The Hybrid Press Brake is the latest evolution of bending in the current market. Over the years, manufacturers have been looking for solutions to reduce the difficulties of standardization and manufacturing sheet metal parts but bending has many variables related to the material and the environment. Through tools, functionalities and technological innovations bending has evolved starting from mechanical presses, similar in terms of operation to eccentric presses for stamping. They are now completely unusable because they do not comply with current safety regulations and cannot be adapted. Promecam RG, French machines are no longer on the market, with a single central thrust point which raises the bench instead of lowering the crossbar. Hydraulic torsion bar presses, they are apparently similar to today's ones structurally but actually have the big limitation of not having independent cylinders. Synchronized hydraulic presses, evolution of the torsion bar machines, make bending easier and more effective, thanks to superior versatility and precision. Electric presses, in reality not widely used. Hybrid presses, represent the latest evolution of bending on the market. The latter contains the best of hydraulic technology combined with an excellent electronic management system. Hybrid bending machines This system upsets many of the set rules that the operators have firmly rooted in their experience. For example, a bad bending is almost always attributable to a piece of sheet metal with a thickness that is inconsistent and poor quality. But when you finally can rely on millesimal positioning of the crossbar, all the defects of the old technologies used up to that moment come up. The hybrid system allows three advantages that no company that wants quality and competitiveness can give up: Greater precision That translates into not only greater reliability on the single piece, but also into great repeatability. The punch always reaches the same low dead point (LDP) to the thousandth of a millimeter each time with consistency. This is also because the oil handled is much less than in traditional synchronized hydraulic presses. This means that the thermal range during operation does not affect the movement of the crossbar at all. Higher speed The hybrid system allows fast and precise crossbar movements. Even if the speed of execution is not only this, it is above all having to make fewer checks and adjustments on the parts produced in order to streamline the process infinitely, increasing productivity exponentially. Reduced consumption It is also under this aspect that the hybrid system gives the best of itself. When you turn on a traditional press you can easily understand that the energy absorption is huge and constant, because of the hydraulic pump that remains always running. All for an operation that takes place in only few seconds. The actual bending of a piece takes very little time compared to the set-up, handling and control phases. The hybrid system only absorbs the energy it needs when the operator activates the bending press. Although it may be an invisible cost, because it is not seen as a living cost, energy saving is absolutely important. So it is worth buying a bending press with a hybrid system, even if it means spending more than traditional systems. Why? Just read the three previous points and the conclusion is drawn! Find out everything you need to know about press bending. Download the free manual that will guide you on what to look for on your new bending press now.
VICLA announces the upgrade of the 3D PROV with two new, exciting features. The new 3D PROV Software Data Rec and Track Prod for an improvement in business performance. Since its launch in the world of metal working, VICLA has been operating with a future-oriented mindset. Bypassing the production of traditional machines and focusing on creating hybrid products. A choice that, together with the high-quality of the materials and components, has allowed the brand to establish itself as an ambassador of the Made in Italy style. This is just an example that proves VICLA's full adherence to every innovation capable of leading the company to ever higher levels of competitiveness. And to a growing processes automation. Through the implementation of interfaces and languages that promote interaction between operator and machine. Creating value with the use of data that enhance the computing ability of the machines. And again with the use of tools interconnected with physical and digital systems and real time adaptations (3D printing, robots, interaction between machines). All features that are at the basis of the definition of Industry 4.0 within which VICLA fully recognizes itself. In this regard, we are pleased to announce that we have taken a further step in this direction. With the upgrade of VICLA’s 3D PROV, designed for the preparation and processing of 3D products. This regards the ability to install two new features. Software that allow the machines, and the companies that use them for their productions, to operate according to Industry 4.0 standards. The first of the two new features is the Data Rec Software. A tool capable of acquiring machine data and inserting it into an sql or access database. It provides detailed information for job scheduling such as the production times of parts, processing in manual, semi-automatic or automatic mode. Basically, it allows access to the data relating to the programming, tooling, test execution on the first part, and running parts times. The second feature is the Software Track Prod. It offers the ability to monitor, view and track data on the company management program with a valorisation of the entire manufacturing cycle. In fact, it provides information, analysis and reports in order to guarantee optimal use of the machine and a remote control Alarm History. A very useful service for identifying critical issues by simply viewing the history of messages sent by the machine. The new functions of the Data Rec and Track Prod Software therefore offer the possibility of identifying any problem. In order to optimize and minimize them. With beneficial effects on business performance and the processe examination. And all while encouraging the development of approaches based on data analysis between operators and the company organization. A significant number of advantages that represent a revolution in the manufacturing systems of companies that choose VICLA brand for their production. Discover how to choose your next press brake: download the free press brake manual now.
