When it comes to CNC press brakes, industry professionals are undoubtedly familiar with them. From size and model to system configuration, it is essential to understand the CNC axes of a press brake. Today, let's take a look at some hidden knowledge behind the letters "X, Y, R, Z, V."
Axis Configuration of CNC Press Brake
Functions defined by each axis
The various movements and functional components controlled by the CNC system in a press brake are collectively referred to as CNC axes. Generally, the naming of CNC axes is based on the spatial position of each axis in the machine tool, following the coordinate system's positional naming convention. Other movements and functional components are named according to common usage or international standards. The number of axes configured in a CNC press brake depends on the processing requirements of the workpieces.
Setting of Reference Points for Each CNC Axis
Y1 and Y2 Axis: The Y1 and Y2 axes control the synchronization of the left and right cylinders of the slide and also control the bending depth (bending angle) of the slide. The two axes together are referred to as the Y-axis. Y1-REF represents the reference point value for the left cylinder, which is the distance from the zero point line to the zero pulse point of the left grating ruler. Y2-REF represents the reference point value for the right cylinder, which is the distance from the zero point line to the zero pulse point of the right grating ruler. Due to the installation of the grating rulers, it is impossible to ensure that the zero pulse points on the left and right sides lie on the same straight line parallel to the Y-axis coordinate zero point line. Therefore, to keep the slide level when it reaches the same programmed position for Y1 and Y2, there may be a difference in the values of Y1-REF and Y2-REF.
Backgauge X-Axis: The backgauge X-axis controls the back and forth movement of the backgauge. This axis is driven by a servo motor, and an encoder provides feedback on the position of the backgauge.
Backgauge R-Axis: The backgauge R-axis controls the up and down movement of the backgauge. It is driven by a servo motor, and an encoder provides feedback on the vertical position of the backgauge.
Backgauge Z1 and Z2 Axis: The Z1 axis is the mechanical axis that controls the left gauge finger's horizontal movement on the backgauge beam. The Z2 axis is the mechanical axis that controls the right gauge finger's horizontal movement on the backgauge beam.
Operation of Returning to Reference Points for Each Axis
After powering on the machine, switch the CNC system to the manual mode and start the hydraulic pump motor. Once the indicator light indicating the normal operation of the hydraulic pump is lit, start the CNC system. At this point, the CNC system will execute the operation of returning each CNC axis of the machine tool to the reference point.
The slide moves upward to find the reference points for the Y1 and Y2 axes. When the slide passes the reference points of the left and right grating rulers, it stops at the top dead center. The reference point search for the Y-axis is completed.
The backgauge moves backward to find the reference point for the X-axis. It waits at the limit switch until other axes (X1, R, Z1, Z2) find their reference points and complete positioning. Then, the backgauge X-axis moves in the opposite direction to find the reference point and positions it to the programmed X value. If the backgauge is only equipped with the X-axis, it will directly move in the opposite direction to find the reference point and complete positioning.
The backgauge moves upward to find the reference point for the R-axis. When it reaches the limit switch, it immediately moves downward to find the reference point and positions it to the programmed value. The left gauge finger moves to the left to find the reference point for the Z1 axis. When it reaches the limit switch, it immediately moves to the right to find the reference point and positions it to the programmed value. The right gauge finger moves to the right to find the reference point for the Z2 axis. When it reaches the limit switch, it immediately moves to the left to find the reference point and positions it to the programmed value.
Identification of Reference Points
Having explained the process of finding reference points, how can we determine whether each CNC axis of the machine tool has found and positioned the reference points? Please refer to the following methods to determine. After pressing the manual key, before the axes find the reference points, the screen displays as follows:
In the rectangular boxes on the top row, it shows Y__, _X__, _. The absence of numerical values after X and Y indicates that the X, Y1, and Y2 axes have not completed the reference point search operation.
Multi-Axis Selection
3+1 Axis: Y1, Y2, X, +V
4+1 Axis: Y1, Y2, X, R, +V
6+1 Axis: Y1, Y2, X, R, Z1, Z2, +V
8+1 Axis: Y1, Y2, X1, X2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2, +V
