Bending machines can be classified into manual bending machines, hydraulic bending machines, and CNC bending machines. Hydraulic bending machines can be further categorized based on their synchronization method: torsion shaft synchronization, mechanical-hydraulic synchronization, and electro-hydraulic synchronization. They can also be classified based on their motion mode: up-acting and down-acting.
A bending machine consists of a frame, a worktable, and a clamping plate. The worktable is placed on the frame and is composed of a base and a pressure plate. The base is connected to the clamping plate through hinges. The base is made up of a housing, a coil, and a cover plate. The coil is placed inside the recess of the housing, and the top of the recess is covered with the cover plate. When the coil is energized via wires, it generates a magnetic force that clamps the sheet metal between the pressure plate and the base. The electromagnetic clamping allows the pressure plate to accommodate various workpiece requirements and process workpieces with side walls. By changing the bending machine dies, the bending machine can meet the needs of different workpieces.
Working Principle of Bending Machines
A bending machine consists of a frame, a worktable, and a clamping plate. The worktable is placed on the frame and is composed of a base and a pressure plate. The base is connected to the clamping plate through hinges. The base is made up of a housing, a coil, and a cover plate. The coil is placed inside the recess of the housing, and the top of the recess is covered with the cover plate. When the coil is energized via wires, it generates a magnetic force that clamps the sheet metal between the pressure plate and the base. The electromagnetic clamping allows the pressure plate to accommodate various workpiece requirements and process workpieces with side walls. The operation of the bending machine is also very simple.
Guide to Purchasing a Bending Machine
Before making a payment, prospective buyers should carefully consider the intended use of the machine, potential deflection variables, and the bending radius of the parts. The first important consideration is the parts you intend to produce, focusing on purchasing a machine with the shortest worktable and the smallest tonnage that can complete the machining tasks. Carefully consider the material grade, maximum processing thickness, and length. If the majority of the work involves low carbon steel with a thickness of 16 gauge and a maximum length of 10 feet, a bending force of no more than 50 tons is sufficient. However, if a significant amount of work involves bottom-die forming, a machine with a tonnage of 150 tons should be considered. Assuming the thickest material is 1/4 inch, a 10-foot free bending requires 165 tons, while bottom-die bending (correction bending) requires at least 600 tons. If most of the workpieces are 5 feet or shorter, the tonnage can be reduced by about half, significantly reducing the acquisition cost. The length of the parts is crucial in determining the specifications of the new machine. Under the same load, the deflection that occurs in a 10-foot machine is four times that of a 5-foot machine. This means that a shorter machine requires fewer shim adjustments to produce qualified parts, reducing setup time. The material grade is also a key factor. Compared to low carbon steel, stainless steel typically requires about 50% more load, while most grades of soft aluminum require about 50% less. You can always obtain a tonnage chart from the bending machine manufacturer, which shows the estimated tonnage required per foot length for different thicknesses and materials. When using free bending, the bending radius of the parts is 0.156 times the die opening distance. During free bending, the die opening distance should be eight times the thickness of the metal material. For example, when using a 1/2 inch opening distance to form 16 gauge low carbon steel, the bending radius of the part is approximately 0.078 inches. If the bending radius is close to or smaller than the material thickness, bottom-die forming should be used. However, bottom-die forming requires about four times the pressure of free bending. If the bending radius is smaller than the material thickness, a punch with a front-end radius smaller than the material thickness should be used, along with the assistance of embossing bending. This requires 10 times the pressure of free bending. For free bending, the punch and die are processed at an angle of 85° or less (slightly smaller is better). When using this set of dies, pay attention to the clearance between the punch and the die at the bottom of the stroke, as well as the sufficient overbending to compensate for springback and keep the material at around 90°. Generally, the springback angle produced by free bending dies on a new bending machine is ≤2°, and the bending radius is equal to 0.156 times the die opening distance. For bottom-die bending, the die angle is generally 86-90°. There