CNC Press Brake Axis: Mastering Configurations from 2-Axis to 8+1 for Pro Results

1. Introduction

CNC press brake is a press brake controlled by a computer numerical control system. It is the top priority of sheet metal bending process and is responsible for bending metal sheets into profiles of various shapes.

Among them, CNC axis is the core of sheet metal bending accuracy and efficiency. Whether it is simple bending or complex design, each CNC axis participates in the bending work in perfect coordination through guiding movement, positioning and adjustment, which can not only produce high-precision perfect parts, but also greatly improve production efficiency and make silent contributions to the long-term economic benefits of the factory.

This article will introduce the definition, main types, configuration, standards affecting axis design, how to choose suitable axes, and some knowledge about axis maintenance of CNC bending axis.

2. What is a CNC press brake axis

2.1 What is the back gauge in the brake press?

The back gauge is a component used to position the metal sheet. Only by positioning the sheet well and ensuring accuracy can the perfect forging of the bending angle and length be achieved in subsequent processing. It not only makes the finished product high-quality and high-precision, but also improves production efficiency.

2.2 Definition of the axis in the brake press

The axis in the brake press is the component responsible for driving the movement of each part. Each axis corresponds to an area, controls the position movement of this area, and then multiple axes work together at the same time to achieve the purpose of precise bending operation.

2.3 Common branches of each axis

3. Detailed explanation of the main CNC axes of the press brake

3.1 Basic description of each axis

3.2 Comparison of application scenarios of different axis configurations

4. Common axis configurations of CNC Press Brake and their meanings

4.1 2 axis

Consisting of a Y axis for vertically moving the slider and an X axis for horizontally adjusting the rear stopper, it is very suitable for simple bending operations and smaller workpieces.

4.2 3+1 axis

Compared with the 2 axis, the Y1 and Y2 axes are added to maintain angle consistency, which is suitable for bending long workpieces.

4.3 4+1 axis

On the basis of the 3+1 axis, the R axis that allows vertical adjustment of the back gauge is added, making this configuration more flexible and reaching the level of manufacturing complex workpieces such as automotive parts.

4.4 6+1 axis

Compared with the 4+1 axis, the Z1 and Z2 axes are added, which has higher bending accuracy and complexity. It can be used in the aerospace field and is suitable for eccentric parts and multi-station bending.

4.5 8+1 Axis

It integrates Y1, Y2, X1, X2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2 and V axes, with unparalleled flexibility and precision, capable of completing extremely complex workpiece processing, and is designed for high-end manufacturing processes that require complex bending tasks and large-scale production.

5. What are the basic and advanced configurations of the main axis of the press brake?

5.1 Basic configuration

5.2 Intermediate configuration

5.3 Advanced Configuration

5.4 Minimum Configuration Required for Simple Tasks

For simple bending tasks, basically a 2 axis brake press is enough. The longitudinal axis Y axis is used to accurately control the slider to prevent it from moving around at will. The horizontal axis X axis is used to fine-tune the position of the back gauge to ensure that the plate can be neatly pressed against the back gauge every time it is bent. The biggest advantage of the 2 axis press brake is that it is easy to operate and inexpensive.

For situations that require slightly more flexible operation, the designer deliberately created a 3 axis press brake, which adds an R axis, which can fully meet the processing needs.

5.5 Advanced axis configuration for complex projects

The 6 axis machine combines independent control of the slide on the Y1 and Y2 axes, backgauge adjustment on the X and R axes, and lateral positioning on the Z1 and Z2 axes. The coordination of the 6 axis can easily achieve complex bending tasks and difficult asymmetric workpiece processing tasks.

As an upgraded version of the 6 axis, the 8 axis press brake has several additional axes compared to the 6 axis, which can accurately control multiple backgauges and can handle more demanding processing conditions while maintaining extremely small tolerances.

In general, complex projects often require 6 axis or 8 axis configurations. When the 6 axis is not competent, the better 8 axis is used.

6. What are the global standards and regulations that affect the design of press brake axis?

6.1 ISO standards

ISO standards cover a wide range of content, including not only mechanical rules such as the basic principles of mechanical safety design, but also control standards such as the functional safety level of the control system. The purpose of ISO is to standardize the design and operation of press brakes around the world, to ensure that the equipment can be processed safely and orderly, and there will be no scenes where operators cause casualties due to improper operation.

6.2 CE Certification

CE certification is widely used in EU countries. All bending equipment must strictly hold CE certification to be processed and produced normally. This certification highlights the laws and regulations of the European market and covers health, safety and environmental requirements.

6.3 ANSI Guidelines

ANSI guidelines were proposed by the United States and mainly outline the safety requirements of press brakes, focusing on operational hazards and the correct use of axis configurations. Not only does it minimize the risks in the bending process, but it also provides standard guidance for the performance, materials, and design of press brakes to improve the general safety and reliability of the industry.

7. How to choose the right axis configuration? (Buyer’s perspective)

7.1 What is the minimum number of axes required for a brake press?

The specific situation depends on the complexity, precision, degree of automation, and budget of the workpiece. For simple processing, it is recommended to choose two axes. For most medium-precision tasks, choose 3+1 or 4+1 axes. For complex and special-shaped workpieces, directly choose 6+1 or 8+1 axes.

7.2 Tips for choosing the number of axes

Choose the number of axes: different requirements for 2, 4, 6 and 8 axis:

7.2.1 What is a 2 axis press brake?

A 2 axis press brake is a press brake with two axes, one of which is the Y axis that controls the up and down movement of the slider and applies pressure to bend the metal sheet, and the other is the X axis that fixes the horizontal position of the back gauge to ensure the accuracy of the processing. This configuration is only suitable for simple bending tasks and is also a cost-effective solution.

