Operating a hydraulic press brake requires understanding the machine's various functions and safety protocols. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to operate both standard and CNC hydraulic press brakes, along with essential safety procedures.
Steps for Operating a Standard Hydraulic Press Brake
Preparation
1. Connect Power Supply
- Ensure the power supply is connected properly.
- Turn on the key switch on the control panel.
- Press the oil pump start button to initiate the hydraulic system.
Stroke Adjustment
2. Adjusting the Stroke
- Adjust the stroke to leave a gap equal to the thickness of the plate being bent.
- Perform a trial run to ensure there is a gap when the upper die reaches the bottom position.
Bending Slot Selection
3. Choosing the Bending Slot
- Select a slot width that is eight times the thickness of the material.
- For example, for a 4mm thick plate, choose a slot width of approximately 32mm.
Back Gauge Adjustment
4. Adjusting the Back Gauge
- Set the back gauge to the desired position.
- Use both electric quick adjustment and manual fine-tuning for precision.
Starting the Bending Process
5. Begin Bending
- Press the foot pedal to start bending.
- Release the pedal to stop the downward movement, and press again to continue.
Steps for Operating a CNC Hydraulic Press Brake
Preparation
1. Connect Power Supply
- Connect the power supply.
- Turn on the switch on the control panel.
- Start the oil pump to activate the hydraulic system.
Stroke Adjustment
2. Adjusting the Stroke
- Adjust the stroke to leave a gap equal to the thickness of the plate being bent.
- Perform a trial run to ensure there is a gap when the upper die reaches the bottom position.
Bending Slot Selection
3. Choosing the Bending Slot
- Select a slot width that is eight times the thickness of the material.
- For example, for a 4mm thick plate, choose a slot width of approximately 32mm.
Back Gauge Adjustment
4. Adjusting the Back Gauge
- Set the back gauge to the desired position.
- Utilize electric quick adjustment and manual fine-tuning for precision.
Starting the Bending Process
5. Begin Bending
- Press the foot pedal to start bending.
- Release the pedal to stop the downward movement, and press again to continue.
Safety Procedures for Operating a Press Brake
Personal Protective Equipment
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
Pre-Operation Checks
- Inspect the motor, switches, wiring, grounding, control components, and buttons to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Check the alignment and fastening of the upper and lower dies.
- Run the machine's homing program.
Operational Safety
- Perform a dry run for 1-2 minutes and move the upper slide through its full travel range 2-3 times.
- Ensure one person is designated to command operations.
- Secure the workpiece firmly before bending.
Emergency Protocols
- Shut off power when adjusting the workpiece and die.
- Avoid contact with the lower die when changing the adjustable die opening.
- Do not allow personnel to stand behind the machine.
- Avoid bending materials alone at one end of the machine.
- Stop the machine immediately if any abnormalities are detected and correct the issue.
- Do not bend excessively thick materials, hardened steel, alloy steel, or square steel.
- Monitor the alignment of the dies and pressure gauge readings.
- Stop the machine and inspect it in case of any abnormalities.
Shutdown Procedures
- Before shutting down, place wooden blocks under the upper slide and lower it onto the blocks.
- Exit the control system program and cut off the power supply.
Conclusion
Operating a hydraulic press brake involves careful preparation, precise adjustments, and adherence to safety protocols. Whether using a standard or CNC hydraulic press brake, following these steps will ensure efficient and safe operation.
FAQs
How do you choose the correct bending slot width?
- The slot width should be eight times the thickness of the material being bent. For example, a 4mm thick plate requires a 32mm slot width.
What safety equipment should be worn when operating a press brake?
- Operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing.
What should you do if you notice abnormal operation during bending?
- Immediately stop the machine and inspect it for issues. Do not resume operation until the problem is resolved.
Can you bend hardened steel with a hydraulic press brake?
- No, it is not safe to bend hardened steel, alloy steel, or excessively thick materials with a hydraulic press brake.
Why is it important to perform a dry run before starting the bending process?
- A dry run helps ensure that the machine is functioning correctly and that the stroke adjustment leaves the necessary gap to avoid damaging the dies.
How do you adjust the back gauge on a hydraulic press brake?