The highly competitive market of our days brings companies to travel the road of increasing efficiency and reducing wastes simultaneously. It is really possible to get the two things? Without any doubt, if the card of technological innovation is played. Today, in press brake sector an extremely interesting system to produce more pieces, more quickly and with a special care to environment exists: it's hybrid system by Vicla. It represents the vanguard and the natural evolution of synchronized hydraulic press brakes that, thanks to hybrid technology, reach performances that were unimaginable until some time ago. It is useful to explain why we talk about hybrid technology: first of all because it puts together the best of hydraulic and electrotechnics, managed by exceptional electronics. Let's see its advantages. Producing more pieces Thanks to the presence of two powerful brushless engines, the movement of the cross piece is fluid and extremely precise. The upper tools distort the pieces with extreme precision and repeatability, and the movements reach incredible precision for a completely new bending experience. How many times, if the bending is not precise, the pin is on materials? Well, with hybrid system by Vicla all the limits of the machines we have always used emerge. Having available such a precise lower dead end makes everything simpler: in this way productivity increases. A quicker production Brushless engines, that are quick and precise, are directly connected to two small oil tanks. This means that the machine with the new hybrid system by Vicla has a simpler but more efficient hydraulics. The oil used to activate the crosspiece is much less than that used in traditional hydraulic press brakes. The result is more precision, since hybrid system by Vicla is not affected by temperature variation, as opposed to traditional machines. In this field, a precise machine is without any doubt the best way to increase the speed of pieces execution. 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. Thanks to hybrid system by Vicla, the consumption is linked to the effective use of the machine (which consumes only when it is active). Brushless electrical engines move the crosspiece (consuming energy) only when the pedal is activated, otherwise they are off. 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. Another aspect that makes hybrid system by Vicla really green is the low quantity of oil used compared to traditional hydraulic press. Replacement and disposal costs are drastically cut: in other words, more saving and less environmental impact. In the competition dictated by the market, innovating is not an option anymore, but an obligation. And Vicla proposed to innovate thanks to its hybrid system, by offering performances never seen before, new levels of productivity, precision and saving.