7.2.2 What is a 3 axis press brake?

After having the two main axes of the 2 axis, the Y axis and the X axis, the 3 axis press brake has an additional V axis responsible for compensating the machine bed, thereby improving accuracy and reliability. This setting is very suitable for processing simple workpieces. It is more complete than the 2 axis and is slightly more accurate in processing simple workpieces. The only drawback is that it does not support operations involving slightly more complex workpieces.

7.2.3 What is a 4 axis press brake?

A 4 axis press brake not only has all the axes configured by the 3 axis, but also adds the R axis on its basis. With the R axis, the 4 axis press brake has made a qualitative leap. The addition of the R axis allows the back gauge to be positioned more flexibly, and it can already operate some medium-sized production environments or more complex workpieces that value flexibility and precision.

7.2.4 What is a 6 axis press brake?

The 6 axis press brake has these axes: the Y1 and Y2 axes that control the independent up and down movement of the slider, the X axis that positions the back gauge, the R axis that vertically adjusts the height of the back gauge, and the Z1 and Z2 axes that control the lateral movement of the back gauge.

The arrival of the 6 axis press brake has given the factory a new look. The perfect coordination of the 6 axes can produce more exquisite industrial products, can handle some very complex processing on the drawings, and is also very suitable for the automotive, aerospace and other industries.

7.2.5 What is an 8 axis press brake?

The 8 axis press brake represents the pinnacle of bending technology. It combines all the functions of the 6 axis machine tool and adds the X1 and X2 axes. These two additional axes are different from the X axis and are mainly used to control the horizontal movement of the back gauge. The horizontal movement of the back gauge is liberated, and angle bending and offset positioning are no longer a problem.

The emergence of 8 axis has made it possible to realize high-precision applications in high-end industries such as aerospace.

7.3 Main factors affecting selection

7.3.1 Workpiece complexity

The more complex the workpiece is, the more axes are needed to complete multi-point positioning and different angle conversions. For example, a simple 90-degree bend requires fewer axes, while designs with complex angles or require multiple axes.

7.3.2 Material specifications

The choice of shaft will be influenced by factors such as whether the material is harder steel or lightweight aluminum, thicker or thinner, slender or wide. When selecting an axis, it is necessary to choose according to the specific material. For example, thicker materials may require a V axis to counteract deflection, while longer plates require a Z axis for lateral adjustment.

7.3.3 Precision and accuracy requirements

To meet the needs of higher precision, more axes must be controlled independently one by one, and one axis is responsible for the accuracy of a piece to ensure successful material bending.

7.3.4 Backgauge requirements

The flexibility of the backgauge system determines the range of workpieces you can process. When the machine has additional axes such as Z1 and Z2, the backgauge can adapt to different flange lengths and positions, and the processing capacity is correspondingly stronger.

7.3.5 Tool considerations

When production requires many tools, the more axes there are, the more capable it is to align and manage tools.

7.3.6 Automation and software integration

Advanced axes have the ability to automate. As long as there is detailed coding and operating software, CNC press brakes can achieve multi axis synchronous operation, which can reduce manual intervention and improve production efficiency.

7.3.7 Space and layout limitations

If there is insufficient space for axes due to the placement of other machines in the workshop, it may limit the accuracy of the bending process and the acceptable complexity of the operation. The smaller the space, the fewer axes, and the less versatility of large models.

7.3.8 Budget

For each additional axis, the budget is more. It is necessary to consider production needs and the accuracy of the actual products produced, and make a comprehensive comparison to get the most cost-effective solution.

7.3.9 System compatibility

When the old system is eliminated by the times, it needs to be updated to a new system to facilitate production. At this time, consider whether the new system is compatible with the axis.

8. Common problems and maintenance strategies for axis systems

8.1 Common problems with multi axis CNC Press Brake

8.1.1 Back gauge misalignment: usually caused by wear of the back gauge, dust accumulation or improper calibration. To deal with such problems, first clean the back gauge regularly and calibrate the back gauge according to the original standard to ensure that the back gauge is accurately aligned.

8.1.2 Inconsistent bending angles: most likely caused by uneven pressure due to wear of the machine tool or incorrect setting of the Y1 and Y2 axis parameters. To solve this problem, check the cause of uneven pressure and the movement of the slider, and call back to the correct Y axis parameters.

8.1.3 Axis control failure: control system failure or electrical failure is the cause of axis failure. To restore the axis to normal state, re-drive the control system, repair the faulty circuit, and replace it if necessary.

8.1.4 Excessive wear of mechanical parts: under the condition of long-term lack of lubrication, the wear between machines will increase, causing the parts to age and become unusable. Regular lubrication and cleaning are required to maintain the accuracy of mechanical parts.

8.1.5 Hydraulic leakage: usually caused by poor sealing or pipeline damage. During maintenance, carefully check the degree of damage to the pipeline and seals and replace them.

8.2 Standard process for daily maintenance, preventive maintenance, and axis zero point calibration

Daily maintenance: Inspectors regularly clean the equipment to ensure that there are no obvious stains or dust on the surface, check the wear of each component, and apply standard lubricating oil.

Preventive maintenance: Replace the oil on time to ensure that the oil is in good condition.

Axis zero point calibration: When there is an error in production, the position of each axis should be actively corrected to ensure long-term and stable processing and production efficiency.

9. Summary

CNC bending axes can not only produce high-precision perfect parts, but also greatly improve the economic benefits of the factory. Different axes are affected by materials, back gauges, budgets and other factors. Choosing the right number of axes has a decisive effect on the complexity, precision and degree of automation of the workpiece. If you have a purchase demand, please contact RaymaxTech to obtain a customized solution for the number of axes to reduce your choice difficulties. We will also provide active technical consultation to help every company that chooses Raymax prosper.

10.FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions )