Introduction:
The stroke recession, or return stroke, of a bending machine is an important parameter that affects the efficiency and precision of the bending process. Understanding how to calculate and adjust the stroke recession ensures that the machine operates smoothly and produces high-quality bends. This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to calculate the stroke recession of a bending machine.
Understanding the Stroke Recession of a Bending Machine
The stroke recession is the distance the machine's ram travels back after completing a bend. This parameter is crucial for resetting the machine for the next bend and ensuring consistent performance. Proper calculation and adjustment of stroke recession help in avoiding over-travel, reducing cycle times, and preventing potential damage to the machine and workpiece.
Importance of Calculating Stroke Recession
Calculating the stroke recession accurately is vital for:
- Ensuring precise and consistent bends.
- Reducing machine cycle time.
- Preventing mechanical wear and tear.
- Enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before calculating the stroke recession, gather the following tools and materials:
- Machine manual (for reference)
- Calipers or micrometer
- Ruler or tape measure
- Protractor or angle gauge
- Safety gloves and glasses
- Pen and paper (for calculations)
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Stroke Recession
Preparation and Safety Measures
1. Turn Off the Machine: Ensure the bending machine is turned off and disconnected from the power source to prevent any accidents.
2. Wear Safety Gear: Put on safety gloves and glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges and other potential hazards.
3. Refer to the Manual: Consult the machine’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines related to your model.
Measuring the Bending Stroke
1. Position the Metal Sheet: Place a test piece of metal on the bending machine, aligning it properly with the tooling.
2. Perform a Test Bend: Run the bending program to perform a test bend, completing one full cycle including the bending stroke and the return stroke.
3. Measure the Stroke Length: Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the total distance the ram travels during the bending stroke.
Calculating the Stroke Recession
1. Determine the Required Bend Depth: Measure the depth of the bend using calipers or a micrometer. This is the distance from the surface of the metal to the deepest part of the bend.
2. Calculate the Clearance Distance: The clearance distance is the space required for the tooling to clear the workpiece before the ram returns. Refer to the machine manual for the recommended clearance distance, or use the following formula if not provided:
```
Clearance Distance = Material Thickness + Tooling Clearance
```
3. Calculate the Stroke Recession: Subtract the required bend depth and the clearance distance from the total stroke length to determine the stroke recession:
```
Stroke Recession = Total Stroke Length - (Bend Depth + Clearance Distance)
```
Adjusting the Stroke Recession
1. Access the Machine Settings: Turn on the bending machine and access the control panel or settings menu.
2. Input the Stroke Recession: Enter the calculated stroke recession value into the machine’s control system.
3. Confirm the Settings: Confirm the changes by selecting “OK,” “Apply,” or similar options in the settings menu.
Testing and Fine-Tuning
1. Perform a Test Bend: Run another test bend to verify the stroke recession setting. Ensure the machine completes the bend and returns smoothly without over-travel or hesitation.
2. Measure and Inspect: Measure the bend and inspect the quality. Adjust the stroke recession if necessary to achieve optimal performance.
3. Repeat Testing: Perform additional test bends as needed to confirm the accuracy of the stroke recession setting.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
1. Over-Travel: If the ram travels too far during the return stroke, recheck the stroke recession calculation and adjust the clearance distance.
2. Incomplete Return: If the ram does not return fully, ensure there is adequate clearance distance and verify the inputted stroke recession value.
3. Inconsistent Bends: Inconsistent bend quality may indicate incorrect stroke recession settings or issues with the machine’s hydraulic system. Inspect and adjust as necessary.
Maintenance Tips for Consistent Stroke Recession
1. Regular Inspection: Frequently inspect the machine for signs of wear, damage, or hydraulic fluid leaks.
2. Routine Maintenance: Follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep the machine in optimal condition.
3. Software Updates: Regularly check for and install software updates to ensure the control system operates correctly and includes the latest features.
4. Proper Operation: Ensure operators follow best practices and adhere to correct operating procedures.
Conclusion:
Calculating and adjusting the stroke recession of a bending machine is essential for achieving precise and efficient bending operations. By following this guide, you can ensure that your machine operates smoothly and produces consistent, high-quality bends. Regular maintenance and proper operation are key to maintaining the machine's performance and longevity.
FAQs
How often should I check and adjust the stroke recession on my bending machine?
Check and adjust the stroke recession whenever you notice inconsistencies in the bending process or after performing major maintenance on the machine.
What should I do if my bending machine’s ram over-travels during the return stroke?
Recheck the stroke recession calculation and adjust the clearance distance. Ensure that the inputted stroke recession value is accurate.
Can incorrect stroke recession settings damage the bending machine?
Yes, incorrect settings can cause mechanical wear, damage to the tooling, and inconsistent bend quality. Regularly check and adjust settings to prevent damage.
How can I prevent over-travel during the return stroke?
Ensure the clearance distance is adequate and accurately calculate the stroke recession. Regularly inspect and maintain the machine’s hydraulic system.
What are the signs of incorrect stroke recession settings?
Signs include over-travel, incomplete return strokes, inconsistent bend quality, and increased cycle times. Regularly inspect and adjust settings to maintain accuracy.
Where can I find software updates for my bending machine?
Check the manufacturer’s website for software updates or contact their customer support for assistance. Follow the instructions provided to install updates correctly.
