First use a horizontal bending machine? It doesn’t have to be daunting!
Read the Control Panel First
Take time to read through all the labels and buttons on the control panel, learn what each of the controls does, where the emergency stop is and learn how to shut down the machine safely. Many errors occur when operatives first use a new machine because they don’t understand the controls.
Set Material Stops and Clamps Carefully
In preparation for using your horizontal bending machine for the first time for production running, set up the material stops and clamps before running the first piece. Ensure that all clamps are tight and that the material is held firmly against the back of the machine. Also ensure that the material is sitting flush against the front stops.
Learn the Back-Gauge Before You Start
The back-gauge on a horizontal bending machine is used to set the depth of material that enters the machine before the bending takes place. This needs to be set for repeat jobs and can require some hands-on time before production to get familiar with the back-gauge and its operation.
Bending Machines is covered in more detail at https://www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/euromac-bending-machines/horizontal-bending-machines.
Run a Test Bend on Scrap Material
The first bend on any material is best completed on scrap or off-cuts of same material/thickness and then committed to production pieces. A test bend will only take a couple of minutes to complete to verify the bend angle, bend radius and back-gauge setting(s) are correct for production.
Stop Immediately If Something Feels Wrong
Operate in a safe manner and refer to your workplace’s operator training for industrial machinery as required for any suspected mis-feed or overload situation.
Preparation to the first cycle is important to ensure safe and accurate operation of the bending machine.