VICLA press brakes are made based on strong features: frame sturdiness, maximum efficiency, and outstanding bending accuracy. For top quality that is also expressed through the most advanced and innovative technical solutions. An example of such a solution is 3D PROV, programming software for preparing and processing 3D products that offers multiple benefits. Such as the use of automated systems that can speed up the management times of the entire process (from design to finished product), minimum downtimes thanks to the offline programming feature, fewer discarded pieces thanks to collision control during bending sequence, tool library compatibility that allows for checking the availability of the tools required for production. Some of the main features of the 3D PROV are: Direct import from SolidWorks, Solid Edge and Inventor; Import and development of 3D parts in IGES and STEP formats; Automated and manual setup based on the type of material, machine and tool properties; Automated and manual bending sequence with collision control; Automated and manual calculation of retainer position and ledge with interactive graphical control on all axes; Automated calculation of retainer retraction; 3D simulation of the bending process with collision control; Detailed report on machine setup stations, also including bending sequences, used tools, graphical information, and bending specifications. The 3D PROV programming software ensures maximum efficiency in tool selection, based on bend radius, maximum press brake force, collision control, and the availability of different tool types and splits. To make the machine even more efficient, you can have full control over the hemming process, because the software allows you to set the default tools for automatic recognition as well as the pre-bending angle (default and editable value). 3D PROV can also calculate the bending parameters automatically to avoid any collisions, taking account of the availability of tool splits, horn tools and inward back-bending. Full manual control with split of complete bends into partial bends and the option to set the pre-bending angle and interactive change of the bending sequence order. For retainer positioning, 3D PROV offers automatic and manual backgauge control options with automatic 3D simulation (retainers, tools, piece to bend, machine frame) and collision control with all parts in motion. The software also provides a full setup report, from bending sequence instructions to charts containing detailed information for each bend.
A modern CNC press brake can cut down on maintenance costs while improving the production performances. Over the years, manufacturers have been developing different solutions to improve the performance of their products. Through tools, functionalities and technological innovations sheet metal press brakes have evolved starting from mechanical presses to hybrid cnc press brakes. Recently we have produced two hybrid cnc press brakes to a Russian company specialized in metal and alloy processing for the design and furniture sectors. The need to reduce production costs, create many product prototypes and complete orders in a short time, were the reasons that convinced the company to buy our cnc hybrid press brakes. Scroll at the bottom to read the technical specs of these two industrial press brakes. Let's now have a closer look at the real benefits of a hybrid sheet metal press brake. Hybrid cnc press brake: less consumption and environmental impact In a traditional hydraulic press, a big pump is constantly active, whether the machine is working or not. In this way there is high and useless energy and heat dissipation. VICLA's hybrid system allows the machine to consume energy only when the pedal is activated. This means that the consumption of the press brake is minimum when tools are changed and, in general, during those steps in which the crosspiece is not involved. Low oil consumption is another key point. The quantity of oil used in our bending machines is dramatically low compared to traditional hydraulic press. Small oil tanks translate into many advantages, such as: more savings less environmental impact less maintenance costs A quicker production The brushless engines are directly connected to two small oil tanks. The advantage is that the cnc press brake is more precise and is not affected by temperature variation, as opposed to traditional machines. Moreover, such as in the case of hybrid press brakes that we have recently sent to Russia, the addition of high-tech devices to perfectly control both the bending precision and the structural flexions of frames, allow to achieve unrivaled performances. CNC press brakes: special configuration We recently produced two hybrid sheet metal press brakes for a client based in Russia and specialized in the processing of high-end furnitures. The company requirements in terms of adds-on and personalization included the choice of adding two special devices that control the bending precision and the structural flexions of the frames. See below the detailed configuration of each hybrid cnc press brake. Hybrid CNC sheet metal press brake VICLA .SUPERIOR 50/20 Backgauge with axis X-R managed by CNC Two backgauge fingers CNC ESA 650 Hydraulic crowning system managed by CNC Optical scales and high speed photocellls IRIS LazerSafe Tooling set for punches and dies Main power 5,5kW Oil capacity 80l Hybrid CNC sheet metal press brake VICLA .SUPERIOR 110/31 Backgauge with axis X-R managed by CNC Two backgauge fingers CNC ESA 650 Dynamic hydraulic crowning system managed by CNC (Clever Crowning) Management of the structural flexions of the frames (Flex System) Optical scales photocells with double optical path Lazersafe Manual quick system clamping of the punches Tooling set for punches and dies Main power: 11kW Oil capacity 50l + 50l Call us or contact us for more information Now that you now exactly how a hybrid cnc press brake can improve your production, you may want to receive a personalized quotation. Use our online configurator or contact us by filling out this form. Our international team will be more than happy to provide you with all the necessary information you need.
