When it comes to advanced control systems for press brakes, the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode stands out as a leading solution. If you’re seeking to understand what features define the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode, you’re in the right place.

In this article, I’ll explore the key attributes and capabilities that make this control unit a preferred choice for precision metalworking. Whether you’re looking to optimize production efficiency or enhance bending accuracy, this guide will provide valuable insights into how the DELEM DA-69T can meet your needs.

Introduction

The DELEM DA-69T Product Mode is designed to streamline the management and production of press brake operations. In this mode, users can easily select existing, previously produced products or programs to either commence production or make modifications to create similar products. This flexibility is ideal for optimizing workflows and ensuring efficiency in manufacturing processes.

These features empower operators to efficiently manage production tasks, ensuring quick setup, adaptation, and execution, thereby enhancing overall productivity.

The main view

In the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode, the main view provides a comprehensive overview of the program library within the control system. This interface allows users to select, load, and manage product programs efficiently. Each item in the product list is represented by a thumbnail—either a graphical depiction for visual products or a symbol for numerical programs—along with essential details such as Product ID, Product Description, Number of Bends, Product Type, and the Date it was last used or modified.

The product type is categorized as follows:

• P: Product with a CNC program but no drawing.
• -2D: Product with a 2D drawing and no CNC program.
• P2D: Product with both a 2D drawing and a CNC program.
• -3D: Product with a 3D drawing and no CNC program.
• P3D: Product with both a 3D drawing and a CNC program.

If a product program is active, its ID is displayed at the top of the screen. To load a program, simply tap on the Product ID or any other part of the product’s line. For product libraries exceeding the visible screen space, users can easily drag the list upward to access additional products. A single tap on the desired product will select and activate it in the control, streamlining the workflow in the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode.

Views

To view the products as a simple list, or completely graphical, the View function can be used. By tapping View one of the three view modes can be selected.

Product selection

In DELEM DA-69T Product Mode, selecting a product is quick and efficient. A single tap selects and loads the product into memory, allowing immediate production by tapping Auto. Users can easily navigate through the Product’s Drawing, Tool Setup, Bend Sequence, and numerical Program, ensuring streamlined and productive operations.

New Product, starting a new graphical product

In the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode, initiating a new graphical product is straightforward. To get started, simply tap on “New Product”. This action will lead you to the programming phase, where you begin by entering the general details of the new product. Key information required includes the Product ID, Thickness, and Material.

These details are vital as they lay the foundation for precise programming and customization of the product, ensuring that it meets the specific requirements of your production process.

New Program, starting a numerical program

To initiate a program in DELEM DA-69T Product Mode, tap “New Program”. Once selected, input general details such as Product ID, Thickness, and Material. This setup allows you to start programming the first bend, ensuring precise control and customization for your bending operations.

Filter function

In the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode, the filter function enhances usability by enabling live searches to quickly find products. By tapping “Filter”, users can access the filter screen and input desired search terms. These can include Product ID, Description, Type, Thickness, Length, or Date. Searches can be partial or complete, and the system will display all matching results. Different views and specific properties can also be selected for more targeted results. This functionality streamlines navigation and management within the product mode, ensuring quick and efficient access to product information.

Change directory

The DELEM DA-69T Product Mode facilitates effective management of product directories. To switch or add directories, tap “Change Directory”. To remove an obsolete directory, select it and tap “Remove Directory”. Once in the desired directory, tap “Select” to return to the Products screen, which displays all associated products. The current directory name is visible in the header for easy tracking.

To create a subdirectory, use “Make Subdir” and enter a name with up to 24 alphanumeric characters, avoiding slashes (‘/’). Deleting a subdirectory requires it to be empty, with confirmation prompts if files or subdirectories are present. The default “PRODUCTS” directory cannot be deleted.

Although product copying between subdirectories is not possible in this menu, it can be done in Drawing or Program mode. Exiting the product selection menu retains the active subdirectory and product until another is chosen.

This efficient directory management enhances organization and productivity in the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode.

Network product selection

The DELEM DA-69T product mode enhances product management through network directory integration. Once a network directory is mounted, it appears next to the Product directory, indicating its readiness for product selection and storage.

