In the metal fabrication industry, bending is a fundamental and critical process that directly impacts the quality and precision of finished products. Particularly, when operating at the bend center, the accuracy of the second cut size is crucial as it determines the final dimensions and shape of the workpiece. This article will delve into the factors affecting the accuracy of the second cut size at the bend center and propose corresponding adjustment and optimization methods.
I. Accuracy Issues During Bending
1. Influence of Die Alignment on Bend Center
- The alignment accuracy of the upper and lower dies directly affects the bending accuracy. Inconsistent die alignment will result in dimensional errors during bending. Therefore, adjusting die alignment before bending is crucial.
2. Adjustment of Backgauge Block Position
- Moving the backgauge block position will change the relative position between the sheet metal and the lower die, thereby affecting the bending dimensions. To ensure accuracy, the position of the backgauge block must be remeasured and precisely adjusted before bending.
3. Parallelism Between Workpiece and Lower Die
- Insufficient parallelism between the workpiece and the lower die will cause bending springback, affecting the bending angle. Measuring and adjusting the parallelism between the workpiece and the die is a key step in ensuring accurate angles.
4. Accuracy of Bending Angle
- Inaccurate bending angles will affect subsequent bending operations. Therefore, ensuring that each bend reaches the predetermined angle is crucial.
5. Selection of Lower Die V-notch
- The size of the lower die V-notch should be appropriately selected based on the sheet metal thickness, typically 6 to 8 times the thickness, to disperse pressure and reduce material springback.
6. Precise Alignment of V-grooves
- Ensuring that the bottom edge of the workpiece's V-groove aligns with the bottom edge of the lower die's V-groove is crucial for maintaining consistency in bending dimensions.
7. Adjustment of Upper Die Angle after Grooving
- In bending operations after grooving, controlling the upper die angle to approximately 84° can effectively avoid knife-edge gripping phenomenon, protecting both the die and the workpiece.
II. Optimization Measures for Bend Center
1. Regular Calibration and Maintenance of Equipment
- Regular maintenance and calibration of bending machines, including checking and adjusting die alignment and lubricating and inspecting all moving parts.
2. Operator Training
- Ensure operators are familiar with all equipment functions and correct operating procedures, and improve accuracy and efficiency through professional training.
3. Use of High-Precision Measuring Tools
- Introduce high-precision measuring tools, such as digital measurement devices, to improve the measurement accuracy of bending dimensions.
4. Implementation of Lean Production Methods
- Adopt lean production methods to reduce waste and continuously improve processes, enhancing overall efficiency and product quality during production.
III. Case Studies and Practical Applications
1. Case Analysis
- Analyze the performance of different materials and thicknesses under the same bending conditions to optimize bending parameter settings.
2. Technological Innovation
- Explore new bending technologies, such as laser-assisted bending or robotic bending, to improve accuracy and production efficiency.
Conclusion
Accurate bending operations are crucial for ensuring product quality and meeting industrial application requirements. By understanding and mastering various factors influencing the accuracy of the second cut size at the bend center and taking corresponding optimization measures, bending accuracy can be significantly improved, production costs reduced, and ultimately achieve high-quality and high-performance products. It is hoped that the analysis and recommendations in this article will help relevant practitioners improve work efficiency and product quality in practical operations.