Maximizing output with the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode is a common inquiry among those utilizing press brakes in the metalworking industry. If you are keen to optimize your operations and enhance productivity using the advanced capabilities of the DELEM DA-66S, you’ve landed at the right place.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the essential techniques and features of the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode, ensuring you get the most out of your equipment. Whether you are looking to refine your current processes or exploring the full potential of your press brake system, this guide provides the insights needed to achieve efficient and precise metalworking results.

Introduction

The DELEM DA-66S is a state-of-the-art numerical control system designed for operating press brakes and optimizing the bending process. This documentation aims to provide you with techniques and insights on maximizing output specifically when operating in the Automatic Mode.

To quickly transition between products, select a pre-used library item in Products mode, switch to Auto, and commence production. Remember, every time you change the bending program, it’s vital to verify your tools and their positions. The system assists by displaying a ‘check tools’ warning in automatic mode.

On the Auto mode screen, the selected product and its description are prominently displayed. You can view the available bends in the program, selecting any bend directly via the bend selector. Start your sequence from the chosen bend with a press of the Start button. Detailed views of the selected bend are easily accessible, and key parameters are highlighted with large, modifiable icons.

These features allow for seamless adjustments, ensuring your operations remain smooth and precise. For repeated bends or when connected programs are applicable, these are clearly indicated to maintain workflow continuity.

Auto mode, parameter explanation

Here’s a detailed look at configuring these parameters to enhance your output effectively.

Corrections:

Angle 1 / Angle 2

Angle Corrections: For precise bends, corrections are programmed for both Y1 and Y2 axes. When you enter a correction for Angle 1, it automatically applies to Angle 2, though you can modify it for granular adjustments. The resultant corrections enhance Y-axis alignment and parallelism, stored in the bending program.

For instance, if you program 90 degrees but measure 92, adjust with a correction of -2. Similarly, for a measured 88 on a 90-degree program, adjust with +2.

Angle Correction Database: In case the angle correction database has been switched on, the control checks whether a correction exists for this type of bend in the database. The result of this check is prompted in the entry field:

• No stored correction. No correction has been found for this bend

• Stored correction. A correction that matches the current bend has been found

• Interpolated correction. A correction has been calculated (interpolated) based on other existing corrections

If a correction is entered, it will be stored in the database. At each next bend with the same properties, this same correction will be offered. The angle correction database can be found on the Program Settings page in the Settings mode.

Y1 / Y2

• Position Corrections: Apply corrections to Y-axis positions, crucial when using absolute programming or selecting bottoming for bends.

Auxiliary Axis

• Auxiliary Correction: When bend allowance is activated, the X-axes corrections are derived from these calculations. Examples include adjusting -2 for a measured 202mm on a 200mm program, or +2 for a 198mm measurement.

Deflect and PST

• Crowning Device: Corrections here ensure even pressure distribution, only applicable if a crowning device is present.
• Part Support Axes (PST): These corrections start at the pinch point and equal the programmed value by the final position. Again, applicable only if part support is available.

General Corrections：

1. Thickness: General correction on the product thickness, valid for each bend of the program.
2. Angle / Angle 2: General correction of the angle, valid for each bend of the program. The value should be programmed in the same manner as for the correction per bend.
3. Depth: General correction on the Y-axis position, in case ’absolute programming’ is used and ’air bend’ is selected for a bend. This correction is valid for each bend of the program.
4. X-axes: General correction of the X-axis position, valid for each bend of the program. The value should be programmed in the same manner as for the correction per bend.
5. Deflect: General correction on the crowning device, valid for each bend of the program. Only available if a crowning device is present.
6. PST: General correction on the part support axes, valid for each bend of the program. The value should be programmed in the same manner as for the correction per bend. Only available if a part support is present.

General Parameters

• Stock: The stock counter is incremented or decremented after each end of a program cycle.
• Repetition: Selection of one of the repeated steps of one bend. Useful if a bend has a repetition value larger than 1. This parameter is visible when the parameter Repetition in Program mode has been set to a value larger than 0.
• Step Mode: Opt between Auto and Step modes. Step mode pauses the process after each cycle, requiring manual restart, offering control over each bend phase.