Users can easily navigate, select, add, or remove directories via the directory browser. Selecting a directory brings users back to the Products screen, which displays its products. The chosen network directory becomes the active local directory, and its name appears in the screen’s header.

The system retains the active subdirectory and product until a new choice is made. If the network connection is interrupted, products are saved in a “Recovered” subdirectory, ensuring data safety. The refresh function in Products mode updates the on-screen product library, which is especially useful when working from network locations.

This integration provides streamlined operations, enhancing workflow efficiency in the DELEM DA-69T product mode.

Managing Products: Edit, Copy, Delete, Rename, Move, and Lock/Unlock

The DELEM DA-69T Product Mode offers robust management features that streamline your workflow and enhance productivity. These features are designed for easy operation and provide significant flexibility in organizing and securing your products and programs. Here’s how it works:

1. Deleting Products:
   • To delete a product, simply select it by tapping on it. Once selected, tap “Edit” and choose “Delete”. Confirm the action to permanently remove the product.
   • If you wish to delete all products and programs simultaneously, utilize the “Delete All” option.
2. Copying Products:
   • To copy a product or program, select it, then tap “Edit” and choose “Copy”.
   • You can then program a new name for the product, and the copy will be made. The copied product will appear in the same directory and will maintain the tool setup and bend sequence, if available.
3. Moving and Renaming Products:
   • Products can be moved to a new directory or renamed within the same directory. This is done seamlessly in one step.
   • To move or rename, select the product, tap “Edit”. and choose “Move” or “Rename”. For renaming, enter the new name. For moving, select the new location. The functionality retains the original’s tool setup and bend sequence.
4. Locking and Unlocking Products:
   • To prevent accidental changes to perfected programs or products, use the Lock/Unlock feature.
   • This feature is accessible through “Edit”, allowing you to switch the lock status for any product or program. Locked products remain secure and unaltered unless explicitly unlocked.

These features ensure that the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode not only facilitates effective product management but also secures valuable setups against unintended modifications. This versatility and control help maintain a smooth and productive operational environment.

The DXF import option

DELEM DA-69T Product Mode offers an efficient method for integrating externally created designs through its DXF import functionality. This feature simplifies incorporating CAD-system outputs directly into the control system.

DXF Import Process: Start by clicking the command button above “New Product” to initiate the DXF import option. This action opens a file selection browser where you can choose a DXF file, located on a USB stick or within a network directory.

Ensuring Accurate Imports: For the best results, ensure that your original DXF drawing is accurately created. Bend lines should connect to contour lines to produce a precise product drawing. The DXF Converter can adjust minor inaccuracies if necessary.

DXF File Display: Once a DXF file is selected, the import function window opens to display the file. With layer selection enabled, the drawing appears dashed, indicating that line significance hasn’t been assigned. When layer selection is disabled, the file displays with its original line colors.

This DXF import capability in DELEM DA-69T Product Mode streamlines the process of using detailed external designs, enhancing overall productivity and design accuracy.

Product drawing dimensions

The DELEM DA-69T Product Mode provides two main methods for organizing drawing files, crucial for accurate product fabrication:

1. Projection Dimensions
   • This approach shows the product sides and bend lines at the size of the finished product, not the actual sheet size. It’s a visual representation for organizing the sheet into bends and surfaces.
   • The DXF converter creates a product drawing matching the original design’s dimensions. Additional details like material, sheet thickness, and dimensions are later specified to guide the CNC programming for achieving the intended product. For example, a segment measuring 100 units can result in a product with two 50-unit sides, using outside dimensions.
2. Cutting Dimensions
   • The drawing reflects the actual cut sheet size used for bending. During conversion, material properties and sheet thickness are critical, and bend allowance data is necessary.
   • The converter constructs a 3D product drawing using these dimensions and a bend-allowance table. It is important to use the same table for CNC programming to ensure the final product accurately resembles the DXF drawing.

These methods ensure precise conversion of designs into real-world products, enhancing the functionality of the DELEM DA-69T Product Mode in manufacturing settings.