Everybody looks for speed at work, which translates into process efficiency. But what does speed mean? A quick press brake is not that which axels Y, X, R and possibly Z are quicker than the others. The speed of a press brake is compared only to the quality it offers to the whole production process. For this, it is important to know the evolution of technology and the limits that have been gradually overcome: this is useful to choose the quickest machine according to what we produce and what is offered by the market. Speed is, therefore, a partial component that can be reached only along with an evolved press brakes' builder and can be overcome thanks to most suitable suggestions for your needs. But first of all, it is necessary to know more about the obsolete technologies that in the past contributed to reach the current standards. If the three-points bending (see bending manual) is about a relatively simple notion, during the years many technologies have tried to get the same effect, that is the controlled approach of a stamp to a mold in the most precise and quick way. Mechanical press brakes It was the first bending press, now it is obsolete. Connected to a flywheel and with a movement similar to the one given by molding eccentric presses, they gave a focused and apparently rapid push. Indeed, with no precision nor adjustable gauges, the speed of axel Y is not enough to really improve the process. Moreover, they were really dangerous. RG Promecam One of the most historical machines, produced by the French company Promecam that doesn't exist anymore. Unconventionally, it worked the other way around (it went upside to fix stampings, rather that downside). Torsion Bar Hydraulic Press Brakes Apparently identical to synchronized hydraulic press brake still used today, they represent their forerunner. The descent of the two cylinders was synchronized by a system of levers connected to a torsion bar. The limits, instead, were often made by two pieces moved by universal joints that shifted the cylinders setbacks. Synchronized hydraulic press brakes They represent the majority of the machine used today. The two cylinders are independent and moved by the action of dedicated valves. They are a great compromise to reach the speed needed. Also, the technology used is established and reliable: since various tools can be added (multi-axels back gauges, graphic numerical controls and many more), it may represent the most suitable technology for you. Hybrid hydraulic press brakes Sometimes called electrical press brakes, they are the natural evolution of synchronized hydraulic machines. In this case there is a very high speed, thanks to the match between a great precision and the technologies just described. The secret is the presence of two brushless engines that directly move two separate small oil tanks. It follows that speed and precision go hand in hand with reduced consumptions. Electrical press brakes They represent a niche because they are suitable only for specific works. They can be moved by belts or by recirculation screws in traction or in pressure. Another aspect, that may not seem to be connected with speed, is its dimension: this is especially important if thinking in terms of workflow speed and not relying on a single machine. This could be the case of who produces the 80% of pieces or more which bending is under 1500-2000 mm. A valid alternative can be relying on a builder that has on the catalogue a very small and speed machine that does most of the work in terms of variety and tools.
The motor pool updating has become a real necessity for all those entrepreneurs who want to keep up with the market. When choosing the press brake, there are many features to consider since the machinery must be compliant with the company necessities and several requirements in terms of efficiency and performance. Press brakes by Vicla have cutting-edge features that, along with an open and settable software, ensure the possibility to answer all the company needs. .SUPERIOR PRESS BRAKE .Superior is Vicla high-end press brake. The study on the structure flexion allowed to design a press brake that properly responds to mechanical stress. One of the advantages of .Superior is the possibility to upgrade it and to add extras also at a later stage. Thanks to the Hybrid System included in the high-end .Superior press brake, the producer allows to use the hybrid system at the same price of the standard one: this translates into many advantages, especially the energy saving (up to 55% more than standard machines) and oil reduction, also thanks to its dual tanks. The parallel shoulders are a feature of this machine that ensure the precision and speed of back gauges. IRIS AND IRIS PLUS Iris and Iris Plus are two upgrades for .Superior press brake that ensure quicker work cycles thanks to the fact that its gear is at zero millimeters from the sheet and the speed is adjusted according to the pieces in working. Iris Plus ensures precision and speed thanks to this feature and the check of the angle ensures optimal results from the first bending. BEING .FIRST Besides the high working speed that ensures the maximum productivity, other remarkable features are the very quick axles movement, its ergonomic design that - along with its reduced dimensions - allows a perfect management of the machine, a led lighting of the work area, it's quietness, the possibility to customize the tool holders according to the customer's needs and many other features that make it safe and very precise. BE .SMART The little .Smart has been designed for a versatile, functional and flexible production. It has a non-active hydraulic convexity and 4 axels (that can be updated until a maximum of 6) and a 250 mm stroke. .Smart is a traditional machine with the technology of .Superior, completely assembled in Italy by using Italian and European components. An interesting feature is that it reduces flexions to the minimum thanks to the dimension of the blade holder. .Smart cylinders are made from high-resistance shaped bars lapped on the sliding part. VICLA SAFETY WORK Vicla is one of the youngest companies in press brake sector and in only ten years has become an important reference point for national and international markets, reaching Europe and Northern America, thanks to Research & Development and Safety investments, also redefining safety as safety work. Its press brake respects the strictest regulations in force, so as to respect all the standards, including legal ones.
