When it comes to buying a CNC folding machine there are lots of things to think about. Bulldog Industrial is therefore offering some helpful tips to help smooth the process.

Firstly, there are many different types of CNC folding machines, which can lead to a lot of confusion when trying to decide what type of machine would be the best. For example, if seeking a hobbyist-type machine for smaller projects, an entry-level CNC folder will likely suffice.

If, on the other hand, the intention is to produce large quantities of products in high volume, a professional-grade machine will be necessary.
It is also important to think about whether the machine has to be portable or stationary. Finally, consider what type of software it comes with. Luckily, there are many different types of software for use with a CNC folder. The type of software ultimately depends on needs. If seeking software for a general purpose CNC machine, it might make sense to choose a folder that has many options available. Take into account the budget how often program changes will be required.

When buying a CNC folding machine, it is important to purchase one that is certified. Look for a manufacturer that will put a seal on the machine, and make sure the folder is ready to go right out of the box. Furthermore, verify that the machine has been tested by an independent third party.

Another tip is to find out how many hours have been clocked on the machine before it was sold. This ensures that the machine is new and has not been sitting around for long periods of time without use. The more hours spent on a machine, the more risk there is of something going wrong.

For further information
www.bulldog-uk.com

Sudbury-based Daro Manufacturing Services, part of Daro Group, has recently installed its second Amada HFE3i press brake. Daro Manufacturing Service’s robust British design, development, fabrication and product assembly services are based on strong foundations of many decades of expertise. Being part of Daro Group, the company benefits from the wider support of the group’s central resources, such as strategic planning, sales and marketing, financial planning and management, and ongoing investment. So, when it came to updating its fabrication facilities, Daro knew what it needed and turned to Amada.

In 2018, the company installed a heavy tonnage Amada HFE3i-1703 eight-axis press brake. However, continued growth meant that extra capacity was needed to keep up with demand; again Amada was the first port of call.

“This is the second investment that Daro has made with Amada,” says head of sales Stuart Clarke. “Our first purchase was a 170 tonne, 3 m press brake to expand our heavy fabrication. Basing our decision on Amada’s reputation and the product’s attributes of durability and reliability has proven to be sound. Therefore, when it came to replacing the press brake for our lighter gauge sheet metal facility, we knew we were in good hands.

“Adding additional Amada plant gives us greater efficiencies and flexibility with staffing,” he adds. “The CNC control and quick-release clamping feature has not only helped us to achieve faster and more cost-effective production methods, it also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement.”

For further information
www.amada.eu

Labour shortages are a real issue in the metal fabrication sector, with manufacturers looking at the latest bending software solutions to make it easier for a new generation of employees to enter the industry. Additionally, software for metal bending machines can lead to faster production times, greater efficiency and increased profits.

Software from RAS Systems, which is available in the UK from Press & Shear, allows visualisation of the end product before the materials need removal from the shelf. RAS software is designed and optimised for each machine and allows for 2D/3D models and images for the parts operators are looking to create. This allows them to save money, time and valuable resources, all while improving accuracy.

For instance, RAS software for its Multibend-Center and ProfileCenter allows for the import of a CAD file with the part model. The software analyses the file and automatically generates a 3D model. For DXF files, the programmer has to add to the bend angle. Spring-back compensation angles are listed in the materials table. The software programs the parts automatically with a single click of the mouse.

Software for the RAS XXL-Center and XL-Center lets users draw a part on their office PC in 2D or 3D. The software can then provide a 2D or 3D detailed simulation of how the part will be created. Notably, the user can specify the colour side and view the profile from any perspective, or he or she can enter flange dimensions and angles on the machine control and watch how the profile arises on the monitor.

RAS software for Turbo2plus and UpDownCenter-2 lets users draw a profile on the monitor and add flanges to the 3D profile. CAD files with the part geometry can be imported, with the software analysing this file and automatically generating a 3D model.

For further information
www.ras-online.de

Whether a company is looking to invest in its first press brake or hoping to increase bending capabilities through an upgrade, one formula is needed to ensure success, suggests Press & Shear, which offers the Adira press brake range across the UK: performance + size = investment in the solution.

It sounds simple but many look to increase or change their bending capabilities without first considering these elements. Adira values it so much that the diversification of its entire range of press brakes is driven by these three factors. But what do they mean?

Press brake machines are measured on a number of key performance indicators. Consider this: is it up to the levels of productivity and output required; is the machine versatile enough to meet the different bending jobs coming in; is the machine user friendly; and will the business be able to get the most from it?

Press brakes come in all different shapes and sizes. This can dramatically impact performance, but also floor space. Considering size alongside performance will ensure precious space is not wasted and efficiencies remain high.

After determining the required performance and size, it is possible to look at how the return on investment will play out over time. Investing in a solution that will always be too large or which is over-powered for business needs can make it impossible to justify. Investment in a brake press must balance out to meet short and long-term business goals.

For further information
www.pressandshear.com

SafanDarley has added the E-Brake C 200T Ultra with Tool Mate to its press-brake product range. With the addition of Tool Mate, SafanDarley has a diverse and complete range of press brakes from conventional and semi-automatic to fully automatic bending cells. Tool Mate is an external automatic tool changer and is said to offer great time savings when producing small batches.

The servo-electric E-Brake C with 200T pressing force and bending length of 4300 mm features a C-frame to enable automatic tool changing. SafanDarley’s Tool Mate is very intuitive and does not require extensive training, says the company. Execution of the tool changes is via the SafanDarley E-Control. The correct tool settings can be loaded and used directly on the machine from AutoPOL offline software (or other independent offline bending simulation software).

With the high-precision changer, tools are placed exactly in the correct position. Thanks to the intelligent software, only necessary changes are made and tools from the previous tool set-up are reused, resulting in considerably shorter changeover times.

The tool storage magazine has a capacity of 32, 52 or 60 m of tools, while the rotation station allows the upper tools to be rotated 180°, eliminating the need for a double tool set. According to SafanDarley, Tool Mate is unique in that it is suitable for the E-Brake C 200T and for the H-Brake series up to 320T, thus making it also suitable for the heavier machine segment.

For further information
www.safandarley.com