As a technician with years of experience working on NC press brakes, I often get questions about the best practices for machine adjustments. In this article, titled How to Adjust Cylinder Stroke on NC Press Brake, I will share my step-by-step process for making precise adjustments to the cylinder stroke. Properly adjusting the cylinder stroke is crucial for achieving accurate bends and ensuring the machine operates efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the field, my insights will help you master this essential skill and enhance your press brake’s performance.

Why You Need to Adjust Cylinder Stroke on NC Press Brake

The cylinder stroke refers to the distance the ram (or upper beam) of the press brake travels during each press cycle. This movement controls the depth of the bend and the amount of pressure exerted on the sheet metal. Adjusting the cylinder stroke correctly ensures a smooth, efficient bending process with high-quality results. Here’s why it’s essential:

1. Precision in Bending: A well-calibrated cylinder stroke ensures that the bending process is accurate and the material is bent at the correct angle. An incorrect stroke could lead to inconsistent bends, affecting the overall quality of the fabricated parts.
2. Maximizing Tool Life: Press brake tools can wear out quickly if the cylinder stroke is improperly set. Too deep a stroke could cause excessive pressure on the tools, leading to premature wear, while too shallow a stroke could result in incomplete bends, requiring additional cycles.
3. Increased Efficiency: An optimized cylinder stroke reduces cycle time and minimizes energy usage. By adjusting the stroke to match the specific requirements of the job, you can improve overall machine efficiency, reducing costs and downtime.
4. Avoiding Over-Bending or Under-Bending: With the right cylinder stroke, you can ensure the material is bent to the required depth without over-stressing the metal or under-bending it. This is particularly crucial when working with varying thicknesses and material types.

How to Adjust Cylinder Stroke on NC Press Brake

Sometimes when we use the NC torsion-bar hydraulic press brake machine, we will come across such problem, both cylinders stroke on the machine are different, if we want to use the machine proporly, we need to set both cylinder strokes some, today, we will share the steps how to adjust cylinder stroke on NC press brake.

Step 1: Loosen the one side of the screws on the connection rod

Step 2: Rotate the connection rod and keep both cylinder strokes same

Step 3: Fasten the screws and test the machine, if there is some difference on the strokes, we can follow the abrove steps again until both strokes will be same.

Step4:Depending on the specific material thickness and the required bend, adjust the cylinder stroke to suit. To increase the stroke for deeper bends, or to decrease it for shallower bends, use the machine’s control interface to input the desired stroke length.

Best Practices for Adjusting Cylinder Stroke on NC Press Brake

While adjusting the cylinder stroke on your NC press brake is relatively simple, there are some best practices you should follow to ensure long-term efficiency and consistent results:

1. Understand Material Requirements: Different materials may require different stroke settings. Be sure to adjust the cylinder stroke according to the specific material type, thickness, and required bend angle to ensure the best results.
2. Regular Calibration and Maintenance: Keep your press brake well-maintained by performing regular checks and recalibrating the cylinder stroke as necessary. A poorly calibrated stroke can lead to defects in the bending process and unnecessary machine wear.
3. Utilize Technology: Many modern NC press brakes come equipped with advanced sensors and software that automatically adjust the cylinder stroke for optimal performance. If your press brake has this feature, make use of it to reduce the need for manual adjustments and improve overall accuracy.
4. Consider the Application: For some applications, you may require very specific stroke adjustments. For example, when working with delicate or thin materials, minimizing the stroke can prevent over-bending and help achieve the desired result.
5. Document Settings for Consistency: When adjusting the cylinder stroke for particular projects or materials, make sure to document the settings. This way, you can maintain consistency for future jobs and easily refer back to the correct parameters.

Conclusion

Adjusting the cylinder stroke on NC press brake machines is a crucial step in maximizing the machine’s performance and ensuring high-quality bends. By carefully setting the stroke to match the specific material and bending requirements, you can significantly improve the accuracy, efficiency, and tool life of your press brake.

Taking the time to properly adjust and calibrate the cylinder stroke is a simple yet powerful way to achieve optimal results, reduce operational costs, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. With proper attention to this detail, your press brake will continue to deliver precise and efficient bends for years to come.

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