Introduction
The press brake is an indispensable equipment in modern manufacturing, especially playing a crucial role in the sheet metal industry. This machine can press steel plates and other materials into various shapes and sizes to meet various complex design requirements. This article will elaborate on the structure, working principle, and functions of key components of the hydraulic sheet metal press brake to provide a deeper understanding of this complex mechanical equipment.
I. Main Structure of Press Brake
The press brake mainly consists of the following parts:
1. Frame Section
- The frame consists of left and right columns, a worktable, and a crossbeam, providing necessary support and stability for the press brake. The total weight of the left and right columns, worktable, and slider accounts for 70% to 80% of the entire machine, and their strength and rigidity directly affect the machining accuracy and service life of the machine tool.
2. Slider Section
- The slider section mainly consists of the slider itself, hydraulic cylinders, and mechanical block fine-tuning structures. The slider is fixed on the frame through left and right cylinders and is controlled to move up and down by hydraulic driving of the piston (rod). The precise position of the slider is controlled by the numerical control system to ensure the accuracy of the bending process.
3. Worktable Section
- The worktable is the basic part of the equipment, used to support and fix the lower die. The worktable is equipped with an electric motor and a button box to control the front and rear movement of the material stopper. The movement accuracy can reach 0.01 millimeters, all precisely controlled by the numerical control system.
4. Synchronization System
- The synchronization system of the press brake consists of torsion shafts, swing arms, and joint bearings. This mechanical synchronization mechanism is simple but stable and reliable, ensuring high synchronization accuracy. The numerical control system controls specific values by adjusting the mechanical block with the motor.
5. Material Stopper Mechanism
- The material stopper mechanism is driven by a motor and synchronously moves by two lead screws driven by a chain, controlled by the numerical control system to ensure the precise position of the sheet metal during bending.
II. Working Principle of Press Brake
The operation process of the press brake mainly includes the following steps:
1. Sheet Metal Positioning
- The sheet metal is first placed on the worktable and adjusted to the proper position through the material stopper mechanism.
2. Downward Pressing Operation
- The operator initiates the downward pressing action of the slider through the control system, and the hydraulic system supplies power. The slider moves downward, closing the upper die with the lower die to achieve bending of the sheet metal.
3. Angle Adjustment
- According to the required bending angle, the numerical control system adjusts the stroke length and pressure of the slider to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the bending angle.
4. Product Release
- After the bending is completed, the slider returns to the initial position, and the product can be removed from the worktable.
III. Application Fields of Press Brake
Due to its efficiency and precision, the press brake is widely used in multiple industries:
1. Automotive Manufacturing
- Large quantities of precisely bent steel plates are required when manufacturing components such as car bodies and chassis.
2. Construction Industry
- In building structures, such as roof structures and metal doors and windows, press brakes are used to process various metal sheets.
3. Furniture Manufacturing
- In the production of metal furniture and office furniture, press brakes are used to process metal sheets to form the required structural components.
Conclusion
The press brake is an indispensable tool in sheet metal processing. It achieves efficient and precise sheet metal bending processing by accurately controlling the slider, synchronization system, and material stopper mechanism. Understanding the structure and functions of the press brake is essential for optimizing the production process, improving product quality, and reducing costs. With the continuous advancement of technology, the functions of press brakes will become more diverse, and their application fields will further expand in the future.
