Hydraulic press brakes play a crucial role in the field of metal fabrication. Their primary function is to bend metal sheets into the desired shapes using specific molds. However, improper operation or incorrect machine settings can lead to inconsistent pressure at both ends, affecting product quality. This article will detail how to properly adjust a hydraulic press brake to ensure pressure balance across all parts and how to conduct effective bending operations.
Basic Operating Steps for Hydraulic Press Brake
Power Connection and Startup
- First, ensure that the hydraulic press brake is correctly connected to the power source.
- Turn the key switch on the control panel and start the oil pump. At this point, you should hear the sound of the oil pump running, but the machine itself will not perform any operations.
Stroke Adjustment
- Properly adjusting the machine's stroke is crucial before starting the bending operation.
- Ensure that there is at least one sheet thickness gap between the upper die and the workpiece when the upper die descends to the lowest point to avoid damaging the mold or the machine.
- Stroke adjustment for the press brake typically involves both electric rapid adjustment and manual fine-tuning.
Selecting the Bending Slot
- Selecting the appropriate bending slot is crucial based on the thickness of the sheet metal.
- Typically, the slot width should be approximately 8 times the thickness of the sheet. For example, if bending a 4mm thick sheet, a slot width of around 32mm should be selected.
Backgauge Adjustment
- Backgauge adjustment is essential to ensure bending accuracy.
- This adjustment includes both electric rapid adjustment and manual fine-tuning, similar to a shearing machine.
Starting the Bending Process
- Depress the foot pedal switch to initiate the bending operation.
- Unlike a shearing machine, a hydraulic press brake allows the operator to release the foot pedal switch at any time to stop the machine, and pressing it again resumes the operation.
Adjustment Strategy to Ensure Pressure Balance
Pre-Startup of the Machine
- Before making pressure adjustments, the main machine should be started, and the pressure adjustment should be carried out once the main machine is running stably.
- This step ensures that the rubber roller bearings operate under uniform stress, thereby avoiding uneven pressure.
Pressure Adjustment
- Adjust the pressure to meet the pressing requirements, keeping the pressure between 10 to 15 MPa.
- Avoid excessive or insufficient pressure. Excessive pressure may accelerate mechanical wear and lead to wrinkling or curling of the material coating, while insufficient pressure may affect the adhesive strength of the material.
Film Feeding and Trimming Adjustment
- Properly use the corona treatment surface and adjust the tension of the film surface to maintain consistency.
- Use a dedicated trimming device to ensure the correct width of the plastic film and to wind the trimmed edges onto the receiving roller.
Safety Operation Precautions
- During operation, ensure that hands are kept away from the pressing rollers to prevent accidental injury.
- Regularly inspect and maintain the hydraulic press brake to ensure it is in optimal working condition.
Conclusion
Proper adjustment and operation of a hydraulic press brake are crucial to ensuring processing quality and operational safety. By following the above steps and recommendations, operators can ensure that the machine operates efficiently and safely, while minimizing the risk of mechanical failures and production defects.
Basic Operating Steps for Hydraulic Press Brake
Power Connection and Startup
- First, ensure that the hydraulic press brake is correctly connected to the power source.
- Turn the key switch on the control panel and start the oil pump. At this point, you should hear the sound of the oil pump running, but the machine itself will not perform any operations.
Stroke Adjustment
- Properly adjusting the machine's stroke is crucial before starting the bending operation.
- Ensure that there is at least one sheet thickness gap between the upper die and the workpiece when the upper die descends to the lowest point to avoid damaging the mold or the machine.
- Stroke adjustment for the press brake typically involves both electric rapid adjustment and manual fine-tuning.
Selecting the Bending Slot
- Selecting the appropriate bending slot is crucial based on the thickness of the sheet metal.
- Typically, the slot width should be approximately 8 times the thickness of the sheet. For example, if bending a 4mm thick sheet, a slot width of around 32mm should be selected.
Backgauge Adjustment
- Backgauge adjustment is essential to ensure bending accuracy.
- This adjustment includes both electric rapid adjustment and manual fine-tuning, similar to a shearing machine.
Starting the Bending Process
- Depress the foot pedal switch to initiate the bending operation.
- Unlike a shearing machine, a hydraulic press brake allows the operator to release the foot pedal switch at any time to stop the machine, and pressing it again resumes the operation.
Adjustment Strategy to Ensure Pressure Balance
Pre-Startup of the Machine
- Before making pressure adjustments, the main machine should be started, and the pressure adjustment should be carried out once the main machine is running stably.
- This step ensures that the rubber roller bearings operate under uniform stress, thereby avoiding uneven pressure.
Pressure Adjustment
- Adjust the pressure to meet the pressing requirements, keeping the pressure between 10 to 15 MPa.
- Avoid excessive or insufficient pressure. Excessive pressure may accelerate mechanical wear and lead to wrinkling or curling of the material coating, while insufficient pressure may affect the adhesive strength of the material.
Film Feeding and Trimming Adjustment
- Properly use the corona treatment surface and adjust the tension of the film surface to maintain consistency.
- Use a dedicated trimming device to ensure the correct width of the plastic film and to wind the trimmed edges onto the receiving roller.
Safety Operation Precautions
- During operation, ensure that hands are kept away from the pressing rollers to prevent accidental injury.
- Regularly inspect and maintain the hydraulic press brake to ensure it is in optimal working condition.
Conclusion
Proper adjustment and operation of a hydraulic press brake are crucial to ensuring processing quality and operational safety. By following the above steps and recommendations, operators can ensure that the machine operates efficiently and safely, while minimizing the risk of mechanical failures and production defects.
