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CNC Metal Brake Maintenance Guide For Users
Time:2024-12-16     
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A CNC metal brake is a machine and equipment used to bend metal sheets. The metal sheets are formed into specific angles and shapes by applying external force.


It is one of the indispensable equipment in sheet metal processing and is widely used in the manufacturing industries such as automobiles, aerospace, home appliances, construction, and power equipment.

 

1. Working principle of metal brake machine


Working principle of metal brake machine


The metal brake bending machine applies pressure to the metal plate through the cooperation of the upper die (tool) and the lower die (bottom die), so that the plate is bent between the dies.

 

Common operation methods include:

- V-shaped bending

The metal plate is bent to a specific angle under the action of the V-shaped die.

 

- Air bending (free bending)

The metal plate does not completely contact the lower die, and the bending angle is controlled by the bending depth, which is more flexible.

 

- Bottom bending (die forming)

The plate fits the die completely, and the bending angle is accurate and stable.

 

2. Main types of sheet metal press brake


Main types of sheet metal press brake


1) Mechanical brake machine

- Features: Mechanical transmission is adopted to drive the slider movement through flywheel and clutch.

- Advantages: Simple structure and easy operation.

- Disadvantages: Suitable for low-precision and small and medium-sized processing scenarios, gradually replaced by hydraulic bending machines.

 

2) Hydraulic bending machine

- Features: The slider movement is driven by the hydraulic system.

- Advantages: Strong bearing capacity, high processing accuracy, suitable for large size and thick plate processing.

- Application scenarios: Widely used in scenarios requiring high-precision and high-strength processing.

 

3) Electro-hydraulic metal brake machine

- Features: Electro-hydraulic servo system is adopted to accurately control the movement of the slider.

- Advantages: Extremely high processing accuracy, energy saving and environmental protection, suitable for complex parts processing.

- Application scenarios: High-end manufacturing industries, such as aerospace and automobile manufacturing.

 

4) CNC press brake machine

- Features: Integrated CNC technology, programmable automatic operation.

- Advantages: Strong flexibility, suitable for mass production; high processing accuracy and consistency.

- Application scenarios: Mass production of complex parts.


5) Hybrid press brake machine

- Features: Combining hydraulic and electric technologies, it has both the powerful capabilities of hydraulic bending machines and the energy-saving performance of electric bending machines.

- Advantages: High efficiency and energy saving, low maintenance cost.

- Application scenarios: Green manufacturing, high-precision demand scenarios.


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3. The core components of metal bending machine


- Slide

Active component, used to apply pressure to bend metal sheet.

Generally driven by hydraulic or electric.

 

- Workbench

Fixed platform to support metal sheet.

Equipped with adjustable die.

 

- Upper die and lower die

Upper die: usually a V-shaped or other shaped tool, used for bending.

Lower die: cooperates with the upper die to form metal sheet.

 

- Back gauge device

Controls the positioning of the sheet to ensure the accuracy of the bending size.

 

- CNC system

Provides programming, angle control and action synchronization functions.

 

- Hydraulic system

Provides power source to ensure stable operation of the slide.

 

4. Main functions of metal brake machine


1) Metal forming

Bend the plate according to the requirements of the design drawings to form workpieces with specific angles and shapes.

 

2) Multi-angle bending

Realize multiple bending of a single workpiece to meet the manufacturing needs of complex parts.

 

3) High-precision processing

Ensure the accuracy of bending angles and dimensions to meet the needs of high-end manufacturing.

 

4) Efficient production

Automation function can greatly improve processing efficiency, especially suitable for mass production.

 

5. Advantages of CNC metal brake machine


- High efficiency

One-time forming, significantly improve production speed and reduce processing links.

 

- High precision

CNC technology combined with precision molds to ensure the consistency and accuracy of finished products.

 

- Flexibility

Supports bending processing at multiple angles and shapes.

 

- Wide adaptability

Can process a variety of materials, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.

 

- Energy saving and environmental protection

Modern bending machines use energy-saving technology, low energy consumption and low noise.

 

6. Application fields of metal bending machines


- Automobile manufacturing

Bending and forming of body sheet metal parts, chassis parts, etc.

 

- Aerospace

Multi-angle processing of precision sheet metal parts.

 

- Household appliances

Processing of electrical appliance shells and internal support structures.

 

- Construction industry

Sheet metal curtain walls, metal guardrails and structural parts.

 

- Mechanical equipment

Processing of various frames, shields and other structural parts.

 

- Power industry

Electrical equipment such as distribution cabinets and transformer shells.

 

7. Future development direction of metal bending machine


- Intelligence

Introduce AI technology to achieve bending path optimization, self-diagnosis and intelligent monitoring.

 

- Greening

Develop low-energy, low-noise environmentally friendly equipment to meet the requirements of sustainable development.

 

- Flexible manufacturing

Meet personalized production needs through modular design and adaptive adjustment capabilities.

 

- Human-machine collaboration

Cooperate with collaborative robots to further improve the degree of automation and safety.

 

As an important equipment for sheet metal processing, metal press brake machine not only has high efficiency, high precision and flexibility, but also can meet the processing needs of multi-field and multi-type parts. With the development of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing, bending machines are moving towards intelligence and greening, providing strong support for modern manufacturing.

 

Maintaining CNC metal brake machines is a key step to ensure the normal operation of equipment, extend service life and improve production efficiency. The following are the key points of maintenance of metal bending machines, which are analyzed in detail from three aspects: daily, regular and fault prevention.

