Press Brake Technology Parameters
Press brakes are a type of machine press used to form sheet metal into various shapes and configurations. It is often referred to by different names such as a sheet metal bender, sheet metal folder, sheet metal former, or a sheet metal press brake. This specialized type of machine tool is having wide applications in various industrial operations owing to its efficient and accurate performance.
Press brakes come in various sizes with different capacities to meet the needs of the respective industries. They can be operated with hydraulic, CNC, or mechanical systems depending upon the type of job it has to perform. For a heavy duty operation, a high power stirling motor is used to drive the machine, while for a lighter job, a smaller motor can be employed.
Press brakes are used in various industries like aerospace, automotive, construction, fabrication, electronics, food processing, and furniture making. The most common uses of press brakes include cutting, bending, shaping, forming, perforating, and drawing. While each of these operations comes with its own set of complexities, the fundamental features of a press brake remain the same.
Press brakes allow for a wide range of pressure settings, ranging from 500 to 2000 kN (kilo Newton) depending on the capacity of the machine. These pressures, as well as the specific tooling and settings of the machine, allow for precision cuts in both thin and thick materials. Typically, the pressure is determined by the material thickness and complexity of the part geometry.
Press brakes can be equipped with a variety of tools, including those for forming and cutting. The tools vary depending on the specific application and the thickness of the material being worked. Common types of tools include roller bars, press blocks, and punch sets. Angles have to be taken into consideration when selecting the appropriate tool, as they affect the result of the procedure.
In any press brake operation, the material has to have some kind of support. The most common way to support a part while it is being worked on is to use a plurality of guides or backers. The backers and guides are placed along the sheet prior to being bent or cut and help support the material during the process. Guides are usually made from the same material as the sheet that is being worked on, and can range from thin to thick, rectangular to round, and flat to V-shaped, depending on the need.
A press brake also needs proper lubrication and cooling to ensure an efficient and reliable operation. Without proper lubrication, the wear and tear on components can be significantly increased. This not only affects the operational efficiency of the machine, but also its accuracy and precision. Proper cooling fluids are essential for keeping the temperature within prescribed tolerances and for removing chips created during the process.
Finally, press brake safety should be taken into consideration. Proper safety protocols should be followed to prevent accidents, injuries, and the possibility of property damage. When using a press brake, operators should wear protective clothing, have their eyes and faces covered, and wear ear protection, where appropriate. Other safety precautions include making sure to keep all working components clean and properly adjusted, and in selecting and using the proper tools for any given job.
In summary, press brakes are a versatile and efficient machine tool employed in many industrial operations, and they come in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the specific needs of the job. By understanding the technology and using the right tools and settings for any job at hand, press brakes can provide a powerful and precision solution for sheet metal forming.