should be a gap slightly larger than the material thickness between the punch and the die at the bottom of the stroke. The forming angle can be improved because bottom-die bending requires greater tonnage (about four times that of free bending), reducing the stress that usually causes springback within the bending radius range. Embossing bending is the same as bottom-die bending, except that the front end of the punch is processed to the required bending radius, and the clearance between the punch and the die at the bottom of the stroke is smaller than the material thickness. By applying sufficient pressure (approximately 10 times that of free bending) to force the front end of the punch to contact the material, springback is essentially avoided. To select the lowest tonnage specification, it is best to plan for a bending radius larger than the material thickness and use free bending as much as possible. When the bending radius is larger, it often does not affect the quality of the finished part and its future use. Precision bending accuracy requirements are factors that need to be carefully considered and determine whether you need a CNC bending machine or a manual bending machine. If the bending accuracy requirement is ±1° and cannot be changed, you must focus on a CNC machine. The repeat accuracy of the CNC bending machine slide is ±0.0004 inches, and the forming angle requires such accuracy and good dies. The repeat accuracy of the manual bending machine slide is ±0.002 inches, and under the condition of using appropriate dies, it generally produces a deviation of ±2-3°. In addition, CNC bending machines are prepared for quick tooling changes, which is an undeniable consideration when you need to bend many small-batch parts. Regarding the dies, even if you have a shelf full of dies, do not assume that these dies are suitable for the newly purchased machine. Each die must be checked for wear by measuring the length from the front end of the punch to the shoulder of the table and the length between the shoulders of the die. For standard dies, the deviation per foot should be around ±0.001 inches, and the total length deviation should not exceed ±0.005 inches. For precision-ground dies, the precision per foot should be ±0.0004 inches, and the total precision should not exceed ±0.002 inches. It is best to use precision-ground dies for CNC bending machines and standard dies for manual bending machines. Regarding the length of the bent parts, let's assume bending a 10-gauge low carbon steel plate that is 5x10 feet in size by 90°. The bending machine would need to apply an additional 7.5 tons of pressure to lift the steel plate, and the operator should be prepared for the 280-pound straight edge to fall. Manufacturing such a part may require several physically strong workers or even a crane. Bending machine operators often need to bend long-edge parts without realizing how laborious their work is. There is now a material handling device suitable for workshops that handle this type of work, and this device can be improved according to the needs of new and old machines. With the use of this device, forming long-edge parts only requires one operator.
Operating Instructions for Bending Machines
Here is a simple introduction to operating a typical hydraulic bending machine for processing Q235 sheet metal:
1. First, connect the power supply and turn on the key switch on the control panel. Then start the oil pump, and you will hear the sound of the pump rotating. (At this point, the machine does not move.)
2. Stroke adjustment: It is important to adjust the stroke when using the bending machine. Before bending, it is necessary to perform a trial run. When the upper die of the bending machine reaches the bottom, there must be a gap of one plate thickness. Otherwise, it may cause damage to the die and the machine. Stroke adjustment can be done through electric rapid adjustment or manual adjustment.
3. Selection of bending groove: Generally, the width of the groove should be about 8 times the thickness of the plate. For example, if bending a 4mm plate, a groove of approximately 32 should be selected.
4. Backgauge adjustment: There is usually electric rapid adjustment and manual fine adjustment for the backgauge, similar to a shearing machine.
5. Step on the foot pedal switch to start the bending process. Unlike a shearing machine, the foot pedal can be released at any time. Releasing the foot pedal will stop the bending machine, and pressing it again will continue the downward movement.
Safety Operating Procedures for Bending Machines
1. Strictly follow the safety operating procedures for machine tools and wear the required personal protective equipment.
2. Before starting, carefully check if the motor, switches, wiring, and grounding are normal and secure. Check if all control components and buttons are in the correct positions.
3. Check the alignment and stability of the upper and lower dies. Check if all positioning devices meet the processing requirements.
