A bending machine belongs to a type of forging machinery primarily used for bending sheet metal. By selecting various different dies, it can perform operations such as edge bending, stretching, round pressing, and punching on sheet metal. It is widely used in industries such as light industry, aviation, shipbuilding, metallurgy, instrumentation, electrical appliances, stainless steel products, steel structure construction, and decoration. So, how do you operate a bending machine? Let's understand the safety operating procedures for a bending machine.
I. How to Operate a Bending Machine
Let's provide a simple introduction based on processing Q235 sheet metal using a typical hydraulic bending machine:
1. First, turn on the power and switch on the key switch on the control panel, then start the hydraulic pump.
2. Stroke adjustment: It is crucial to adjust the stroke when using a bending machine. Before bending, it is necessary to perform a trial run. The upper die of the bending machine must reach the bottom with a gap equal to the thickness of one sheet. Otherwise, it may cause damage to the dies and the machine. Stroke adjustment can be done through electric rapid adjustment or manual fine-tuning.
3. Selection of bending groove: Generally, the width of the bending groove should be around 8 times the thickness of the sheet. For example, if bending a 4mm sheet, a groove of approximately 32 should be selected.
4. Backgauge adjustment: Backgauge adjustment can be done through electric rapid adjustment or manual fine-tuning, 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.
II. Safety Operating Procedures for a Bending Machine
1. Strictly follow the safety operating procedures for machine tools and wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required.
2. Before starting, carefully inspect the motor, switches, wiring, grounding, and ensure their normality and stability. Check if all control components and buttons are in the correct position.
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 slider and all positioning axes are not at their original positions, run the homing program.
5. After starting the equipment, let it run without load for 1-2 minutes. Move the upper slider to its full stroke 2-3 times. If any abnormal noise or malfunction is detected, stop the machine immediately, troubleshoot the issue, and resume work only when everything is normal.
6. During operation, there should be a designated person in charge to ensure close coordination between the operator and the material feeding and pressing personnel. This ensures that all personnel involved are in safe positions before issuing the bending signal.
7. The sheet metal 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 machine must be stopped.
9. When changing the opening of the adjustable lower die, no material should come into contact with the lower die.
10. No one is allowed to stand behind the machine during operation.
11. It is strictly prohibited to bend sheet metal from one end alone.
12. If any irregularities are observed during operation, stop the machine for correction. Do not attempt to correct it manually while the machine is running to avoid hand injuries.
13. It is prohibited to bend excessively thick iron plates, quenched steel plates, high-grade alloy steel, square steel, or materials that exceed the bending capacity of the machine to avoid damage to the machine.
14. Regularly check the alignment of the upper and lower dies and ensure that the pressure gauge readings are within the specified range.
15. In case of any abnormal situation, stop the machine immediately, investigate the cause, and promptly resolve the issue.
16. Before shutting down, place wooden blocks on the lower die below the cylinders on both sides to lower the upper slider onto the blocks.
17. First exit the control system program and then cut off the power supply.
