.
- Start the oil pump.
2. Adjusting the Stroke
- Adjust the stroke to ensure there is a gap equal to the thickness of the sheet between the upper and lower dies at the lowest point.
- Use electric rapid adjustment or manual fine-tuning to set the stroke.
3. Choosing the Bending Slot
- Select a slot width that is eight times the thickness of the sheet metal.
- For example, for a 4mm thick sheet, choose a 32mm slot.
4. Adjusting the Back Gauge
- Adjust the back gauge using electric rapid adjustment or manual fine-tuning, similar to the process used in shearing machines.
5. Beginning the Bending Process
- Press the foot pedal to start bending.
- Unlike shearing machines, you can release the foot pedal at any time to stop the bending process.
Application Considerations
Choosing the Right Bending Machine
- Select a bending machine based on the material grade, maximum processing thickness, and length.
- The free bending force is typically a function of the material’s maximum thickness and length.
Force Requirements for Different Bending Methods
- Free Bending: Usually requires less force.
- Bottoming or Coining: May require a machine with higher tonnage to achieve the desired bend.
Conclusion
Mastering the operation and safety protocols of a CNC bending machine is crucial for efficient and safe metalworking. By following the detailed steps and guidelines provided in this article, operators can safely and effectively use CNC bending machines to produce high-quality workpieces.
Safety Operating Procedures
To ensure safe operation, adhere to the following guidelines:
Personal Protective Equipment
- Wear the required personal protective equipment as specified by the equipment regulations.
Pre-Operation Checks
- Inspect the motor, switches, wiring, and grounding for any abnormalities.
- Check the alignment and stability of the upper and lower dies, and ensure the positioning device meets processing requirements.
- If the slide plate and positioning axis are not at the origin, execute the return-to-origin program.
Initial Operation
- Start the machine and allow it to run idle for 1-2 minutes.
- Perform a full stroke movement of the upper slide plate 2-3 times.
- If any abnormal sounds or malfunctions are detected, stop the machine immediately for inspection and repair.
Operational Protocols
- Ensure clear communication and coordination among all personnel during operation.
- Secure the sheet metal firmly to prevent it from lifting and causing injury.
- Disconnect power and stop the machine when adjusting the sheet metal or die.
- Ensure no material contacts the lower die when changing the variable lower die opening.
- Do not allow anyone to stand behind the machine while it is operating.
- Avoid bending sheet metal from only one end.
- If the workpiece or die is misaligned, stop the machine to make corrections; never use your hands to correct alignment while the machine is running.
- Do not attempt to bend ultra-thick iron plates or quenched steel plates beyond the machine’s capacity.
Operational Steps
1. Powering Up
- Connect the power supply.
- Turn on the key switch on the control panel.
- Start the oil pump.
2. Adjusting the Stroke
- Adjust the stroke to ensure there is a gap equal to the thickness of the sheet between the upper and lower dies at the lowest point.
- Use electric rapid adjustment or manual fine-tuning to set the stroke.
3. Choosing the Bending Slot
- Select a slot width that is eight times the thickness of the sheet metal.
- For example, for a 4mm thick sheet, choose a 32mm slot.
4. Adjusting the Back Gauge
- Adjust the back gauge using electric rapid adjustment or manual fine-tuning, similar to the process used in shearing machines.
5. Beginning the Bending Process
- Press the foot pedal to start bending.
- Unlike shearing machines, you can release the foot pedal at any time to stop the bending process.
Application Considerations
Choosing the Right Bending Machine
- Select a bending machine based on the material grade, maximum processing thickness, and length.
- The free bending force is typically a function of the material’s maximum thickness and length.
Force Requirements for Different Bending Methods
- Free Bending: Usually requires less force.
- Bottoming or Coining: May require a machine with higher tonnage to achieve the desired bend.
Conclusion
Mastering the operation and safety protocols of a CNC bending machine is crucial for efficient and safe metalworking. By following the detailed steps and guidelines provided in this article, operators can safely and effectively use CNC bending machines to produce high-quality workpieces.