Superior in every aspect, even in terms of power saving, low consumption and environment protection. .SUPERIOR is a sheet metal press brake made by VICLA, able to bend and cut the costs of the entire manufacturing cycle, reducing them to a minimum, while speeding up the production times to maximum velocity. Hybrid System The standard version is equipped with an innovative hybrid system and comes at the same price as a traditional machine, ensuring exceptional power savings and a massive reduction in oil consumption thanks to the use of the double tank. The results in numbers of this technological innovation are: power savings of up to 55%, significant oil consumption reduction (e.g.: 2X40 litres – press of 110 t), output increased by 20%, 20% decrease in fast-up limit, 50% decrease in oil temperature, risk of leakages reduced by 70%, tank volume reduced by 50%, and 50% faster and easier installation. With VICLA Hybrid System, the piping system is reduced by up to 60%. Hybrid System Plus All these advantages translate into greater performance of the manufacturing system and perfect finished products. In one word: quality. Not only in terms of stability of the frame and the bending precision, but also with regard to power saving and environment protection. The Hybrid System is a standard feature included in the standard version of the .SUPERIOR press brake, but the system is however extremely versatile: optional features and accessories or custom-made solutions are also available, depending on every production requirement. Hybrid System Plus: the system that cuts down consumption to 78% compared to traditional machines and to 23% compared to the standard Hybrid System. This is VICLA’s pursuit to ensure absolute quality. Daily investments in research and development, entrusted to highly skilled engineers and staff with top qualification and skills in metal working. Ongoing efforts that show the first evidence of achievement of new and important goals. First of all, an innovative system for automated die change will be shortly completed.
The word “efficiency” is mostly associated to “saving”. Even if the link between the two is real, because a saving - be it a material, energy, time or fatigue saving – is very often the result of being efficient, they are two very distinct factors. Making a system, a production line, a process or just a single machine efficient means being able to make the most of what is available, its features and resources, elements that must work together to give the best possible result on the basis of the goals to be achieved. All this, paying attention to reduce waste. The heart of machine: the work area The possibility to customize a machine based on the specific operative needs of the company that will use it becomes an important thing to improve its production efficiency and, thus, it's competitive ability. Talking specifically of metal sheet working machines, such as industrial presses, the work area is an important element. From this station, machine operations are managed and production flow is set: for this, it is essential trying to ensure the best man-machine interaction, from which a relevant part of the final quality of what is produced depends. Comfort during the working stages and ergonomics of the station are the first two elements one thinks to: they are surely important, but not the only ones to be considered; the following factors are determinant as well: the adaptability of the work area, that allows to safely manage all the processing stages and to smartly pass to different tasks, ensuring in this way the production of different lots - also small ones - minimizing times; the custom setting of the station for an ideal access to tools; machine layout, so as to adapt it to the space in which it will be placed; safety, strictly respecting the relative current legislation. The cornerstones of efficiency In general, in the search for efficiency both generic elements, that is common measures that can be applied to any working condition, and specific factors based on the specificity of any single production or production exigency intervene; so they can differ depending on the situation, even when they interests the same type of machine. In this way, the search for efficiency becomes a real company strategic process that pivots on some fundamental factors (besides what has just been considered): collaboration supplier-user. Being able to understand and interpret a company necessity becomes the pass for new market shares. Starting from the design stage - just think of what has been already said about work area - the comparison with the customer allows to realize custom solutions, able to make a unique product from a standard one and to indulge the user company needs. the ability to look at the market, to understand its trends and, if possible, to anticipate them paying attention to innovation. Projecting solutions that can ensure high performances, energy and resources saving and a reduced environmental impact is part of this ability. relying on expert and certified suppliers. Choosing the right partner determines the final quality of the machine, in terms of material quality, speed in the answer and respect of delivery times, that need to be quicker and quicker. providing structured pre and after-sales able to respond to its customer needs, possibly by offering custom solutions. From planning consultancy to supply of spare parts, from assistance to maintenance, the service offered - on the ground or remote - needs to be professional, precise and prompt. investing in a continuous R&D (Research and Development) that focuses on the most innovative materials, components and technologies. Facts show that this approach is a valid one: the company that could develop flexibility in the management and realization of their machines have been able not only to keep, but also to increase their market shares, even during the long years of economical crisis. Basically, becoming efficient to ensure in turn solutions that make efficient the production process of customer companies.
