Correctly performing ESA S929 ram reference is an obligatory step after powering on your press brake. Without referencing the ram, you cannot enter the automatic phase or execute any work program. The back‑gauges axes reference, on the other hand, is facultative – but it is highly advisable whenever you suspect that the axes may have been moved manually while the control was off. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact procedure to reference the ram, explain why it is mandatory, and show you how to verify that the axis is correctly referenced (the red square turns green). You will also learn how to optionally reference the back‑gauges. By the end, you’ll be able to safely and quickly prepare your ESA S929 for automatic bending.

Step‑by‑Step – How to Correctly Do ESA S929 Ram Reference

Follow these steps carefully. The procedure uses the press brake pedals and the control panel.

Step 1 – Press the Reference Button

On the ESA S929 control panel, locate and press the button.

This tells the control that you want to reference the ram.

Step 2 – Lower the Ram If Needed

If the ram is currently in the up position, you must first lower it slightly to enable the referencing movement. Press the down pedal (usually the right pedal or a dedicated down pedal) to move the ram downward a few millimeters.

Step 3 – Raise the Ram to Find Reference

Now press the up pedal. The ram will automatically move upward until it reaches the reference position (typically a mechanical switch or an encoder index pulse). Once the axis is referenced, the control will stop the movement.

Step 4 – Verify the Reference Status

Look at the axis position display on the screen. Beside the ram position value, a red square will turn green when the reference is successfully completed.

This is your visual confirmation that ESA S929 ram reference has been done correctly.

Step 5 – Ready for Automatic Mode

After the ram is referenced, the machine is ready to run programs in automatic mode. You can now load a program and press START.

How to Repeat the Reference Without Powering Off

If you need to repeat the ram reference procedure (for example, after a manual movement or if you suspect an issue), you do not need to reboot the NC. Simply:

• Press the button below.

• Press the up pedal. The ram will re‑reference itself.

Optional Reference – Back‑Gauges Axes

While correctly doing ESA S929 ram reference is mandatory, referencing the back‑gauges axes (X, Z, R, etc.) is optional but recommended. The current back‑gauge target positions may be incorrect if an axis was moved manually when the numeric control was off.

When to Reference Back‑Gauges

• After a power cycle, if you are uncertain about the back‑gauge positions.
• If you manually pushed or turned the back‑gauge screws while the machine was off.
• As a daily best practice for high‑precision work.

How to Reference Back‑Gauges Axes

• Press the button on the control panel.

• Then press another button.

• The back‑gauges axes will move toward their reference points. Once referenced, the red squares next to each axis position reading will turn green.

Troubleshooting Common ESA S929 Ram Reference Issues

Even when following the correct procedure, you may encounter occasional problems. Here is how to resolve them.

The Ram Does Not Move When Pressing the Pedal

• Cause: The reference button may not have been pressed first, or the machine is still in a fault state.
• Solution: Press the reference button again. Check for any alarm messages on the screen. Reset the control if needed.

The Red Square Never Turns Green

• Cause: The ram may not have reached the reference switch, or the switch is faulty. The axis might be at its mechanical limit.
• Solution: Manually jog the ram down a few centimeters using the pedal (with reference mode active), then try raising again. If the problem persists, contact maintenance.

The Machine Still Does Not Allow Automatic Mode After Referencing

• Cause: Other axes (e.g., back‑gauges) may require referencing even if optional. Some machine configurations require all axes to be referenced.
• Solution: Perform the optional back‑gauges reference procedure. Also, check that no emergency stops are active and that all safety gates are closed.

The Ram References but the Position Value Seems Wrong

• Cause: The reference point may have been set incorrectly in the parameters, or the encoder is drifting.
• Solution: Perform a full power cycle and repeat the reference. If the issue remains, recalibrate the axis reference position using the machine parameters (requires service level access).

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Conclusion

Correctly doing ESA S929 ram reference is the first and most critical step after powering on your press brake. By following the simple pedal procedure – press the reference button, lower the ram if needed, then raise it – you ensure that the control knows the exact ram position. The green square confirmation gives you peace of mind. Remember, ram reference is mandatory; back‑gauges reference is optional but recommended for precision. If you ever encounter issues, use the troubleshooting tips above. Now that you know how to correctly perform ESA S929 ram reference, you can confidently move on to loading and running your bending programs. For further guidance, refer to the ESA S929 operator manual or contact our HARSLE technical support team.