Bendlines and Layer selection with Line assignment

The DELEM DA-69T product mode offers a sophisticated approach to managing and converting DXF files, which is crucial for precision and efficiency in bending operations. Below are key features that define this mode:

1. DXF Line Assignment

To achieve proper conversion in the DELEM DA-69T product mode, assigning specific product properties to lines within the DXF file is essential. The accuracy of this process directly affects the quality of the bends performed by the machine.

• Layer-by-Layer Assignment: Depending on the DXF file’s content, it is possible to assign bendlines, contours, and additional text information layer by layer. This allows for a more organized and precise workflow.
• Automatic Bendline Detection: If the layer selection is turned off, the system can automatically search and identify the bendlines, simplifying the conversion process.

2. Bend Line Information

The DELEM DA-69T product mode provides comprehensive options for defining bendline information through text annotations next to the lines.

• Angle Information: Text labels can define angle information:
  • Default Bending: Normal air bending represented by positive or negative values.
  • Hemming: Indicated by an ‘H’ followed by the pre-bend angle value.
  • Radius: Shown by an ‘R’ followed by the radius value.
• Flange Direction: Positive values indicate upwards bending, while negative values signify downwards bending.

3. Product Information Management

In addition to the product design, a DXF file may contain supplementary information such as manufacturer details, dimensions, and product descriptions.

• Layer Filtering: When these details are organized into separate layers, users can filter out unnecessary information by selecting specific layers for conversion.
• Layer Selection Settings: Layer selection can be toggled on or off via the main screen settings, affecting how layer properties are assigned and visualized.

4. Layer Selection Options

The layer selection feature in DELEM DA-69T product mode significantly impacts how lines are processed:

• Layer Selection On:
  • Visual Representation: Displays all available layers with symbols for angles, contour, and text.
  • Checkbox Assignment: Users can assign layers to specific properties like bendlines or contour lines.
  • Color-Coded Visualization: Lines are shown in blue (contour lines), red (bend lines), and black (assigned texts).
• Layer Selection Off:
  • Automatic Assignment: The control automatically handles line properties, offering a straightforward approach for users who prefer minimal manual adjustments.

5. Line Selection and Management

The DELEM DA-69T product mode also allows for detailed line selection and management:

• Tap and Drag Selection: Users can select individual lines by tapping or drag to select multiple lines.
• Property Adjustments: Once selected, lines can be deleted or have their properties adjusted, especially when layer selection is on.
• Polyline Splitting: The Split function can divide polylines into separate lines for more detailed editing.

Line selection with layer selection off:

Line selection with layer selection on:

Conversion

The DELEM DA-69T Product Mode offers a streamlined process for converting and managing DXF drawings, ensuring precision and customization in your production workflow. Here’s how this feature enhances your operational efficiency:

Seamless Conversion Process: To begin, once assignments are set, tap the Convert button to initiate the conversion process. A preview of the conversion will be displayed, highlighting any warnings or errors that need attention. During conversion, the DXF drawing is depicted with lines, each representing different aspects: contour line, bend line, and inside contours.

Color-coding aids in quickly identifying line properties after conversion:

• Blue: Represents contour lines, marking the product’s outer boundary.

• Red: Indicates bending lines required for the product.

• Green: Denotes inside contour lines, representing the product’s internal features.

• Black: Assigned texts appear in black for clarity.

Any issues during conversion are flagged with red squares, with additional warnings or information displayed at the screen’s bottom.

Finalizing Conversion: To finalize the conversion, tap Accept. If revisions are necessary, use the Back command to return to the previous step. After acceptance, the converted Product Properties will be visible and open for modifications. Closing this window completes the conversion, with the result displayed in the Drawing section.

Continuing Post-Conversion Efforts: Post-conversion, proceed with tool setup and bend sequence determination, similar to manually drawn products. This systematic approach ensures that products are ready for manufacturing with precision and reliability.

Converting cutting dimensions, with bend allowance info

The DELEM DA-69T Product Mode excels in managing bend allowances during the conversion of DXF files with cutting dimensions. This feature maintains precision by effectively utilizing the bend allowance table.

