Press Brake Specifications 220

accuracy

The exactness of a measurement compared to the desired result.

air cylinder

A pneumatic actuator that converts compressed air into mechanical energy.

angle bracket

Metal components that are attached to a press brake for the purpose of increasing the width of the bed or ram.

approach speed

The speed at which the ram moves from the open height to the pinch point. Approach speed is also called rapid approach.

back gage

A press brake component that locates the workpiece from a point on the inside of the press brake.

bed top width

A press brake specification that indicates the width of the bottom die area. The bed top width limits the size of the parts you can bend on a press brake.

bend depth

A variable that describes how deep a bend is formed during a press brake operation.

bending speed

The speed of the ram as it advances during the first part of the stroke height cycle. The bending speed is also called the forming speed or the press speed.

centimeters per minute

In the metric or SI system, the number of centimeters that a press brake ram travels in one minute. Centimeters per minute is abbreviated cpm.

clearance

The unintended space between two press components that forms as the result of wear.

closed height

The vertical distance measured from the ram nose to the bed when the ram is fully closed. Closed height is also called the shut height.

CNC control

A combination of software and hardware that directs the operation of a computer numerically controlled press brake.

compressor

A component that pressurizes ambient air and directs it into a pneumatic system.

consistency

The measure of how well a press brake can sustain its positioning over time. Consistency is also called repeatability.

crowning

The process of damaging and deforming the bed of the press brake. Crowning can occur if full tonnage is exerted over a small, concentrated area of the bed.

cycle

The time it takes for current to flow, pause, reverse direction, and pause again in an alternating current.

deflection

The unintended movement or repositioning of a press brake component, such as a die, due to mechanical force or movement. Deflection of a die can cause inaccurate bends.

depth

A press brake specification that indicates its front-to-back horizontal dimensions.

distance between housings

The length in inches between the housing uprights.

down-acting

Characterized by ram movement with the work portion of its cycle being performed on the way downward. Down-acting is also called downstroking.

downstroking

Characterized by ram movement with the work portion of its cycle being performed on the way downward. Downstroking is also called down-acting.

dwell

The duration that the press brake ram spends at the bottom of the forming stroke. Dwell is often used to account for float on hydraulic press brakes.

electric hydraulic press brake

A hydraulic press brake that uses an electric motor for rapid travel.

electric mechanical press brake

A mechanical press brake that uses an electric control on the mechanical flywheel to allow multiple speeds in a single stroke.

electric press brake

A press brake that uses an electric motor drive to power the press brake with a high level of control.

electronic-hydraulic position press brake

A hydraulic press brake with an electronic sensor that reads the position of the ram to control the amount of float in the hydraulic cylinders.

emergency stop

Used for emergencies only, the control button that automatically shuts down all machine functions.

feature

A press brake component designed to increase capability. Press brakes may have features built in or may have them added to the original configuration as options.

float

The time it takes for the hydraulic cylinders to build up pressure and finish the bend during the bending portion of the press brake cycle.

flywheel

The device on a mechanical press brake that spins continuously as the press is powered up. The flywheel stores the energy necessary to cycle the press when the clutch is engaged.

foot switches

An operator control that requires press brake operators to insert their feet into a guard, and press buttons with their feet in order to move the ram.

footprint

A specification that indicates the amount of floor space a machine occupies.

forming speed

The speed of the ram as it advances during the first part of the stroke height cycle. The forming speed is also called the bending speed or press speed.

frequency

A measurement of the number of complete AC cycles that occur in one second. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).

front gage

A press brake component that locates the workpiece from a point outside the throat depth of the press brake.

gage

A press brake component that allows the completion of high-quality parts within an acceptable tolerance by helping locate the workpiece in relation to the ram.

height

A press brake specification that indicates its vertical dimensions.

hertz

A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second. Hertz is abbreviated Hz.

horsepower

A unit of power used to describe motor strength. One horsepower equals 33,000 ft-lbs of work per minute, or 746 watts.

hydraulic cylinder

A hydraulic actuator that converts hydraulic energy into linear mechanical energy.

hydraulic press brake

A type of press brake that is powered by a hydraulic pump to move hydraulic cylinders and cycle the ram.

hydraulic pump

A mechanical device used to move liquids in a hydraulic system.