 

8. Daily maintenance of CNC metal press brake



1) Equipment cleaning

After daily operation, clean the slider, mold and workbench surface to remove dust, metal chips and oil to prevent impurities from affecting the accuracy and performance of the equipment.

Clean the back gauge device regularly to prevent foreign matter from affecting the positioning accuracy.

 

2) Lubrication and maintenance

Check whether the guide rails, lead screws, gears and other components need lubrication, and add appropriate lubricating grease according to the instructions.

The moving parts of the hydraulic system, such as cylinders and pistons, should be kept well lubricated.

 

3) Electrical inspection

Check whether the cables and wiring of the equipment are loose or damaged, and repair them in time if problems are found.

Check the inside of the electrical cabinet regularly to ensure that the lines are clean and avoid short circuits caused by moisture or dust.

 

4) Mold inspection

Ensure that the upper and lower molds are free of cracks, deformation or wear, and grind or replace the mold regularly.

Check whether the mold is firm after assembly to prevent it from falling off during processing.

 

9. CNC sheet metal brake press regular maintenance


1) Hydraulic system maintenance

Check the hydraulic oil level every month and add it to the normal range; if the oil is found to be turbid or deteriorated, it should be replaced in time. Replace the hydraulic oil every 6 months or once a year, clean the sediment in the tank, and ensure the cleanliness of the hydraulic system.

 

2) Filter cleaning

The filter element and air inlet filter in the hydraulic system need to be cleaned or replaced regularly to prevent blockage and abnormal system pressure.

 

3) Equipment alignment

Use standard tools to check the alignment of the slider and the workbench, adjust to the factory standard of the equipment, and ensure that the bending angle is consistent.

 

4) Bolt tightening

Regularly check all fixing bolts and fasteners, especially the mold installation part, to ensure that there is no looseness.

 

5) Back gauge system calibration

Check the positioning accuracy of the back gauge to ensure that the size is controlled within the tolerance range.

 

10. Fault prevention of CNC press brake


1) Check the hydraulic pipeline

Regularly check the hydraulic pipeline for signs of leakage, aging or damage.

Ensure that the hydraulic joints are firm to avoid pressure loss or unstable equipment operation.

 

2) Monitor equipment performance

Monitor the pressure, slider travel speed, back gauge position, etc. of the bending machine through the CNC system or sensor, and adjust in time if abnormalities are found.

 

3) Electrical system testing

Regularly test the sensitivity of buttons, switches and safety devices (such as photoelectric protection devices) to ensure safe operation.

 

4) Temperature and pressure control

The operating temperature and pressure of the hydraulic system should be kept within the specified range. If it is found to be too high or too low, the cause should be immediately investigated. 

 

The temperature can be adjusted by cooling the system or replacing the hydraulic oil.

 

5) Anti-corrosion and anti-rust

Especially in high humidity environments, regularly spray rust inhibitors to protect exposed metal parts.

 

When not in use, cover the equipment with a dustproof cloth to avoid dust and moisture intrusion.

 

11. Precautions for operation and maintenance


Fault prevention of CNC press brake


1) Safe operation

Operate strictly in accordance with the equipment instructions to avoid overloading or over-range use.


Check whether the emergency stop switch and safety baffle are normal before operation.

 

2) Personnel training

Regularly train operators and maintenance personnel to improve equipment operation level and fault handling capabilities.

 

3) Timely records

Record each maintenance and fault situation to form an equipment use log, which is helpful for analyzing equipment operation status and fault trends.

 

4) Avoid overload work

Long-term full-load operation will accelerate equipment wear, and work time needs to be arranged reasonably to ensure that the machine gets proper rest.

 

12. Common problems and solutions of CNC metal brake press machine


Problem

Cause

Solution

Slider movement uneven

Insufficient hydraulic oil

Pipeline blocked

Damaged valve

Check hydraulic oil level

Clean pipeline

Replace valve

Inconsistent bending angles

Mold wear or slide offset

Grinding mold

Recalibrate the slider

Too much noise

Air enters the hydraulic system or lubrication is insufficient

Remove air

Add lubricant

Hydraulic system oil leakage

Aging of seals and loose joints

Replace seals

Fastening joints

CNC system failure

Software program error or electrical wiring problem

Update software programs

Check electrical connections

 

13. CNC metal brake regular maintenance schedule


Cycle

Maintenance items

Daily

Clean the equipment surface, check the mold and key components, and lubricate the guide rails and slides.

Weekly

Check the hydraulic oil level, the accuracy of the back gauge system, and test the electrical switches and safety devices.

Monthly

Clean the filter, check the fastening bolts, and observe the status of the hydraulic pipelines and cables.

Quarterly

Calibrate the equipment centering, clean the hydraulic oil tank, replace the filter element, and check the mold wear.

Half-yearly

Replace the hydraulic oil, check the seals, and replace the molds or components that are severely worn.

Annually

Overhaul the hydraulic system and electrical system, test the CNC system and equipment performance, and upgrade the equipment software.

 

CNC metal brake maintenance is a long-term and meticulous work, which requires not only daily cleaning and lubrication, but also regular comprehensive inspections and calibrations. Through scientific maintenance plans, not only can the equipment be ensured to operate efficiently and stably, but also the failure rate and operating costs can be reduced, creating greater value for the enterprise.

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