4. When the upper slide and all positioning axes are not in their original positions, run the return-to-origin program.
5. After the equipment is started, let it run without load for 1-2 minutes. The upper slide should move to the full stroke position 2-3 times. If any abnormal sound or malfunction is detected, stop the machine immediately, eliminate the fault, and resume operation only when everything is normal.
6. During operation, there should be one person in charge to ensure close coordination between the operator and the material feeding and pressing personnel. This ensures that all personnel are in safe positions to give bending signals.
7. The plate material must be firmly pressed during bending to prevent it from lifting and causing injury.
8. When adjusting the pressure die, the power supply must be cut off, and the adjustment should be done after the machine stops running.
9. When changing the opening of the variable lower die, no material is allowed to come into contact with the lower die.
10. No one is allowed to stand behind the machine tool during operation.
11. It is strictly prohibited to bend the plate material at one end alone.
12. If any workpiece or die is found to be abnormal during operation, stop the machine and make corrections. It is strictly prohibited to manually correct while the machine is running to avoid hand injuries.
13. It is prohibited to bend excessively thick iron plates or quenched and tempered steel plates, high-grade alloy steel, square steel, or materials that exceed the bending capacity of the bending machine to avoid damaging the machine tool.
14. Regularly check the alignment of the upper and lower dies and the indication of the pressure gauge to ensure compliance with specifications.
15. Immediately stop the machine if any abnormality occurs, investigate the cause, and promptly eliminate it.
16. Before shutting down, place wooden blocks on the lower die beneath the cylinders on both sides to lower the upper slide onto the blocks.
17. Exit the control system program first before cutting off the power supply.
Maintenance and Care of Bending Machines
Before performing machine maintenance or cleaning, align the upper die with the lower die, lower the upper slide, and shut down the machine until the work is completed. If it is necessary to start the machine or perform other operations, set the mode to manual and ensure safety. The maintenance procedures are as follows:
1. Hydraulic oil circuit:
a. Check the oil level in the tank weekly. Also, check it after hydraulic system maintenance. If the oil level is below the oil window, hydraulic oil should be added.
b. The hydraulic oil used in this machine is ISO HM46 or MOBIL DTE25.
c. The oil should be changed after the machine has been in operation for 2000 hours, and then every 4000-6000 hours of operation. Each time the oil is changed, the tank should be cleaned.
d. The oil temperature should be between 35°C and 60°C, and should not exceed 70°C. Excessive temperature can cause deterioration and damage to the oil and components.
2. Filters:
a. When changing the oil, the filters should be replaced or thoroughly cleaned.
b. If there are related alarms or the oil quality is not clean, the filters should be replaced.
c. The air filter on the tank should be checked and cleaned every 3 months, and it is recommended to replace it once a year.
3. Hydraulic components:
a. Clean the hydraulic components (base plate, valves, motors, pumps, etc.) every month to prevent dirt from entering the system. Do not use cleaning agents.
b. After one month of use, check for any deformations at the bending points. If any abnormalities are found, they should be replaced. After two months of use, tighten all connections of the components. This work should be done with the machine shut down and the system depressurized.
Hydraulic Bending Machine
Structure and Features:
1. It adopts a fully welded steel structure, providing sufficient strength and rigidity.
2. Hydraulic transmission is used, with hydraulic cylinders placed on both ends of the machine to directly drive the sliding work.
3. The synchronization mechanism of the sliding block adopts a torsion shaft for forced synchronization.
4. It employs a mechanical block structure, which is stable and reliable.
5. The sliding block has fast motorized adjustment, manual fine adjustment, and a counter display for the stroke.
6. It incorporates a wedge-type deflection compensation mechanism to ensure high bending accuracy.
The bending machine consists of a frame, worktable, and clamping plate. The worktable is placed on the frame, and it is composed of a base and a pressure plate. The base is connected to the clamping plate through hinges. The base consists of a seat shell, coil, and cover plate. The coil is placed in the recess of the seat shell, and the top of the recess is covered with a cover plate. When the coil is energized through the wires, it generates a magnetic force that applies pressure to the pressure plate, thereby clamping the thin plate between the pressure plate and the base. The electromagnetic clamping allows the pressure plate to accommodate various workpiece requirements and process workpieces with side walls.
