ESA S840 manual mode is essential for setup, testing, and maintenance tasks on your HARSLE press brake. Unlike automatic or semi-automatic modes, manual mode does not execute product programs. Instead, it gives you direct control over axis movement, positioning, origin correction, and reference point return. If you need to preset axis backlash, test individual axes, correct positions, or perform machine calibration, this guide will show you how to quickly master ESA S840 manual mode. Whether you’re setting up a new tool, recovering from a fault, or simply verifying axis accuracy, you’ll learn how to move axes safely, correct origins, return to reference points, and understand axis status indicators.

How to Switch to Manual Mode

Switching to ESA S840 manual mode is simple. Click on the navigation bar icon to switch to manual mode. Once in manual mode, the product program cannot be executed. This mode is mainly used for:

• Axis backlash preset
• Positioning tests
• Origin correction
• Slow axis movement

In the manual mode interface, you can view the current position of each axis (Y1, Y2, YB, X1, R1, etc.). If an axis indicator light is highlighted in green, it indicates that the axis has found the reference point and has been positioned at the programmed position.

How to Move Axes in Manual Mode

The most basic operation in ESA S840 manual mode is moving individual axes.

Using the Touch Buttons

On the right side of the screen, there are touch buttons for axis movement:

• Press the button (positive direction) to move the current axis in the positive direction.
• Press the negative direction button to move the axis in the negative direction.
• Release the button, and the axis will stop immediately.

This allows you to jog axes incrementally for precise positioning.

How to Position an Axis to a Specific Value

Similar to semi-automatic and automatic page positioning, ESA S840 manual mode allows you to position the backgauge axes to a desired value.

Step-by-step positioning:

1. Fai clic su current value area of the axis you need to move. The selected area will have a blue background at the bottom.
2. Fare clic su positioning button.
3. In the pop-up dialog box, enter the desired running position and press Entra.
4. After the dialog box disappears, click the pulsante di avvio to execute the axis movement.

When this function is activated, the top information bar will display: “axis positioning” . To exit the positioning function and return to the normal manual operation page, click the manual mode button on the navigation bar. The information bar will then display: “Manual mode” .

How to Perform Origin Correction

In some cases, the axis position may be incorrect – for example, if the axis is set to non-backlash mode or the machine tool is not configured with a backlash switch. In ESA S840 manual mode, you can correct the axis position by modifying the origin. This function is usually only applicable to the rear gauge axes (X, R, Z, etc.).

Step-by-Step Origin Correction

1. Use measuring equipment (e.g., a tape measure or caliper) to obtain the actual physical position of the axis.
2. On the manual page, click on the current value area of the axis that needs correction. The selected area will have a blue background.
3. Fare clic su origin correction button.
4. In the pop-up dialog box, enter the actual measured value e premere Entra.
5. After the dialog box disappears, the current axis position is corrected to the entered value.

Consiglio da professionista: Origin correction is a powerful tool, but use it carefully. Incorrect values will cause all subsequent positioning to be wrong. Always measure accurately before entering a correction.

How to Return to the Reference Point

Before product processing, the machine tool needs to preset reference points for each axis. Otherwise, the machine cannot obtain the correct position and cannot operate normally. When the system is powered on or restarted due to a fault, it is necessary to perform the return to reference point (also called backlash or homing) for each axis.

When you enter the manual page, the backlash status indicators of each axis are all gray (not referenced). After successful referencing, they turn green.

Returning Y1 and Y2 (Slider Axes)

1. Fare clic su back reference point button (usually an arrow symbol).
2. The system prompts: “PM0002 slider needs to be reset: press up” .
3. Attivare il return foot pedal to reset the slider.
4. When Y1 and Y2 complete the return, their status indicators will display in green.

Returning Rear Gauge Axes (X1, R1, Z1, Z2, etc.)

If you need to search for parameters on the rear gauge axes (or when entering semi-automatic/automatic mode), the information bar may prompt: “PM0015 axis is not calibrated, press the start button” .

• Premere il tasto pulsante di avvio to perform the homing routine for the rear gauge axes.
• When X1, R1, Z1, Z2, etc. complete their calibration, their status indicators will turn green.

Important Safety Note Before Returning to Reference Point

Before returning to the reference point, confirm that the current position of the slider is lower than the reference point position. If the slider is at top dead center or above the reference point position, first step on the foot pedal and move the slider downwards to a lower position. Attempting to reference from a position that is already above the reference point can cause mechanical damage or incorrect referencing.

Machine-Specific Behavior

Depending on different parameter configurations:

• Some machine tools will simultaneously perform a backlash action on the slider and rear gauge after pressing the start button.
• Other machine tools only perform a backlash action on the rear gauge after pressing start. In that case, the slider needs to be stepped on or the up button pressed to perform its own backlash action.

Always refer to your specific machine’s parameter settings to understand which behavior applies.

Understanding Axis Status Indicators

In ESA S840 manual mode, the status of each axis is shown by color:

Indicator Color	Senso
Verde	Axis has found the reference point and is correctly positioned
Grigio	Axis has not yet been referenced (homing required)

You can determine the current position of each Y-axis (Y1, Y2, YB) and rear gauge axes (X1, R1, etc.) directly from the manual mode interface.

Common Manual Mode Tasks

Testing Axis Backlash

Manual mode allows you to test axis backlash by moving an axis in one direction, measuring the actual movement, then moving it in the opposite direction and measuring again. This helps you verify mechanical condition.

Presetting Positions Before Programming

Before creating a new program, you can use manual mode to jog axes to desired positions and note the values. This helps you enter accurate program data later.

Recovering from a Fault

If the machine loses position due to a power outage or emergency stop, use manual mode to carefully move axes away from obstructions, then perform return to reference point for all axes before resuming production.

Domande frequenti (FAQ)

Conclusione

Quickly mastering ESA S840 manual mode gives you complete control over axis movement, positioning, origin correction, and reference point return. By understanding how to move axes with touch buttons, position axes to specific values, correct origins using measured values, and safely return each axis to its reference point, you can efficiently set up tools, recover from faults, and prepare the machine for production. Remember to always check axis status indicators (green = referenced, gray = not referenced) and follow the proper sequence for homing, especially ensuring the slider is below the reference point before starting.

For more detailed support on ESA S840 manual mode or any other questions about your HARSLE press brake, don’t hesitate to contact our technical support team. We’re here to help you work safely, accurately, and efficiently.