Utilizing these settings in the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode enables precise and efficient bending, increasing your production line’s effectiveness.

View modes

The screen of the DELEM DA-66S automatic mode is offering a diversity of views which, depending on ones production method, can be chosen. When selecting auto mode for the first time, the main screen will appear. On the right side of the screen the available view modes can be selected.

Following modes are available:

In the DELEM DA-66S automatic mode, the appropriate view can be switched from and to, not changing the bend data. The Start will not jump to Stop while switching view modes.

Main

The DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode offers a streamlined interface that displays critical numerical data and necessary corrections for bending operations.

On the main screen, you can input corrections directly, allowing for real-time adjustments. The splitter control enhances usability by allowing a division between graphical visualization and numerical data. If preferred, the graphical display can be minimized to focus solely on the numerical aspect.

Each column can be scrolled, ensuring comprehensive access to all available data. The graphical view within the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode offers functionality such as zoom, pan, and rotate, providing a detailed perspective of the bend position in the machine.

Additionally, the tool view quadrant automatically highlights the tools in use, ensuring clear visibility. Throughout the bending cycle, the active tool station is indicated, guiding users in selecting the correct station efficiently.

Bend selector

The bend selector in the top of the screen can be used to navigate through the bends. The indicated bends can be tapped to easily select the desired bend data. In the bend selector the turn indicator will be displayed showing green, yellow or red colors to indicate the level of complying the assignments of the bend sequence.

All bends

In the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode, the all bends view mode shows, with or without the opened graphical pane, a table including all bend data. The bends are shown row by row, and the columns display all bend parameters.

Graphical

In graphical view mode a full screen graphical view of the bend process is given.

Optionally the view can be switched to 3D to have the product and machine shown in 3D. This can be toggled.

Changes to the view angle and zoom level will also be used in the smaller graphical visualizations in other view modes.

Optionally the view can be switched to photo view to have an included photo visualised at a specific bend step.

Macro

With macro view mode, the control switches to a view with only large axes values on the screen. This view can be used when working a little remote from the control, still able to read the axes values.

Next to the target position (programmed) also the actual position of all axes can be followed.

Manual positioning

In manual positioning view mode the axes values are shown at large. Axes can be selected and while selected the position can be controlled by turning the hand wheel.

The teach indicator:

When the teach indicator arrow is pressed, standing in between actual value and programmed value, the value is taught to the program step.

External hand terminal (optional)

The manual positioning functionality can be expanded by using an external hand terminal. This hand terminal allows the operator to remotely control the hand wheel functionality, including axes selection and bend selection, and teach found axes positions to the program.

Corrections

The DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode offers comprehensive insights, displaying correction details for every bend. This functionality allows you to review and modify corrections as needed.

When you input a correction for α1, it can be automatically applied to α2 based on the ‘Angle correction programming’ settings. You have the flexibility to maintain the difference between α1 and α2 or to leave α2 unchanged. Direct adjustments for α2 can also be made in its designated field.

A ‘Stored correction’ column becomes visible when the Angle correction database is active. This column reveals correction values stored for each bend. An empty cell means no corrections are saved for that bend type. Any new correction you input will be automatically stored in the database.

The markers ‘>’ indicate bends that have the same value. Utilizing ‘All From Stored’ allows you to seamlessly apply stored database corrections to your current program, aligning all bend corrections as per the database values for consistency and efficiency.

Harnessing these tools in the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode can significantly enhance your bending operations, ensuring precision and performance.

Bend Allowance

The DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode includes a useful Bend Allowance function. This allows users to input entries into the bend allowance table when it is active. Users simply need to provide corrections based on active bend parameters. By inputting a measured value, the system calculates the bend allowance from the difference between the programmed and measured values. To activate the bend allowance table, navigate to Settings mode. This ensures enhanced precision and maximized output efficiency.

