A press brake is a tool that is used to bend metallic sheets. The sheet is clamped between a matching punch and die then it’s bent according to predetermined settings. For you to successfully bend the metal, you should start by getting the right machine (can visit http://www.mazakpower.com ) for the job and learning how it works.
In this article, well look at the most important things that you should pay attention to especially if you are new to working with press brakes.
Different Types Of Press Brakes
Before you invest in any type of machine, you need to take a look at the benefits it’ll give you and also learn how it works. There are two main types which are as listed below. Keep reading to see which one suits your business best:
- Hydraulic press brakes
These are reliable, easy to use, and are cheaper compared to their electric counterparts. Hydraulic press brakes are recommended people who work with inexpensive materials that don’t require high-precision bends.
Basically, you should get these if you’re looking for a dependable and heavy-duty machine as its force ranges between 40 to 600.
- Electric press brakes
These outdo hydraulic press brakes in terms of hyper-accuracy. It offers higher precision so it’s recommended for working on more delicate metal sheets where there’s little or no room at all for errors.
Electric press brakes may be more expensive in the beginning but when you compare costs along the way, you will realize that they’re cheaper. It’s considered a smarter investment because there’s very little scrap and you get to save on energy.
How Do I Decide Which Type Of Press Brake To Buy?
There are a number of things that you need to put into consideration when choosing a press brake. They are:
- Check how your work orders are set up. If the press brake that you’re using at the moment cannot keep up with the workload, it’s advisable that you get a different type.
- Observe how your employees react when it’s time to learn about new software. Are they excited or not?
- Think about the plans you have for your business in the future. How far are you willing to reach? Will the press brake you get the help you in any way to reach your goals?
- If you’re just starting out and don’t know which way to go, talk to a professional who’ll help you decide based on your needs and wants.
How To Maintain Your Press Brake
If you want your press brake to function properly and perform at its peak, you should make sure that it’s inspected regularly and that all the maintenance schedules are adhered to. Here’s what you need to do:
- Always inspect the punches and dies before you start using the machine to make sure that there it’s not cracked or dented. If you go ahead and use it without checking first, the results of a faulty machine could result in the damage of the metal sheet.
- For hydraulic press brakes, ensure that you change the oil and filter often
- Lubricate the different parts of the machine at least once a week. Make sure that the lubricant you use adheres to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Take a look at the RAM guiding system, ball screws, gear segments, guide and rales, rack and pinion systems, and the guide encoder system to make sure that everything is as should be.
- While the mechanical parts should be inspected at least twice a year, the electrical system should be inspected once a year if not otherwise stated by the manufacturer.