Instructions for Using a Bending Machine
Here is a simple introduction to operating a typical hydraulic bending machine for processing Q235 sheet metal:
1. First, connect the power supply and turn on the key switch on the control panel. Then start the oil pump, and you will hear the sound of the pump rotating. (At this point, the machine is not in operation.)
2. Stroke adjustment: When using the bending machine, it is important to adjust the stroke. Before bending, it is necessary to perform a trial run. When the upper die of the bending machine reaches the bottom, there must be a gap of one plate thickness. Otherwise, it may cause damage to the die and the machine. Stroke adjustment can be done through electric rapid adjustment or manual adjustment.
3. Selection of bending groove: Generally, the width of the groove should be about 8 times the thickness of the plate. For example, if bending a 4mm plate, a groove of approximately 32 should be selected.
4. Backgauge adjustment: Backgauge adjustment is usually done with electric rapid adjustment and manual fine adjustment, similar to a shearing machine.
5. Step on the foot pedal switch to start the bending process. Unlike a shearing machine, the foot pedal can be released at any time. Releasing the foot pedal will stop the bending machine, and pressing it again will continue the downward movement.
Maintenance and Care of Bending Machines:
Before performing machine maintenance or cleaning, align the upper die with the lower die, lower the upper slide, and shut down the machine until the work is completed. If it is necessary to start the machine or perform other operations, set the mode to manual and ensure safety. The maintenance procedures are as follows:
1. Hydraulic oil circuit:
a. Check the oil level in the tank weekly. Also, check it after hydraulic system maintenance. If the oil level is below the oil window, hydraulic oil should be added.
b. The hydraulic oil used in this machine is ISO HM46 or MOBIL DTE25.
c. The oil should be changed after the machine has been in operation for 2000 hours, and then every 4000-6000 hours of operation. Each time the oil is changed, the tank should be cleaned.
d. The oil temperature should be between 35°C and 60°C, and should not exceed 70°C. Excessive temperature can cause deterioration and damage to the oil and components.
2. Filters:
a. When changing the oil, the filters should be replaced or thoroughly cleaned.
b. If there are related alarms or the oil quality is not clean, the filters should be replaced.
c. The air filter on the tank should be checked and cleaned every 3 months, and it is recommended to replace it once a year.
3. Hydraulic components:
a. Clean the hydraulic components (base plate, valves, motors, pumps, etc.) every month to prevent dirt from entering the system. Do not use cleaning agents.
b. After one month of use, check for any deformations at the bending points. If any abnormalities are found, they should be replaced. After two months of use, tighten all connections of the components. This work should be done with the machine shut down and the system depressurized.
The bending machine consists of a frame, worktable, and clamping plate. The worktable is placed on the frame, and it is composed of a base and a pressure plate. The base is connected to the clamping plate through hinges. The base consists of a seat shell, coil, and cover plate. The coil is placed in the recess of the seat shell, and the top of the recess is covered with a cover plate. When the coil is energized through the wires, it generates a magnetic force that applies pressure to the pressure plate, thereby clamping the thin plate between the pressure plate and the base. The electromagnetic clamping allows the pressure plate to accommodate various workpiece requirements and process workpieces with side walls.
Structure and Features:
1. It adopts a fully welded steel structure, providing sufficient strength and rigidity.
2. Hydraulic transmission is used, with hydraulic cylinders placed on both ends of the machine to directly drive the sliding work.
3. The synchronization mechanism of the sliding block adopts a torsion shaft for forced synchronization.
4. It employs a mechanical block structure, which is stable and reliable.
5. The sliding block has fast motorized adjustment, manual fine adjustment, and a counter display for the stroke.
6. It incorporates a wedge-type deflection compensation mechanism to ensure high bending accuracy.