• Consistent Bend Allowance Usage: During the conversion process, the system reuses the bend allowances applied in the unfolding stage, ensuring accuracy by referencing the control’s bend allowance table and verifying the availability of necessary data for all bends.
• Selection Among Multiple Entries: If multiple bend allowance sets exist, operators can choose the most suitable one, aided by the preferred and calculated radius. Otherwise, a single available set will be used automatically.
• Editing Capability: Should there be no existing entry, the bend allowance table can be updated directly from the pop-up window, allowing the addition of new information effortlessly.

Adding Bend Allowance information manually

The DELEM DA-69T Product Mode simplifies the management of bend allowances, ensuring precise bending operations:

1. Manual Input of Bend Allowance: Bend allowance data from DXF cutting dimension drawings can be entered manually if provided, overriding default calculations.
2. DXF Importation: When a DXF file with included bend allowance values is imported, these values automatically apply to the specified bends.
3. Handling Missing Data: If bend allowance info isn’t available from the table, the system prompts you to select from existing entries or manually input the data before conversion.
4. Activating Bend Allowance Programming: To use manual bend allowance settings in the Drawing function, activate this feature in the product properties. This is automatic upon importing.

These features allow operators to control bending with precision and ease.

DXF Settings

In the DXF converter settings the conversion parameters can be configured. It is possible to store multiple settingsfiles for specific drawing types. Save as and load functions are available.

Conversion Parameters:

• Default Angle: Set a default angle for converting bend lines lacking specified angles.
• Tolerance: Define a tolerance to automatically connect non-connected lines, ensuring seamless conversion.
• Minimal Circle Diameter: Choose a minimal diameter for converting circles, skipping smaller ones.
• Scaling Factor: Apply a factor to revert scaled DXF files to true dimensions.
• Angle and Dimension Definitions: Select between normal and complement angles and choose projection or cutting dimensions.
• Inch/mm Selection: Automatically use mm or inch settings based on control settings.

Advanced Features:

• Layer Selection: Assign conversion properties by layer for enhanced precision.

• Labels and Control Codes: Configure labels and control codes to automate property assignments within DXF.

• DXF File Compatibility: The converter reads various entities like Text, Line, Polyline, and more, supporting ECS coordinates for 3D drawings when in the X-Y plane.

The DELEM DA-69T Product Mode’s robust features streamline the DXF file conversion process, boosting the accuracy and efficiency of metal processing operations.

The 3D import function (Profile-T3D offline only)

This functionality allows users to import .IGES and .STEP files from an external CAD-system, providing an alternative to manual drawing.

Key points of the 3D import functionality:

• Supported File Types: Imports generic .IGES and .STEP files, ensuring compatibility with various CAD systems.
• Initiating the Import: Start by clicking the Import button above New Product, opening a file selection browser.
• File Access: Choose files from a USB stick or network directory by browsing to the desired location.
• Visualization and Conversion: After selecting a file, view it in 3D for assessment before starting the conversion.

Conversion

3D Conversion Process:

Start the conversion by tapping “Convert”, transforming a 3D design into a product with bendlines and specific sheet metal characteristics. The product is displayed with its bendlines. If no imperfections are found, tap “Accept” to finalize and view the product in Drawing mode.

After conversion, proceed with selecting tools and programming the bend sequence to ensure the product meets specifications.

3D CAD File Requirements:

.IGES and .STEP files must meet specific sheet metal design constraints provided by Delem. Files should be intended for press brake processing.

The DXF contour export option

As part of the DXF-option the Export DXF function, on Edit in Products mode and on Transfer (Profile-T), enables the export of any product including the bend deductions as a contour. This contour is stored as a DXF and holds the cutting dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the defining features of the DELEM DA-69T product mode. This advanced control system offers unparalleled precision and flexibility to enhance the productivity of your press brake machine. Remember, understanding its functionalities and implementing best practices can significantly augment your operational efficiency.

Ensuring proper setup and regular maintenance of your equipment is crucial for maximizing its performance and lifespan. By adhering to the discussed guidelines, you can reduce downtime and boost production efficiency. For further assistance, more detailed support, or any queries, please feel free to contact our team. Additionally, you are encouraged to explore more on our website for related documents and insights that could enhance your knowledge about press brake technologies.