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2025

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Sheet Metal Bending Machine Accuracy Decay? 3 Calibration Tips to Extend Equipment Life by 3+ Years

Accuracy decay of sheet metal bending machines mainly stems from positioning offset, die misalignment and pressure imbalance. Through the three tips of datum calibration to reset the positioning system zero, die calibration to adjust force balance, and dynamic calibration to match pressure and deflection, the accuracy can be restored to the initial state, effectively reducing scrap rate and maintenance costs, and extending equipment life by more than 3 years.


    A precision sheet metal processing factory's bending machine had an angle deviation that expanded from ±0.5° to ±2° after two years of use, with the scrap rate soaring to 12% and annual equipment maintenance costs increasing by 150,000 yuan. It wasn't until professional calibration techniques were adopted that not only was the accuracy restored to its initial state, but the equipment also operated stably for over 5 years. This confirms industry experience: accuracy decay of sheet metal bending machines is not irreversible, and scientific calibration is the core means to curb deviation and extend service life, which is highly aligned with Google's popular topics such as "bending machine accuracy calibration methods" and "equipment life extension skills".

1. Datum Calibration: "Zero Reset" of the Positioning System

    Position offset is the primary cause of accuracy decay, with approximately 60% of angle deviations stemming from misalignment between the X-axis backgauge and the workbench datum. This problem is exacerbated in alternating high and low temperature environments, where differences in thermal expansion and contraction of different metal components can cause a deformation deviation of 0.15mm/m.
Calibration Tips:
  1. Environmental preprocessing: Turn off the equipment and let it stand for 2 hours to ensure the ambient temperature is stable at 20℃-25℃, avoiding temperature fluctuations affecting measurement accuracy;
  2. Datum measurement: Use a laser interferometer to detect the positioning accuracy of the X-axis backgauge, and record the deviation between the actual position and the set value. For example, if the actual measurement is 24mm when set to 25mm, targeted adjustments are required;
  3. Precise reset: Correct the deviation value through the parameter interface of CNC systems such as E21. After adjustment, retest with a dial indicator to ensure the positioning error is controlled within ±0.01mm, then verify the bending consistency 3 times with a standard block.An electronic equipment factory reduced the backgauge positioning deviation from 0.3mm to 0.02mm through this method, increasing the pass rate of single-batch workpieces to 99%.

2. Die Calibration: "Symmetrical Adjustment" for Force Balance

    Die installation deviation and wear are key factors leading to angle deviation. A 1mm misalignment of the upper and lower die centerlines can cause an angle error of ±1.5°. When bending thick plates, uneven die gaps can also cause inconsistent deformation on both sides of the workpiece.
Calibration Tips:
  1. Gap calibration: Select an appropriate notch based on the sheet thickness (usually 6-8 times the sheet thickness), and use a feeler gauge to detect the upper and lower die gaps, ensuring the error is controlled within ±0.05mm;
  2. Perpendicularity adjustment: Attach a square to the die working surface. If inclination is found, adjust the die fixing bolts or place thin iron sheets to level it, ensuring the die centerline is fully aligned with the slider movement direction;
  3. Wear compensation: For worn die edges, set angle compensation parameters through the CNC system. For example, due to the large springback of stainless steel bending, the preset die angle can be reduced by 1-2° to offset the material springback effect.An auto parts factory reduced the bending angle deviation from ±1.8° to ±0.3° using this technique, extending the die replacement cycle by 6 months.

3. Dynamic Calibration: "Precise Matching" of Pressure and Deflection

    Long-term high-pressure operation causes deflection deformation of the slider and workbench. Especially when bending thick plates, excessive pressure accelerates equipment wear, while insufficient pressure leads to incomplete bending. Statistics show that reasonable pressure adjustment can reduce 40% of equipment fatigue damage.
Calibration Tips:
  1. Pressure test: Use a 10mm thick Q345B steel plate as a sample, gradually adjust the pressure starting from 150MPa, record the bending angle under different pressures, and determine the optimal pressure value (usually between 150-200MPa);
  2. Deflection compensation: Enable the deflection compensation function through the system, input compensation parameters based on the bending length. For example, a 3-meter long workpiece requires a 0.2mm slider sinking compensation to avoid excessive middle angle;
  3. Dynamic verification: Bend 5 samples continuously, detect the angles at both ends and the middle with an angle ruler to ensure errors are within ±0.5°, while observing the hydraulic system pressure fluctuations to ensure no abnormal impact.A heavy industry enterprise reduced the hydraulic system failure rate from 3 times per month to 1 time per quarter through this method, extending the equipment service life by 3.5 years compared to similar uncalibrated equipment.

Key words:

Press brake calibration,Sheet metal bending accuracy,Backgauge calibration,Bend angle adjustment,Machine setup guide

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