Bending machines (press brakes) play a vital role in busbar forming – shaping copper and aluminum bars into precise angles. Proper maintenance not only guarantees bending accuracy but also extends the life of guides, rails, and tooling. Below are five core tips covering daily routines and periodic checks.
1. Daily Cleaning – Stop & Worktable
Before starting each shift, clean the working areas to prevent interference and damage.
- Stop movement range – Remove any debris or objects from the area where the backgauge stop moves. Then manually return the stop finger to the home position. Failure to do so may cause an error when the machine returns to origin.
- Worktable surface – Clean the worktable once per shift. Do not place any tools or foreign objects on it. Never hammer or level workpieces directly on the worktable – this will damage its flatness and ruin bending accuracy.
A clean worktable and unobstructed stop area are the first steps to consistent bending results.
2. Lubrication – Separate Zones & Intervals
Different moving parts require different lubrication frequencies and grease types.
Slide rails (hardened way guides)
- Clean once at the start of each shift.
- Apply lubricating oil 1 to 3 times per shift to maintain an oil film on the rail surface.
- Severe lack of oil will cause permanent, non-repairable damage to the rails.
Linear guides and ball screws
- Inspect every 3 months.
- Use a grease gun to apply lithium-based grease.
- Before greasing, wipe the screw and rail surfaces to remove heavy oil sludge and dust. Then align the gun nozzle with the lubrication port and pump.
Proper lubrication at the right frequency prevents premature wear and keeps axes moving smoothly.
3. Stop Finger & Position Adjustment Device
The backgauge stop has a built-in position adjustment mechanism with a steel ball inside.
- You can manually push the stop finger to achieve self-alignment and locking at different bending positions.
- The contact finger is a removable standalone unit. After long-term use, if the finger becomes worn, you can replace only the finger – not the entire backgauge assembly.
This design makes maintenance easier and lowers replacement costs.
4. Tooling (Die) Installation & Care
Dies must be handled properly to ensure bending angle accuracy and prevent damage.
- Before installing a die, clean the die holder slot and apply anti-rust oil. This prevents rust-induced seizure and difficult removal.
- Make sure the die is fully seated and clamped correctly. An improperly installed die will cause bending angle errors and may damage both the die and the holder slot.
Taking a few extra seconds to clean and oil the slot before each die change saves hours of troubleshooting later.
5. Protecting Precision Components & Regular Fastener Checks
Modern bending machines rely on precise feedback and rigid construction.
Displacement sensor (draw—wire encoder)
- This is a precision measuring device. Its draw wire is made of steel cable.
- Never pull, yank, or hit the wire under any circumstances. Damage will cause bending angle errors and permanent hardware failure.
Regular fastener tightening
- Periodically check and tighten all screws on guide rails, sliders, sensors, and other critical parts.
- Loose bolts can lead to severe damage when the machine operates at high force.
A few minutes of tightening per month prevents major breakdowns and angle drift.
Special Reminder
All the above maintenance tasks and intervals should be recorded on a daily checklist. Operators must sign off on each item. This ensures your bending machine remains stable, accurate, and reliable for years.
