The selection of CNC press brake axis plays an important role in the bending machine process. The correct axis will not only improve the accuracy of the bends and the service life, but it can also ensure stable operation.
The CNC press brake bends the cold metal sheet to work pieces of various geometric cross sections by using tooling (general and special punches or dies). This sheet forming machine is designed to cold-bend sheet metal.
The plate bending process is used widely in the automobile, aircraft, shipbuilding and light industries, as well as container, elevator, and other manufacturing sectors. We always bring up the axis problems when it comes to pressing brakes. These include Y axis, X-axis, R-axis, and Z-axis. These axes are confusing to many users, and they don’t understand how to select them.
The CNC press brake’s axis plays a vital role in its operation. Different shafts are used to control the movement of different parts. We will explain the axis in detail.
1. What is an axis in a CNC press brake?
Axis is a component which controls the movement of parts in various directions. These axes are used to change the size and angle of bends.
The technical data usually includes X, Y, R, and Z axis. What is Y axis, and what is X axis? What are the functions of Y axis and X axis?
– Y axis
What is the Y axis? The Y axis is found on all types of synchronous machines. It can be divided into two axes, Y1 andY2.
What is their function? The top tooling is operated independently by each. This makes the top beam’s descent extremely uniform, smooth and stable. Both can be independently adjusted to control the beam level.
The Y-axis of CNC press brake controls the stroke on both sides of the oil cylinder, i.e. the up and downward movement of the slider. The Y1 axis controls the left cylinder in a closed loop. The Y2 axis represents the fully closed loop control of the right cylinder.
– X axis
The X-axis controls back and forward movement of the gauge. What are the uses of X-axis and back gauges?
The X-axis on the bending machine can be very helpful if you want to measure the length of the flange of a work piece. We can find the right point to bend the plate when the inserted sheet contacts the back gauge.
As with the Y-axis, X1 can be separated into X2 and vice versa. X1 is forward and backward movement of the left gauge finger. X2 is forward and backward movement of the right gauge finger.
– R axis
The R axis is similar to the X-axes in that it controls the movement up and down of the back gauge.
The left back gauge finger has an axis that moves up and down. R2 is an up and down moving finger of the right.
The R-axis is important if you want to bend a piece of work, and then bend it again further in the same piece. This is a great tool for tilting work and custom bending.
– Z axis
The Z-axis controls left and right movement on the back gauge. The Z axis can also be divided into Z1 and Z2 axes.
Z1 is the left-right moving axis for the left back gauge. Z2 is left and right moving finger of the right.
The programmable Z-axis can save you a lot of time and effort if your work piece is small or if you have to adjust the stop finger width frequently.
– V axis
The V-axis is a crowning feature of the worktable.
Crowning compensation can be a serious issue if the work piece weighs a lot. By adjusting the beam symmetrically, the v-axis reduces risks. The entire beam is adjusted, but the middle section is more focused on to resist bowing.
Most standard CNC press brakes now have a compensation function for the workbench. This allows them to be more accurate.
2. How do you understand the number of axes in a ring?
What is a 2-axis CNC press-brake? Torsion bar synchronous presses with numerical control systems always have two axes: X axis & Y axis. The CNC press brake can have up to 18 axes.
What are the 3+1, 4+1 , 6+1 , and 8+1 ?
3+1 axis: Y1, Y2, X, +V
4+1 axis: Y1, Y2, X, R, +V
6+1 axis: Y1, Y2, X, R, Z1, Z2, +V
8+1 axis: Y1, Y2, X1, X2, R1, R2, Z1, Z2, +V
A low configuration is 3 + 1 axis. Standard configuration is usually 4 + 1 axis. Multi-axis CNC with higher performance is available in 6 + 1 and 8 + 1. Multi-axis CNC machines can have multiple axes.
3. How do I choose the number of CNC Press Brake Axis?
The number of axes in a bending machine is an important consideration when customers are configuring the machine.
The number of axes is what determines the processing capability of a machine. The more axes a machine has, the more complex a workpiece can be.
The cost of a machine increases with the number of axes. Purchase a machine that is in line with your budget and demand.
Tips for a successful trip:
The most basic configuration is a 3 axis and 4 axis press brake. This configuration will meet the needs of the majority. Multi-axis is preferred by high-end users.
If you have to bend the same work piece multiple times, we recommend choosing the configuration with an R-axis. A CNC 8-axis press brake will help you achieve high production efficiency.
You need Z1 and Z2 for processing plates that are very small. You don’t need to adjust the finger spacing manually for every bend. The 6 axis press brake can be a cost-effective solution!
You will need to determine the number of axes based on your sheet specifications and processing needs. For more information on CNC press brake axis settings, please contact us.
Axis Travel Specifications by Industry Standard
According to the Metal Forming Industry Association’s 2023 Equipment Guide, typical axis travel specifications for modern CNC press brakes are:
| Axis | Standard Travel Range | Positioning Accuracy | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y-Axis | 100-300 mm | ±0.01 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| X-Axis | 500-1000 mm | ±0.05 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| R-Axis | 100-250 mm | ±0.05 mm | ±0.02 mm |
| Z-Axis | 1000-2000 mm | ±0.5 mm | ±0.1 mm |
| V-Axis | 5-20 mm | ±0.01 mm | ±0.005 mm |
These specifications represent industry averages and may differ between manufacturers and machine models.
