Press brakes are essential tools in metal fabrication, but neglecting their maintenance can have serious consequences. Just like any other machine, press brakes are susceptible to wear and tear that can lead to breakdowns, reduced efficiency, and even safety hazards.
Press brakes are essential machines in metal fabrication, designed to bend sheet and plate metal into various shapes.
There are many different options for generating force and moving the ram. This results in many different types of press brake, such as hydraulic press brakes, cnc press brake, electric press brakes and hybrid press brakes.
This guide will show you the daily, weekly and monthly procedures we recommend. In addition, there is a list of procedures to be carried out at least once a year in order to keep your press brake in perfect working condition at all times.
Always bear in mind that these are routine procedures; for more serious problems, always rely on our VICLA qualified technicians.
Imagine the impact of a press brake malfunction in the middle of a critical production run. Downtime translates to lost revenue, delayed deliveries, and frustrated customers. Studies show that metalworking companies experience hundreds of hours of downtime per year due to equipment failure.
The financial impact goes beyond immediate downtime. Unmaintained press brakes are more likely to experience:
There's no single "silver bullet" approach to press brake maintenance. The optimal strategy depends on factors like your usage patterns, the age of your machine, and your budget. However, a proactive approach offers the best return on investment. Consider implementing a combination of practices:
Is done before a failure occurs and consists of maintenance types like:
Time-Based Maintenance, Failure Finding Maintenance, Risk-Based Maintenance, Condition Based, Maintenance and Predictive Maintenance.
Is done after a failure has occurred either as Deferred Corrective Maintenance or as Emergency Maintenance.
By investing in a comprehensive press brake maintenance plan, you can improve your machine's efficiency, longevity, and safety. This ultimately translates to a more robust manufacturing operation, increased profitability, and a competitive edge in your industry. Remember, preventive maintenance is an investment, not an expense.
Planned Preventive Maintenance includes inspections, checks, and interventions to maintain the condition of wear parts and machine lubrication, preventing failures and malfunctions. While these operations are relatively simple, they must be performed by qualified staff.
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining a press brake's optimal performance. Dirt and debris can accumulate, increasing friction and leading to component wear, potential breakdowns, and reduced accuracy. A clean work environment also helps minimize the frequency of machine cleaning.
Proper lubrication is essential for ensuring smooth operation, reducing wear and tear, and extending the lifespan of your press brake. Lubricants help minimize friction between moving parts, preventing excessive heat buildup and potential damage.
Press brakes have various lubrication points, each with specific requirements. Some parts may need weekly lubrication, while others might require less frequent attention. The exact lubrication schedule depends on the press brake's design and operating conditions.
Common lubricants for press brakes include:
Excessive lubrication can lead to the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can counteract the benefits of lubrication. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for lubrication intervals and quantities.
Regular lubrication, combined with proper cleaning and inspection, is a key component of effective press brake maintenance. By adhering to lubrication guidelines, you can significantly improve your machine's performance and longevity.
Regular inspections help identify potential problems before they escalate, saving time and money. Conduct visual inspections at regular intervals, both when the machine is stationary and in operation. This allows you to identify any signs of wear, damage, or misalignment.
Test all components, including safety devices, controls, and moving parts, to verify their proper operation. Create a comprehensive checklist to guide your inspections. This ensures thorough coverage of all critical areas and helps you track maintenance history. Note any areas of concern or potential issues in your inspection checklist for further investigation or corrective action.
Ensuring accurate calibration of components like the back gauge is essential for maintaining precision in bending operations.
These systems require specific attention to prevent malfunctions and safety hazards.
Before cleaning, you must prepare the machine to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues.
We recommend the following procedure:
At the start of the work shift, inspect the machine and check that the table and die area are free of residues from the previous shift.
When combined with correct press brake use, scheduled maintenance makes a significant difference to its performance and efficiency.
When carrying out maintenance or repair work, always follow the instructions in your press brake maintenance manual carefully.
Here is a generic list of precautions you should observe:
In this guide we have seen how to keep your press brake in good working condition. In fact, a clean machine is also a monitored machine, because damage or small oil leaks can appear at any point.
Now that you know what to do every day, every week and every year, you can create a complete maintenance schedule for your press brake.