When we talk about problems in engineering production and, more specifically, of a press brake, we are tackling an issue that represents a huge source of waste. In fact, a given problem can affect several parts of a machine tool and generate others within the entire production flow. In the field of press brakes, we can make two major distinctions, between: problems when purchasing problems arising over time The former are mainly linked to a lack of attention when it comes to its design and construction. In particular, the aspects that inevitably turn into problems are: Lack of structural precision There is no denying that machines offered at cheap prices and which come from countries where quantity is preferred over production quality, cannot boast an acceptable constructive attention. So, among the issues we can immediately encounter on a press brake, there are the poor alignment of the beam and the bed, and the perfect parallelism between the frames. But there’s more: also the perpendicularity of the assembled elements and their respect for dimensional tolerances. All this translates into lack of bending precision. Quality of the moving parts and their management We refer to cylinders and optical lines, but also and above all about the backgauge. In particular, in the latter element you can immediately see the construction quality of the press brake, the speed of the movements, their precision and the speed with which the matching parts are positioned, as well as how they stop. Robustness. It might seem self-evident, but it’s not. Always be wary of press brakes with structures that are too thin. Regardless of whether our core business is focused on making thin gauge parts, it is not acceptable for a single different process to irreparably damage our press brake. Deflections must be compensated for by special systems, such as camber, but they must not be excessive due to an undersized structure. The distortions of the machine, in fact, do not affect only the beam, but also the frames with the opening, the so-called “yawn. Instead, the problems encountered over time are often linked to poor build quality, which comes in the form of: Irreversible distortion of the machine or components It is not acceptable that the structure of a bending press undergoes irreversible distortions, nor that fundamental accessories such as, for example, intermediaries undergo it. When the structures are thin sheets or of unsuitable material, they can yield under not too excessive tensions. Overall unreliability A press brake is only apparently a simple machine. In reality it is an orchestra of components that must be chosen and manufactured to perfection, and which must also last over time. Cylinders, fittings, recirculating ball rails, motors, bearings, encoders: every single part, even the smallest, if it stops working creates a much bigger problem. Scarce availability of spare parts subject to wear or failures The reliability of the components, as well as the availability of spare parts are closely linked to the price of the press brake. What is the point of spending a low sum if the press brake not only breaks down continuously, but is also difficult to repair? The problems of a press brake, even if we refer strictly to the machine and not the supplier or after-sales service, turn out to be the biggest causes of all the waste of money that a company is forced to face. A press brake that does not function correctly could still manufacture parts, but the time spent in constant adjustments and fine-tuning is a bleed of money that no business can afford. Choose your next press carefully: find out what you need to know in the bending manual, which you can find for free below.
The ease of use of the Vicla CNC also for inserting a matrix in the library. The efficiency and reliability of a press brake is also measured by the machine's ability to allow simple and accurate programming of each type of processing. Vicla® presses are designed to offer the best in terms of operator control. This video tutorial shows metalworking enthusiasts how to quickly and easily insert a matrix into the library through programming on the Vicla CNC. First of all, you must select the icon of the matrix list and choose between new designated or default matrix. Let’s say we want to insert a matrix through the second option. Now all we have to do is set the following data: the height, the angle of the slot, the measure of the V, the distance between the center of the V and the side of the matrix, the height of the base, the radius that is detected from the data of the matrix, and finally the load. Now all you have to do is save the entered data and name our matrix. Once back in the library, it will be possible at any time to recall the saved matrix with all its stored data.