- The back gauge can be adjusted to the desired position using both electric quick adjustment and manual fine-tuning for precision.
Steps for Operating a Standard Hydraulic Press Brake
Preparation
1. Connect Power Supply
- Ensure the power supply is connected properly.
- Turn on the key switch on the control panel.
- Press the oil pump start button to initiate the hydraulic system.
Stroke Adjustment
2. Adjusting the Stroke
- Adjust the stroke to leave a gap equal to the thickness of the plate being bent.
- Perform a trial run to ensure there is a gap when the upper die reaches the bottom position.
Bending Slot Selection
3. Choosing the Bending Slot
- Select a slot width that is eight times the thickness of the material.
- For example, for a 4mm thick plate, choose a slot width of approximately 32mm.
Back Gauge Adjustment
4. Adjusting the Back Gauge
- Set the back gauge to the desired position.
- Use both electric quick adjustment and manual fine-tuning for precision.
Starting the Bending Process
5. Begin Bending
- Press the foot pedal to start bending.
- Release the pedal to stop the downward movement, and press again to continue.
Steps for Operating a CNC Hydraulic Press Brake
Preparation
1. Connect Power Supply
- Connect the power supply.
- Turn on the switch on the control panel.
- Start the oil pump to activate the hydraulic system.
Stroke Adjustment
2. Adjusting the Stroke
- Adjust the stroke to leave a gap equal to the thickness of the plate being bent.
- Perform a trial run to ensure there is a gap when the upper die reaches the bottom position.
Bending Slot Selection
3. Choosing the Bending Slot
- Select a slot width that is eight times the thickness of the material.
- For example, for a 4mm thick plate, choose a slot width of approximately 32mm.
Back Gauge Adjustment
4. Adjusting the Back Gauge
- Set the back gauge to the desired position.
- Utilize electric quick adjustment and manual fine-tuning for precision.
Starting the Bending Process
5. Begin Bending
- Press the foot pedal to start bending.
- Release the pedal to stop the downward movement, and press again to continue.
Safety Procedures for Operating a Press Brake
Personal Protective Equipment
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
Pre-Operation Checks
- Inspect the motor, switches, wiring, grounding, control components, and buttons to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Check the alignment and fastening of the upper and lower dies.
- Run the machine's homing program.
Operational Safety
- Perform a dry run for 1-2 minutes and move the upper slide through its full travel range 2-3 times.
- Ensure one person is designated to command operations.
- Secure the workpiece firmly before bending.
Emergency Protocols
- Shut off power when adjusting the workpiece and die.
- Avoid contact with the lower die when changing the adjustable die opening.
- Do not allow personnel to stand behind the machine.
- Avoid bending materials alone at one end of the machine.
- Stop the machine immediately if any abnormalities are detected and correct the issue.
- Do not bend excessively thick materials, hardened steel, alloy steel, or square steel.
- Monitor the alignment of the dies and pressure gauge readings.
- Stop the machine and inspect it in case of any abnormalities.
Shutdown Procedures
- Before shutting down, place wooden blocks under the upper slide and lower it onto the blocks.
- Exit the control system program and cut off the power supply.
Conclusion
Operating a hydraulic press brake involves careful preparation, precise adjustments, and adherence to safety protocols. Whether using a standard or CNC hydraulic press brake, following these steps will ensure efficient and safe operation.
FAQs
How do you choose the correct bending slot width?
- The slot width should be eight times the thickness of the material being bent. For example, a 4mm thick plate requires a 32mm slot width.
What safety equipment should be worn when operating a press brake?
- Operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing.
What should you do if you notice abnormal operation during bending?
- Immediately stop the machine and inspect it for issues. Do not resume operation until the problem is resolved.
Can you bend hardened steel with a hydraulic press brake?
- No, it is not safe to bend hardened steel, alloy steel, or excessively thick materials with a hydraulic press brake.
Why is it important to perform a dry run before starting the bending process?
- A dry run helps ensure that the machine is functioning correctly and that the stroke adjustment leaves the necessary gap to avoid damaging the dies.
How do you adjust the back gauge on a hydraulic press brake?
- The back gauge can be adjusted to the desired position using both electric quick adjustment and manual fine-tuning for precision.
