Press Brake Safety 100

adjustable panel guard

An adjustable barrier guard that prohibits access to the die area during a press operation.

barrier guards

Safety equipment that prevents press operators from entering their hands near the point of operation.

bottom dead center

The lowest position in the ram's stroke. BDC is also referred to as stroke-down position.

cable adjusting handle

The mechanism found on Possons brand pullback cables used for adjusting cable length. The cable adjusting handle is turned counterclockwise to shorten the cables and clockwise to lengthen them.

cable adjusting plate

An adjusting mechanism sometimes found on Possons brand pullback cables. The cable adjusting plate is raised to shorten the cables or lowered to lengthen them.

connecting pin

Pin that secures the multiplier into place on Possons brand pullback cables.

connecting rod sleeve

A device that is part of the Possons brand pullback cables. The connecting rod sleeve is part of the pullback connecting rod and is also connected to a gear that connects to the multiplier.

crankshaft

The device in some mechanical presses that connects the ram to the flywheel.

die area

The area that contains the die. Unless the machine is properly locked out, it is never safe to enter the die area for any reason.

dry run

Performing a preliminary operation to ensure that the press is properly set up and creating workpieces properly. After a successful dry run, the operator can begin using the press to create workpieces.

dual palm buttons

Two separate buttons that must be pressed simultaneously in order to power the stamping press. Dual palm buttons are considered safeguarding devices.

earmuffs

A type of personal protective equipment that covers the entire outer ear. Earmuffs consist of two ear coverings connected by a band.

earplugs

Ear wear that protects hearing. Earplugs are inserted inside the ear to muffle outside noises.

E-stop

Another name for the red stop button. "E-stop" is short for "emergency stop."

fixed panel guard

A barrier guard that prohibits access to the die area at all times during a press operation. Fixed panel guards cannot be adjusted.

flywheel

The main device located in the crown of a mechanical press that is attached to the power source and regulates the reciprocating motion of the ram.

foot switch

An operator control that requires press operators to insert their foot into a guard, and press a button with their foot in order to operate the press.

forward and reverse key selector

A locked, key-operated control on the press that selects the direction in which the motor turns the crankshaft.

full-revolution clutch press

A type of press in which the clutch, when it is tripped, cannot be disengaged until the crankshaft has completed a full revolution and the ram a full stroke.

hand vacuum tool

A type of handling tool that uses a suction action and allows press operators to retrieve workpieces and stray objects from the die area without using their hands.

holdouts

A safeguarding device that requires the press operator to wear wristbands. Holdouts do not allow the press operator to enter the point of operation at any time.

light curtains

A row of either visible or invisible lights just before the point of operation. If the path of the lights is disturbed, the tool or machine stops operating immediately.

locator pins

A series of non-threaded fasteners seated in the die area to keep the die securely in place.

lockout/tagout

A specific work safety procedure or practice that safeguards employees from the unexpected powering or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.

lower die shoe

The lower plate of a die set that contains the cavity into which the punch shears the sheet metal.

magnetic lifter

A type of handling tool that allows the press operator to retrieve workpieces without using hands. A magnetic lifter uses magnets to easily pick up scraps and workpieces.

main motor start and stop button

Either one or two buttons on the press that turn the press main motor on and off.

mis-hit

A hit that does not hit the blank at exactly the correct place. Mis-hits can cause the die, or even the press crankshaft to break.

multiplier

A device used for all Possons brand pullback cables that must be adjusted with each new die set and operator. The multiplier transfers the movement of the connecting rod to the pullback cables.

nest

The assembly of locator pins and devices in the die area that secure the workpiece in place.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

A government agency that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States and ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration is abbreviated as OSHA.

operator controls

The controls on the press that, when depressed, cause the press to cycle. Operator controls often contain safety devices that prevent the press from cycling accidentally.

part-revolution clutch press

A type of press in which the clutch, when it is tripped, can be disengaged at any point before the crankshaft has completed a full revolution and the ram a full stroke.

perpendicular

An intersection of two lines or objects at right angles. When adjusting the multiplier on Possons brand pullback cables, the cast metal arrow in the multiplier must be perpendicular to the cable above it.

personal protective equipment

Any example of various safety equipment that workers wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Safety glasses are common personal protective equipment (PPE).

pinch point

Any place where two components meet that can cause an injury if an operator comes into contact with the area.

point of operation

The area between the lower die shoe and the upper die shoe where metal forming takes place. Press operators must stay clear of the point of operation at all times.

Possons pullback cables

A common brand of pullback cables. Adjusting Possons pullback cables requires adjustment of the multiplier and sometimes, a cable adjusting plate.

press brake

A type of press with an open frame and wide, narrow bed. Press brakes are often used for bending operations, and they are typically manually operated.

pullback cables

A safeguarding device that requires the press operator to wear wristbands. When the press cycles, pullback cables pull back to ensure that the press operator's hands do not go near the point of operation.

pullback connecting rod

The device that is used to connect pullback cables onto a press.

pullback sprocket

A type of pin mounted on the face of the ram through which the pullback chain is threaded.

rack and pinion gear

A type of gear that converts rotational motion to linear motion. A rack and pinion gear is used on Possons brand pullback cables to transfer the motion from the multiplier.

ram

The main upper portion of a stamping press that slides up and down within the press frame during operation.

red stop button

A red button on the stamping press that, when pressed on part-revolution clutch presses, stops the press immediately. The red stop button is often referred to as an E-stop.

S hook

A type of fastener in the shape of an "S" that secures the pullback chain into place when adjusting the length for Safeguard pullback cables.

Safeguard pullback cables

A common brand of pullback cables. Safeguard pullback cables must be adjusted at both the stroke-up and stroke-down position.

safeguarding device

Any implement used to protect the operator from the point of operation. The type of safeguarding device used depends on the shop and type of stamping press.

safety tongs

A type of handling tool that allows press operators to retrieve workpieces without using their hands. A press operator manipulates the tongs to grab the part from the die area.

slack

Excess cable that has not been tightened or secured. If slack is left on a pullback cable, the pullback cable will pull back on slack, and not the cables themselves, which can lead to serious injury.

slide

The upper portion of the press that slides up and down within the press frame. The upper die shoe is attached to the slide. The slide is also referred to as the ram.

sprocket tooth space

A space through which the locking pin is placed to secure Safeguard pullback cables.

stroke-down

The position of the ram at the bottom of its cycle.

stroke-up

The position of the ram at the top of its cycle.

tension spring

The spring that maintains tension on Possons pullback cables during operation. An operator must be able to place a dime between the coils of a tension spring to ensure proper tension.

top dead center

The highest position in the ram's stroke. TDC is also referred to as stroke-up position.

upper die shoe

The upper plate of a die set that secures the punch holder.

workpiece

The product of the die. A workpiece may be a complete product in itself, or it may be one component of a product consisting of many parts.