Calculate corrections, programming of measured angles

Maximizing output with the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode can be achieved by efficiently utilizing the “calculate corrections” function. This function in the correction window allows you to enter measured angle values, facilitating precise corrections.

When you open the “calculate corrections” window, you can input the measured angle(s). The system then uses the programmed values to determine necessary corrections, displaying both programmed and resulting corrections in the window. By selecting ‘accept,’ these corrections are applied to the main screen.

If only one measured angle is provided, it will be uniformly applied across all related values. Alternatively, distinct left, right, or middle values can be inputted for more targeted corrections. The middle angle, if relevant, translates to an absolute crowning correction.

For those using a protractor device, measured values can be directly entered into the correction field or via the “calculate corrections” window. Once satisfactory, these are moved to the main corrections screen. Direct entry into the correction field allows for adjustments only after a new bend cycle is completed.

Axes corrections can also be made directly on the main screen. If multiple axes are available, switching to a special view mode can streamline all axes corrections, enhancing operational efficiency.

Tool setup

In the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode, tool setup shows the tool configuration which is required for the selected product. In the tool setup view mode also tool properties, next to their required position, can be checked.

In this tool setup view mode no changes can be made to the actual setup. If this is required one has to switch to the Tool Setup menu, outside Auto mode.

Diagnostics

The diagnostics view mode is meant for service purpose mostly. In diagnostics the activities of independent axes can be monitored. I/O on the control system can be followed. In rare situations this information can be helpful to diagnose operation during the bending process.

Notes

Notes can be added generally to a product or program but also to specific bends. Within the notes also PDF documents can have been included. The PDF button will open the document.

Bumping/chaining correction

When utilizing the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode, optimizing bumping or chaining bends can greatly enhance output. This feature becomes available when working with a loaded product that includes a bumping or chaining bend. By accessing Bumping Corr. or Chaining Corr., you can enter necessary corrections in a dedicated window.

Modifying the general correction for an angle will trigger automatic recalculation of all individual corrections. Conversely, adjusting any individual correction will update the general one. Corrections for bumping or chaining can be independently set for both sides, α1 and α2.

If you input a correction for α1, the settings will determine whether this correction is mirrored for α2, maintains the difference between α1 and α2, or leaves α2 unchanged. Any adjustments for α2 require recalculating its individual corrections. To alter α2 values, you can adjust the bumping or chaining correction specifically for α2 or modify its individual corrections. Efficient use of these features ensures precise bends and maximized performance.

Test Bend mode

In the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode, the axes stay in their retracted position after the first bend cycle. If equipped, the part support holds its angle, ensuring there’s no abrupt shift. Once the Test Bend concludes, the Y-axis moves to UDP, pausing the system.

After measuring the angle, you can program a correction and rebend the piece for improved results. The part support, if active, will resume its function as the Y-axis reaches a predefined position. This ensures consistent, efficient operation throughout the bending process.

Shop floor control, Job List function

Jobs can be viewed and managed by tapping on this Job indicator.

To optimize production with the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode, use the Activate product function to seamlessly switch between different batches from the active job list. This ensures efficient transition when a new batch is required.

During production, operators can report the number of trashed products, adjusting the total of unfolded products. The system automatically updates production numbers, though manual adjustments are possible if needed. The comment field allows both operators and managers to add notes for clarity.

Job status indicators help track progress:

• New: no products of this batch have been produced yet;

• Incomplete: the desired number of products of this batch has not been produced yet;

• In progress: this batch of products is currently loaded on the machine and in production,

• Finished: this batch of products has been confirmed as finished.

The job stays active until a new product is chosen in Products mode, and selecting a new product requires reactivation if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Conclusion

Utilizing the DELEM DA-66S Automatic Mode effectively involves strategic product activation, accurate production tracking, and clear communication through job status indicators and comments. These practices enhance your operational efficiency and output quality.

To maximize the capabilities of your DELEM DA-66S, ensure that your team is well-versed in these processes. For further support or to explore additional resources, feel free to contact us or visit our website for more information. Stay proactive in optimizing your production workflow!