SET UP A WORK STATION FOR IMMEDIATE CALCULATION OF Z AND BENDS. A few simple steps to create a CNC workstation on a VICLA® press brake. In this short video tutorial we’ll show you how the operator can quickly and easily create one or more workstations by programming on the CNC. First, access the Tools menu and enter the tool name and the tooling values of the punch and die (initial quantity and length). The position of the tools on the press brake is now established and work station n°1 is created. To set station n°2 just repeat the steps. At this point you can calculate the Z value and set, for example, bend n°1 on station n°1 and bend n°2 on station n°2. In this way you obtain 2 different values of Z.
From VICLA’s CNC it is possible to insert the punch in the list through a few simple and quick steps. Programming on VICLA CNC is simple and intuitive. It is in fact designed to optimize processing times, minimize machine downtime, and increase press brake productivity. In this video tutorial we’ll show you how easy it is to insert a punch in the tools library. First you need to access the punches menu and choose the type of punch you want to insert in the library. From the standard and gooseneck punch, to the acute punch up to the reverse clamp one. For example, if you wish to create a new classic punch, all you have to do is just enter all the punch data, available from the catalogs of the manufacturers, such as height, bend angle and all parameters. Then simply save the recorded data with a name, to add the punch in the library list.
CNC graphics program: VICLA PRESSES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TECHNOLOGIES ABLE TO PROVIDE QUICK AND PRECISE SOLUTIONS.
The scenario is typical of today's market: huge workload, unmatched pieces, very high level of quality required and strict deadlines Everything seems to be going smoothly. The machine bought at a terrific price is turning out to be a real bargain: it folds everything and seems to be having no issues. The operator has finally adapted to the new press brake and his hands run as fast as the wind on the buttons of the CNC. Suddenly the unexpected happens: the operator presses the pedal, the press emits an unusual sound, as if it were unable to stand the pressure. The beam lowers, first aligned, then it goes down on one side. At the same time, a yellowish trickle pours down from the crankcase of one of the two cylinders. The situation is clear: the press brake is broken. The moment in which the damage occurs, you start counting your losses, an activity that bears the name of calculation of lost earnings from lost profit. It is difficult to quantify the waste of money, only after careful analysis is it possible to have a plausible estimate of its extent. It must be said that, unfortunately, collecting data costs time and effort. However, if we do not rely on precise and reliable numbers, we will not have an indication of which ones are the really convenient choices for our company. This is why it is very important to catalog the costs of a machine downtime. Some are intangible and difficult to estimate, but most are absolutely recognisable in a short time, by answering a few simple questions: 1) How much does your press brake operator cost? A bender is usually a skilled worker, so he is not the one with the lowest salary as he creates some type of added value. From the moment this element goes missing, the cost for the company immediately begins to have a certain weight. He could, perhaps, devote himself temporarily to other tasks, but the bending department will certainly travel at reduced speed due to machine downtime. 2) How much does the assistance cost? It depends on whether an agreement has been made with the manufacturer. Often, if the machine is not new, you can turn to the parent company service or to freelance technicians. In any case, there is an hourly cost to be incurred, which obviously increases in relation to the duration of the repair. 3) How much do the spare parts of our press brake cost? And let's add, how easy is it to find them? Their cost is what we immediately see, but the difficulty in finding them immediately extends the downtime, increasing the cost of the first point, and all the others that we will see later. Among the costs that cannot be quantified quickly, but that can have heavy implications, there are what we could define as risks, including: Stress of the adjacent units In other words, it means that the work that the faulty press brake does not do must be disposed of by the other machine(s) present in the company. Often this leads to an acceleration of processes which can increase the chance of error. Or, the need to increase the hours of employees, or add a shift for the entire downtime. All this has an obvious impact on the total cost of the breakdown. Manufacturing outsourcing. Contacting a workshop that carries out our same business could be a solution to temporarily solve the problem of halted deliveries. Obviously the cost of labor will be different, and is added to all other costs determined by the machine downtime. Delivery delays. This is the worst risk that a subcontractor can face, together with the non-conformity of the processed parts. Unfortunately, the consequences of this disservice can be different and depend on the type of relationship with your customers. With some, a late delivery can result in a penalty, which partially or totally affects your earnings. With others it can lead to the end of the business relationship, especially when it has just begun. So, you should always ask yourself how much does a downtime cost? whenever you’re choosing the supplier and the press to buy. It is necessary to look beyond appearances to see beyond the price! Choosing your next press is therefore a crucial choice that will determine your production. Choose the one that suits you best: trust the experts!