While purchasing a new press brake machine, tooling is the first to be considered. In the press brake choosing process the most important are tool style and shape methods. Not beginning from this point will bring about a mistakable situation. The matter is whether the new press brake has got new tooling, whether it works in the same styles as presently or you need to adjust it to the new styles. In most cases troubles arise when replacing American traditionally planed tools, bottom bending with accuracy-ground European, New Standardized, air forming. Most special formation styles and tools, that rotate, wipe and fold are accessible for a press brake machine. Now we will discuss the main tool types, what the tool groups are composed of, as well as their features and make comparison between tool styles. Whether a brake machine is proper in your case or not depends on the tool selection.
American traditionally planed tooling.
This is a main tooling style in case of power-driven press brakes. This type of press brakes introduced us to coin and bottom techniques, which are proper in case of traditionally planed tooling, that are fabricated with maximum length of 20 feet. They might be cut while being used later. They work quite precisely referring to lengths. Sometimes they may cause a fault of 0.0005 up to 20 feet. Finally, while installing, tool order should be considered. Besides, the tools should move in the same course (from head to backwards), as centerlines might not match. In this case a dissemblance of 0.010 inch between the tools is possible. No matter how slight the difference is, it may cause improper pieces in the coin and bottom processes. Air shaping, however, is possible through traditionally planed tools. This takes operators much effort to make proper parts. This is the case for accuracy-planed tools.
European Accuracy Ground Tools
This technique appeared at the end of the 1970s together NC press brakes. For the improvement of this type of press brakes more accurate punches and die-setting was needed. Tool manufacturers achieved this efficiency through precision-ground tooling out of short lines of pre formed blank steels. These tools get processed to ±0.0005 inch tolerance in precision and heights when providing matching centerlines. This tooling allows numeric controlling of a CNC to function efficiently. These tools get ground to 48-52 Rockwell C, providing a surface of maximum 70 HRC firmness, which makes the tools more wear-protective. In case of overload this tooling becomes breakable, it can be exploded not alike the planed tool, that is just 28-32 HRC.
This type of profiles most commonly demand a spacer block, that needs specializing to match this type of tools with press brakes intended for planed tools. This tooling cost higher compared to the planed one. It is inefficient in case of mechanic press brakes or press brakes that possess no CNC system. Accuracy ground tools provide press brake machines with such tools that do not require long or hard installation. Due to the float down die-rail these tools appear quite flexible method. This is a suitable selection both for the manufacturing of prototypes and tolerant shaping.
New Standardized Tooling
This type of tooling is ground according to the same tightness specification as that of European accuracy ground tooling. These tools are intended for special tool-clamp system. Like the European type, this tooling possesses a fixed central part, which matches with a particular interposition. This means that it bears a fixed center intended for the CNC. When input in the auto-clamp systems, lifts in the ram and is brought to the central location.
This tooling allows quick changing of tools and it is suitable for specialty clamp systems, which makes it inconsistent for another machine without an appropriate design.
Getting Bigger Tonnage
Mind this rule when choosing press brakes. Decide on a machine, which is able to offer minimum 20% more tonnage than you have decided you will need. Avoid using the machine beyond the rates of its capability.
Importance of This Matter
These mentioned above main types of tools are a principal observation to be considered by you. Will the newly purchased machine deserve the time or money spent on it, for example replacing the planed tool with precision ground one? What are the changes when passing from bottoming to air shaping? In case of fabrication of a ±1/16 inch tight sheet part the change might not be worth the costs. In case of precision shops the replacing of tooling might influence the operational efficiency. Tool changing is much simpler compared to studying about completely new controllers. Converting the latest press brakes as well as controllers into others is not so troublesome as completely converting basic bend method from bottom into air shaping.
The reaction of staff is another important factor. The newly introduced tooling should be convenient and easy for the staff to apply otherwise they may escape trying it. So, tools, shaping techniques, press brake machines should be discussed with employees to find the best ways out. Consider carefully if renewing is a necessity and whether it is worth the costs. These are questions the answers of which help to decide on proper press brakes to develop the operation performance.