The stroke recession, or return stroke, of a bending machine is an important parameter that affects the efficiency and precision of the bending process. Understanding how to calculate and adjust the stroke recession ensures that the machine operates smoothly and produces high-quality bends. This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to calculate the stroke recession of a bending machine.
Understanding the Stroke Recession of a Bending Machine
The stroke recession is the distance the machine's ram travels back after completing a bend. This parameter is crucial for resetting the machine for the next bend and ensuring consistent performance. Proper calculation and adjustment of stroke recession help in avoiding over-travel, reducing cycle times, and preventing potential damage to the machine and workpiece.
Importance of Calculating Stroke Recession
Calculating the stroke recession accurately is vital for:
- Ensuring precise and consistent bends.
- Reducing machine cycle time.
- Preventing mechanical wear and tear.
- Enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before calculating the stroke recession, gather the following tools and materials:
- Machine manual (for reference)
- Calipers or micrometer
- Ruler or tape measure
- Protractor or angle gauge
- Safety gloves and glasses
- Pen and paper (for calculations)
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Stroke Recession
Preparation and Safety Measures
1. Turn Off the Machine: Ensure the bending machine is turned off and disconnected from the power source to prevent any accidents.
2. Wear Safety Gear: Put on safety gloves and glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges and other potential hazards.
3. Refer to the Manual: Consult the machine’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines related to your model.
Measuring the Bending Stroke
1. Position the Metal Sheet: Place a test piece of metal on the bending machine, aligning it properly with the tooling.
2. Perform a Test Bend: Run the bending program to perform a test bend, completing one full cycle including the bending stroke and the return stroke.
3. Measure the Stroke Length: Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the total distance the ram travels during the bending stroke.
Calculating the Stroke Recession
1. Determine the Required Bend Depth: Measure the depth of the bend using calipers or a micrometer. This is the distance from the surface of the metal to the deepest part of the bend.
2. Calculate the Clearance Distance: The clearance distance is the space required for the tooling to clear the workpiece before the ram returns. Refer to the machine manual for the recommended clearance distance, or use the following formula if not provided:
```
Clearance Distance = Material Thickness + Tooling Clearance
```
3. Calculate the Stroke Recession: Subtract the required bend depth and the clearance distance from the total stroke length to determine the stroke recession:
```
Stroke Recession = Total Stroke Length - (Bend Depth + Clearance Distance)
```
Adjusting the Stroke Recession
1. Access the Machine Settings: Turn on the bending machine and access the control panel or settings menu.
2. Input the Stroke Recession: Enter the calculated stroke recession value into the machine’s control system.
3. Confirm the Settings: Confirm the changes by selecting “OK,” “Apply,” or similar options in the settings menu.
Testing and Fine-Tuning
1. Perform a Test Bend: Run another test bend to verify the stroke recession setting. Ensure the machine completes the bend and returns smoothly without over-travel or hesitation.
2. Measure and Inspect: Measure the bend and inspect the quality. Adjust the stroke recession if necessary to achieve optimal performance.
3. Repeat Testing: Perform additional test bends as needed to confirm the accuracy of the stroke recession setting.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
1. Over-Travel: If the ram travels too far during the return stroke, recheck the stroke recession calculation and adjust the clearance distance.
2. Incomplete Return: If the ram does not return fully, ensure there is adequate clearance distance and verify the inputted stroke recession value.
3. Inconsistent Bends: Inconsistent bend quality may indicate incorrect stroke recession settings or issues with the machine’s hydraulic system. Inspect and adjust as necessary.
Maintenance Tips for Consistent Stroke Recession
1. Regular Inspection: Frequently inspect the machine for signs of wear, damage, or hydraulic fluid leaks.
2. Routine Maintenance: Follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep the machine in optimal condition.
3. Software Updates: Regularly check for and install software updates to ensure the control system operates correctly and includes the latest features.
4. Proper Operation: Ensure operators follow best practices and adhere to correct operating procedures.
Conclusion:
Calculating and adjusting the stroke recession of a bending machine is essential for achieving precise and efficient bending operations. By following this guide, you can ensure that your machine operates smoothly and produces consistent, high-quality bends. Regular maintenance and proper operation are key to maintaining the machine's performance and longevity.
FAQs
How often should I check and adjust the stroke recession on my bending machine?
Check and adjust the stroke recession whenever you notice inconsistencies in the bending process or after performing major maintenance on the machine.
What should I do if my bending machine’s ram over-travels during the return stroke?
Recheck the stroke recession calculation and adjust the clearance distance. Ensure that the inputted stroke recession value is accurate.
Can incorrect stroke recession settings damage the bending machine?
Yes, incorrect settings can cause mechanical wear, damage to the tooling, and inconsistent bend quality. Regularly check and adjust settings to prevent damage.
How can I prevent over-travel during the return stroke?
Ensure the clearance distance is adequate and accurately calculate the stroke recession. Regularly inspect and maintain the machine’s hydraulic system.
What are the signs of incorrect stroke recession settings?
Signs include over-travel, incomplete return strokes, inconsistent bend quality, and increased cycle times. Regularly inspect and adjust settings to maintain accuracy.
Where can I find software updates for my bending machine?
Check the manufacturer’s website for software updates or contact their customer support for assistance. Follow the instructions provided to install updates correctly.
