In the daily sheet metal bending process, if you can improve efficiency and reduce time, not only improve productivity, but also improve production efficiency. Therefore, it can be regarded as a good thing to improve work efficiency to know some methods to reduce sheet metal bending time. Sheet metal Department of Bangbao Hardware Company summarizes the following points in daily work, hoping to help a line of friends in the same industry:

-- Technical know-how of tooling
Over the past few years, the sheet metal industry has made many technological advances in machine tools and molds, which can now press, cut, and bend with speeds and precision beyond people's expectations.
However, no matter how advanced the new technology, there will be some bottlenecks in the bending shop or section of a sheet metal factory, even in the most advanced factories. While there is no single cause to blame for these problems, metal processing plants can make a number of improvements that help reduce lengthy lead times, increase efficiency and increase overall production capacity.
Perform SOP for repetitive work
Sheet metal processing plants now face a problem: most processing tasks are in small batches with tight tolerances. Fifteen changes per shift are common, and many plants have far more than that. Skilled technicians skilled in complex bending machine preparation are increasingly in demand, so most factories rely on operators to complete the preparation and operation of the bending machine themselves.
Standard operating procedures are followed to ensure consistency and reduce multiple sets of parts and resulting material waste. These Sops not only help minimize lead-up time, but also improve consistency in the sequence of bending operations and reduce part deviations caused by individual operators.
Preparation work order: for regular processing tasks, one of the means available to the bending machine operator is to use "preparation work order". The preparation work order shall document the tools and dies used for each purpose and the instructions for the specific processing task, which shall be used every time the processing task occurs again.
Photo: Factory should consider using some snapshots to record mold positioning and special blocks. The photos can also serve as a reference for future applications.
Loading in open state: another important means is that the machine tool must be fully opened in the state of loading the work mold, that is, feeding, for the operator to provide a more accessible working space and form a safer working environment.
Professional tools
Factories should also consider adopting appropriate procedures and tool systems, such as blanking devices, to enable workers to complete recurring processing tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Accessory features: Many step forming die systems include punch holders, push-button operated safety clamps, quick-change 2V presses, and electric compression mechanisms so that a single operator can change the die very quickly. These systems also help operators perform tasks more independently and efficiently without compromising safety.
Segmented die: Manufacture finely ground segmented die components to the desired bending length, rather than spending time cutting the die to a certain length. Fine grinding molds may also reduce or eliminate the need for gasket adjustment. Sectional molds are light in weight and easy to handle, thus reducing physical labor and fatigue and the possibility of accidents. In order to extend the service life, the fine grinding die is also hardened and surface strengthened.
Die marking: Laser etching information is now available on almost every die, making it easy for workers to quickly identify, plan and reorder the die. This information generally includes class number, tip Angle, radius, V-groove, length and rated tonnage.
Mold storage: The dual benefits of improved safety and improved material/tool management can be achieved by storing molds in groups in cabinets. The orderly storage system eliminates the need to search tool racks for a custom length mold. In addition, orderly storage enables managers to more vigilant monitoring of the status of molds, thus ensuring high quality inventory, timely identification of mold wear and damage, and the manner and timing of mold replacement.

Make use of the machining characteristics of machine tools
The new machine offers advanced functionality and many features that help workers run the machine more efficiently. Operators who master the new machine control features can take advantage of these features to improve efficiency.
Workpiece mold specification memory: most of the new CNC bending machines have a common feature: can store the workpiece specification and all relevant processing information, such as mold model, position and bending sequence. Moreover, the CNC function enables the operator to store and access the tool library, which provides convenience for managing the tool inventory.
Material thickness detection: when using fine grinding mold, bending machine can detect the change of material thickness and real-time bending calculation, so as to reduce the number of bending Angle too large or insufficient parts.
3-D graphics display and bending simulation: along with the bending of the workpiece, these functions can display the bending process of parts on the controller screen to avoid the material scrap caused by improper forming of parts.
Off-line programming: Off-line programming of the bending machine saves preparation time because workers do not have to program parts; Parts can be programmed by technicians and passed down to the bending machine.
Universal die mounting height: The universal die mounting height series can use the "plug and play" function to simplify the complex grading die adjustment. The universal mounting height mold was developed successfully with the emergence of CNC vertical moving rear stopper. Vertical CNC control is necessary to accurately utilize the principle of "universal die mounting height", which is achieved by keeping the bottom of the lower die opening at the same height (distance from the lower die base). When the opening of the lower die is wide, the total height of the lower die must increase accordingly. This is the reason why the general height mold does not need to use special gasket or special gasket to drive the mold to close synchronously.
Small and complex parts often need offset bending, 90° bending and leveling, and their preparation work generally needs to be carried out on multiple machines or equipment. Graded or universal mounting height molds enable this operation to be performed by a single bending machine in a single loading. With the universal height mold, the operator can mount the 30° mold, offset head mold, leveling mold and gooseneck mold on the same mold base and complete the machining of the parts.

Make full use of bending technology:

Metal processing plants using bending machines are currently facing some complex problems, high raw material costs make each piece of blank must become a good product. Sheet metal processing plants that respond quickly and are willing to change the operation mode of the bending section to meet current needs can reduce preparation time, thus achieving greater production capacity and reducing scrap rates.
The development and implementation of well-designed Sops, better use of storage and inventory systems, integrated use of machine tool functionality and full exploitation of human resources are just a few ways to help the bending and forming shop improve efficiency and productivity.