There are several laws and safety certificates to be considered both in Europe and outside, because press brakes are a type of machine that involve many laws according to the safety disposal used on the machine itself. Let’s try to understand the importance and the application fields of such laws, but also legislative decrees of who is subjected to suc obligations and how this can help to choose the best in the field of press brakes. The importance of certifications Products manufacturer are the first to be involved in the field of laws and certifications: once identified the press brake, it is important trying to understand if it respects the standards required by rules or laws. In this regard, we consulted the Inail manual (ex Ispesl) for the safe use of press brakes (Caratteristiche di funzionalità e sicurezza dei dispositivi a protezione del fronte lavorativo delle presse piegatrici idrauliche, Features of functionality and safety of devices to protect the working front of hydraulic press brakes). Legislation is made of already operating State laws (in this case we refer to Presidential Decree of April 27th 1955 n. 547 Norme per la prevenzione degli infortuni sul lavoro, Rules for the prevention of accidents at work), as well as European directives that became laws and apply to machines where there is a significant number of cold working of metals machines. Regulations, laws and decrees in Italy The contents of the said Decree are applied to residential Decree 547/55 to press brakes, more in general to Title IV Norme particolari di protezione per determinate macchine (Special protection rules for specific machines) in chapter VI Presse e Cesoie (Presses and shears): 115 says that presses, shears and similar machines must be equipped with shelters or disposals in order to avoid that hands or other parts of the body are hurt by the stamp or by other mobile working organs; according to 117 a slow movement or other similar disposals or expedients to avoid possible dangers must exist; 78 involves the presence of a foot control; 77 involves set in motion controls; according to 76 every machine must have easy-to-recognize and clearly to access start and stop controls. Safety requirements Therefore, the manufacturer must produce machines that respond to essential safety requirements, but we highlight that the document of a technical rule is mandatory only if it is required by a law, otherwise the manufacturer can insert such rule only on a voluntary basis. Later we will see what are the systems and technologies for which Italy and the European Union get busy. Systems: pros and cons Different systems, different pros and cons. What we have just said about rules and decrees actually reverses on technology: as regards the photo-electric barrier, the limitations of use are those of pieces and boxed of small dimensions, the reflection possibility of infrared rays while using mirroring metal sheets or the danger for the operator if s/he fails to set the muting point; while the pros are the high performances, the possibility to operate with barrier both vertically and horizontally and with every type of tool. The advantage of laser systems that moves with the crossbeam is the possibility to work with little pieces and boxed, and the limitation of use regards a higher muting point and the respect of the safety distance only in particular working condition; the danger is in case of stamp replacement. Old inadequate technologies For the monitoring systems fixed to the press brake board there is laser monitoring that, like inconsistent light monitoring (we will see it later), is no longer representative of the state-of-the-art of these machines. The first one doesn’t ensure a complete protection of the dangerous area, it is obliged to frequent adjustments of the laser beam and, in case of uneven metal sheets, the adjustment is difficult to achieve. Instead, the infrared ray of the inconsistent light monitoring can be reflected by the metal sheet in progress and the ray divergence doesn’t ensure the proper Tx-Rx operation. Now we will try to understand the different features it must have to be considered safe by law. The importance of the various stages “During the design stage, the press brake already has to take into account the security integration principle that concerns not only the use of the press on duty, but also the regulation, maintenance, assembly and dismantling stages” the Inail Security Manual on press brakes quotes. So, the best moment to achieve the goals and secure press brakes is – as can be deduced – during the design stage, because during the metal sheet pressing nothing can be left to chance and to reach such goals we start from the premise that the mchine we want to buy and use must be safer than a spaceship. Factors to be considered Let’s start