5 Steps to Modernize your Old Press Brake

Just like other press brake owners, you might be wondering what to do with your old press brakes. You might be caught in between selling the old and buying a new press brake. Well, if you're planning on a new one, I would suggest going for the Amada press brake for sale. But let me tell you that replacing old with new can cost you thousands of dollars. Up of that, you might have to deal with logistics overhead. 

A cost-effective solution would be to increase your existing machine's productivity by retrofitting. In case, if you need to replace parts, you can go for prima spare parts.

While retrofitting, knowing about the type of retrofits and the ones suitable for your machine would be better. It will help you decide whether upgrading the machine is worth it or not. 

You can follow these steps to assess the condition of your press brakes. 

1. Evaluate the Condition of the Machine

First, identify the condition of hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical components of the machine. While doing so, focus on - RAM, pedestal control, back gauge control, and press brake control. See if your RAM is accurate, consistent, and level on both sides. If they are producing proper results, you can go with a retrofit. Also, check the bending method. 

Next, check whether the foot pedestal is working or not. If it is, you can avoid replacement. Also, check if your back gauge needs replacement or reusing would work. Lastly, see if your press brake can work manually, as basic retrofit often works with it. 

2. Learn About your Machine

Consider the type of machine you're working with. If your machine is a mechanical-style press brake, you can add a standalone CNC back gauge system, though ram programmability won't work. 

Rocker-style hydraulic press brake can be retrofitted with a programmable position and control interface. Synchro-style hydraulic brakes often focus on libraries and simulations. So, learn about your machine and then consider retrofitting. 

3. Identify the Pain Points

Assess your challenges by asking questions like:

• Which method would be suitable - back gauging or front gauging?
• Are you making frequent changes to the tool? Are you changing die heights often? If so, you can adjust your surface's height to accommodate the new tool by incorporating the R axis.
• Do you often adjust the angle and depth of the ram manually? If so, adding a ram axis or y-axis would help increase productivity.  
• Do you handle the same parts multiple times and adjust the gauge often? Use the X-axis, Y-axis, R-axis, Z1 axis, and Z2 axis to increase operator productivity. 
• Are operators capable of offline programming? A few retrofits offer offline programming, so operators must be well-versed with programming and provided essential training.     

Evaluate these and jump onto the next step. 

4. Determine an Approach

Retrofit companies need to know about your press brake application in order to provide a proper solution. They will ask questions like the length of the press brake. Whether you're bending little gauge sheet metal or heavy plates. Are single operators enough to support the sheets?

So, determine the approaches you would like to take. For this, keep questioning - How much job storage do I need? Should I add the components' programmability? Do I need a full tool library? Do I need networking? Will I import DXF, AutoCAD, SolidWorks? 

Answering these questions will assist you in determining the retrofit approach.

5. Implement Your Solution

If your press brake is working properly and still you want to increase your bending process's productivity, you can go for one of three options.

• Leave the machine and limp it for as long as possible.
• Purchase a new multi-axis press brake. (You can choose Amada press brake for sale.)
• Retrofit the whole machine or some parts. (For spare parts, refer to prima spare parts.)

Lastly, you can take the help of an experienced supplier specializing in metal forming and fabrication machinery.