Beam Cycle
Press Brake Settings Explanation
This document provides a detailed explanation of various press brake settings. These settings are critical for optimizing bending accuracy, improving cycle times, and ensuring part quality during the manufacturing process.
Approach Speed to Mute Point
Approach Speed to Mute Point refers to the speed at which the ram moves toward the material, just before the mute point. The mute point is where the machine changes speed to avoid damaging the part. Typically, the approach speed is fast until the mute point, after which it slows down to prevent any risk of damage.
Mute Point (Distance Above Sheet Surface)
The mute point is a defined position above the sheet surface, where the machine automatically slows down to a slower speed before contacting the material. This helps reduce the risk of sudden, high-impact force that could damage the part or tooling. It is usually a fixed distance above the sheet surface.
Mute Point for Hemming
The mute point for hemming is adjusted to handle parts where the bend is a hem. It ensures the machine slows down at the proper point to avoid bending the sheet too fast or inaccurately at the hem stage, typically in operations that require high precision.
Slow Speed to Pinch Point
Slow Speed to Pinch Point refers to the speed at which the ram moves just before making contact with the material. This slower speed ensures the material aligns perfectly with the tooling, minimizing material distortion before bending begins.
Pinch-Point Correction
Pinch-Point Correction is the adjustment made to ensure that the punch touches the material at the right height. It accounts for material variation, machine deflection, and tooling wear, allowing for precise contact to avoid under or over-bending.
Pinch-Point Delay
Pinch-Point Delay is the short pause after the punch touches the material, before the actual bending begins. This allows the material to settle and stabilizes the machine before bending starts, improving overall part quality.
Bending Speed
Bending Speed refers to the speed at which the ram moves during the actual bending process. Adjusting the bending speed is crucial for controlling bend accuracy. Slower speeds are used for high-precision bends, while faster speeds are suitable for high-volume, less critical operations.
Auto-Compute Decompress Distance
Auto-Compute Decompress Distance is a feature where the machine calculates the optimal decompression distance based on the material and tooling. It ensures the ram lifts just enough to release the pressure from the material and avoid any damage.
Decompress Speed
Decompress Speed is the speed at which the ram lifts during the decompression phase. It’s important to set this speed correctly to avoid material shifting or damaging the part. A balance is required to ensure a smooth release and quick return without compromising part accuracy.
Decompress Distance
Decompress Distance is the short distance the ram moves upward after completing the bend to release pressure and avoid the part sticking to the punch. It’s typically set in millimeters and adjusted depending on the material type and part features.
Ram Opening Speed
Ram Opening Speed is the speed at which the ram moves upward during the return stroke after completing the bend. This speed is adjusted to ensure smooth retraction without causing any unnecessary strain on the tooling or part.
Ram Open Position
Ram Open Position refers to the height or position the ram reaches during the return stroke after the bend is completed. It ensures the machine clears the part and tooling to prevent any collisions or damage.
Minimum Ram Opening
Minimum Ram Opening is the smallest distance that the ram can open to after completing a bend, ensuring it clears the part while avoiding damage or interference with the tooling or backgauge system.
Ram Speed to Release-Point
Ram Speed to Release-Point is the speed at which the ram moves until it reaches the decompression distance. It is a crucial setting for ensuring the pressure is released properly, without causing premature part movement or misalignment.
Release Point
Release Point is the position where the material is released from the pressure of the tooling. At this point, the ram has lifted enough to allow the part to safely detach from the punch without sticking.
Bend Hold
Bend Hold refers to the time the ram holds the material in position after the bend is completed but before it is fully released. This ensures the material fully conforms to the bend without springback or distortion.
Minimum Decompression Path
Minimum Decompression Path is the smallest distance the ram needs to move upward during decompression to safely release the material. It prevents excessive movement, which can slow down production times and reduce overall efficiency.
Minimum Ram Opening
Minimum Ram Opening refers to the minimum distance between the punch and die when the ram is at its lowest point. It ensures the tool does not collide with the material or tooling during retraction, while providing enough clearance to avoid damage.