from this: muting and blanking. Muting is about the fact that press brakes are usually designed so that for a stretch of race, the stamp has a certain speed (e.g. 100 mm/s). Later, at a point called “muting” programmed when the CNC is on board, the stamp continues its race at low speed until it performs the fold (≤10 mm/s). This is possible only if the machine has a hold-to-run device and a system with a photocell system device. Blanking, instead, is a feature available for optical barriers: in some parts of the sensitive field they can be disabled. This means that one or more areas of the detection area of the optical barrier are made inactive to allow a part of the performing piece to enter a detection area without activating the protective device. Suppression can be incorporated into the optoelectronic protective device only as long as the safety distance is such as to guarantee that reaching the dangerous area is impossible. Other security points We know that a single post can’t explain all the topic, so here it is an hypothetical list to consider when buying a good press brake: for example, we need to consider the setting of the physical barriers (guards that can be of two types: fixed, at total segregation, that avoid the access to the dangerous area on all sides, solidly fixed to the machine, to another rigid structure or to the ground; and the one called “interlocked guard” associated to a micro-switch made for avoiding the access to the dangerous area during any dangerous movement, if used along with fixed guards) and intangible barriers (that is, safety photocells made of electro-sensitive protection devices that use opto-electronic protection devices active where the operator safety is given by the detection of that part of the human body that enters the dangerous zone and provokes the stop of dangerous movements). And then, in vertical or horizontal position, laser scanner systems, two-hand control, with other body areas to be protected, such as the front, side and back areas of who works with a press brake are just some of the factors to consider when talking about safety of machinery. Designers, manufacturers and safety Designers have to take all the practical measures to ensure that the devices inserted into the designing machines don’t become a danger for whoever assemble, install, keep or make fixings, while the designers, manufacturers and suppliers of press brakes and individual protection devices have legal duties that must satisfy also all the international laws. Indeed, the different control system such as the two-hand one and the three-position pedal and, more in general, all the press brake control systems and the associated safety components (laser, scanner, and so on) have a primary relevance for press brakes. Considering all the features just listed, a greater security will be achieved, even when buying a used product: wide and well stocked and, as we noticed, that every manufacturer has in the company.
Various factors influence fast and precise part manufacturing. With the possibility of remote programming and use of innovative systems for thickness detection, active crowning and angle control. VICLA has qualified, young engineers and technicians working for it. With an open mentality capable of designing fast and flexible solutions, designed for optimal operation of the entire bending presses machining process: from profile to manufacturing of the part. What you expect from an artisan is part precision, fast execution and the ability to group multiple processes in a single machine. VICLA bending presses, from the .SUPERIOR for large-sized bends to the .FIRST, a compact bending press for small and medium-sized formats, are equipped with systems for programming on the machine and from remote. Programming is guaranteed by the numerical control systems on board enabling enhanced quality of the parts, while at the same time reducing production costs and times. Programming from the office also enables the possibility of reducing operator intervention to a minimum, also in relation to difficulties of finding specialist staff. The first step to achieve part production involves drafting a 2D drawing (dxf or dwg) or 3D drawing (iges or Step). The cad/cam system on VICLA bending presses can host 2D and 3D files through a USB interface or a network card and recognises the bending lines and tools to use. This is how the software automatically calculates the profile, thickness and type of material, the development of the sheet metal as well as the bending sequence, force, positioning of the axes and crowning. Perfection of the part and rapid and error-free realisation also depends on other factors, such as detection systems for thickness, active crowning and angle control. Technical prerogatives finding ample use in VICLA bending presses.