hydro-mechanical press brake

A press brake that uses hydraulic cylinders to drive a mechanical arm through the ram stroke.

inches per minute

In the English system, the number of linear inches that a ram travels in one minute (ipm).

leaf brake

A type of press brake that forms metal by raising and lowering a leaf bar. The leaf brake is a lighter-duty press brake used for lighter gauge steel.

light curtain

A type of presence-sensing device that uses an optical mechanism to create a continuous beam of light around hazardous components. When the beam is interrupted by the operator's body, hand, or object, the machine stops cycling.

locator

A press brake component that allows the creation of parts by locating the workpiece accurately relative to the ram.

manual control

A press brake control that requires complete hands-on operation.

mechanical press brake

A type of press brake that is powered by a spinning flywheel that stores energy. A mechanical press brake cycles when its clutch is engaged.

motor

A machine that converts one form of energy, such as electricity, into mechanical energy or motion.

network capable

A press brake option that allows personnel to deliver information to the press brake control via a computer network connection.

offline programming

A press brake option that allows personnel to program a press brake away from the machine.

open height

The vertical distance measured from the ram nose to the bed when the ram is opened to its maximum.

optical receiver

A component of a light curtain that senses the beam of light from the transmitter. When the beam of light is broken, the press brake stops.

optical transmitter

A component of the light curtain that projects the beam of light. When the beam of light is broken, the press brake stops.

option

A press brake component or addition designed to increase capability. Options are extra features that are added to the original configuration of a press brake.

overall length

The total length of the ram measured horizontally in feet or meters.

phase

A measurement of the number of voltages in one cycle. Most electrical components are three-phase.

pinch point

The point at which the top die touches the workpiece and presses it against the lower die. Pinch point is often called the retract depth.

pneumatic press brake

A type of press brake that derives its power from an air compressor that moves air cylinders that supply force to the ram.

press speed

The speed of the ram as it advances during the first part of the stroke height cycle. The press speed is also called the bending speed or forming speed.

prime mover

The device that introduces energy into a power transmission system and converts the energy into the appropriate form.

ram

The portion of the press brake that moves up and down to form and bend metal.

ram nose

The part of the ram surface opposite the die clamp. On a press brake, the ram nose and the die clamp hold the die.

rapid approach

The speed at which the ram moves from the open height to the pinch point. Rapid approach is also called the approach speed.

rapid retract

The speed at which the ram moves away from a completed bend. Rapid retract is usually about 10 times faster than the hydraulic bending speed.

rear guarding

A fence-like safety component that prohibits access to dangerous moving press brake components. If the rear guarding is opened, press brake operation ceases.

repeatability

The measure of how well a press brake can sustain its positioning over time. Repeatability is also called consistency.

retract depth

The point at which the top die touches the workpiece and presses it against the lower die. Retract depth is often called the pinch point.

return speed

The speed of the ram as it retreats from performing a bend, at the second part of the stroke height cycle.

shipping weight

A press brake specification that indicates its heaviness.

shut height

The vertical distance measured from the ram nose to the bed when the ram is fully closed. Shut height is also called the closed height.

specification

A description of an essential physical and technical property of a machine. Specs are the principle indicator of machine capability.

stroke height

The vertical distance the ram travels as it cycles. The stroke height is the difference between the open height and the shut height.

three-phase

A continuous series of three overlapping AC cycles offset by 120 degrees. Three-phase power is used for all large scale distribution systems.

throat depth

The horizontal distance in the housing cutaway measured from the ram centerline to the housing body.

tolerance

The unwanted but acceptable deviation from a desired dimension. Increasingly accurate dimensions require tighter tolerances.

tonnage

A press brake specification that indicates the amount of force the press brake is able to deliver when performing a bend.

up-acting

Characterized by ram movement with the work portion of its cycle being performed on the way upward. Up-acting is also called upstroking.

upstroking

Characterized by ram movement with the work portion of its cycle being performed on the way upward. Upstroking is also called up-acting.

voltage

The electrical force or pressure that causes current to flow in a circuit. Voltage is measured in volts.

volts

The basic unit of measurement for electrical "pressure" or potential.

width

A press brake specification that indicates its left-to-right or side-to-side horizontal dimensions.