Here is a quick tour of the dates and stop-offs in the world of trade shows. Where to find the best in sheet metal processing. In addition of course to the prerogatives of efficiency, stability and precision, in a rapidly growing, competitive market, as is the sector we work in, the quality of a sheet metal working machine is measured above all through the technological innovations with which it is equipped. Innovations which can gain maximum visibility at all the international fairs: excellent showcases and privileged meeting points for those who work in the world of sheet metal, and the industry's decision makers who are looking to discover the latest technological innovations to improve production efficiency. From those related to finished or semi-finished products to moulds, from CAD/CAM/CIM systems to the latest strategies in research and development. For these reasons, the success which comes from participating in a trade show for a brand such as VICLA® is a sign that the company is taking steps in the right direction, giving credence to their day-to-day efforts as they journey towards seamless perfection. Evidence of this can be seen from their last participation in the 2016 Euroblech trade show in Hannover, and that of Lamiera 2017 in Milan, important events that have enabled the VICLA® brand to become known and appreciated by a large number of interested and competent operators. With the view to providing a useful service to all those with a passion for the world of sheet metal processing, here below you will find information on the key stop-off points of the international trade show network. Starting with the most recent event, which took place just a short time ago in Poland from 6 to 9 June: the Mach-Tool Poznan annual trade show, which is one of the largest trade shows in Europe featuring the latest technologies in a wide variety of industrial sectors. Such as metallurgy, casting and welding, painting, hydraulics and pneumatics. The next upcoming European event in chronological order is in the Czech Republic with MSV, the 59th edition of the International Engineering Trade Fair, to be held in Brno from 9 to 13 October 2017. This is the most important event in the sector in Central and Eastern Europe which sees all the major sectors from the mechanical industry taking part and which traditionally enjoys the presence of a significant number of Italian companies from the sector. Event numbers are impressive: 1.500 exhibitors, and 75.000 visitors from 59 different countries. Once again in Europe, from 7 to 10 November 2017, operators in the sector will shift their attention to Stuttgart in Germany for the 13th Blechexpo, the international trade fair for sheet metal working: the only event in the world that deals with the complementary technologies of sheet metal processing and joining technology, an extensive trade fair with a focus on mechanical and thermal joining and connecting procedures, and thermal welding processes. Moving overseas to the USA, from 6 to 9 November 2017, the Fabtech Chicago trade show will be held, America's biggest metal forming, fabricating, tube & pipe and welding trade show, An event that can host over 35.000 visitors from all over the world with over 1.100 exhibitors. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, in Shanghai in China, from 7 to 11 November 2017 the MWCS will take place, the major Asian trade show in the sheet metal processing industry, with a particular focus on intelligent production systems, digitalised technologies, and flexible, integrated systems. An event that has drawn audiences of over 120.000 trade visitors from all over Asia. We then head back to Europe, once again in Germany, from 23 to 26 October 2018 for the Euroblech Hannover: the World's no.1 for innovation in sheet metal working event, an eagerly awaited date for industry professionals, with a large trade show area devoted to the latest in technology and innovation. The last edition, held in October 2016, proudly saw our brand's participation with the launch of our SUPERIOR press brake, the flagship of VICLA products, on an international stage. It was an amazing success in terms of sales and marketing.
Equip the .SUPERIOR press brake with CNC controlled bending supports to optimise bending of large sheets such as panels or doors. This system increases productivity, halving operator’s intervention. Moreover, since the bending supports hold the sheet properly during processing, the deformation risks are zero. WATCH THE VIDEO
These are input we look for continue whit determination on the progressive innovation way. Today we ask an opinion about brand VICLA to Mr Danilo La Croce from company LMC, Pinerolo (TO), which produce on drawing for third parties, specialized in cutting and bending, going from thin sheet metal to the thicker one. “I found Vicla through the web site” he says, “and I bought a press brake .SUPERIOR 3 m 170 t, equipped whit clever crowning and with the possibility of frontal punch release. It’s a machine really fast. It allows me to go from a configuration to another one in rapid times. We learned to use the machine quite quickly.: a half-day briefing with Vicla technician was enough and then I didn’t have much difficulty. I have read the cnc manual and I learned all during a week, even if some details we will learn with time.” Mr Danilo Lacroce shows enthusiasm also about VICLA services: “it’s a machine built on my specific needs. During the pre-sales moment VICLA gave me all information I needed and I received the machine in the established times. Post-sales service and assistance is professional and complete too.” Thank to Mr Danilo Lacroce for the time you’ve been devoted to us: the opinion who, uses our machine all days is very precious for us.