How to get a Good Deal on Industrial Press Brakes

If you know anything about industrial press brakes, you know that they are not inexpensive. It is not very easy to buy one without shelling over a good amount of money. Whether you believe it or not, there are great ways to get a deal on this type of machine, and they are highlighted below.

Buy One on an Auction Site

There are several online auction sites that offers industrial press brakes. These prices starts at a reasonable price and only driven up when people also starts to bid on it. There’s a big chance to get one on these auction sites at a very reasonable price than buying one at the regular price.

Consider Used Equipment

Buying a new machine would be a great move but in reality, used one can be just as good. Instead of thinking negatively on used equipment, you certainly look at it from a financial standpoint. Many machines out there that are used are still in great shape. If you’re not sure about buying used equipment, try having your trusty technician to help you buy an industrial press brake or other kinds of machinery to help you determine if the machine is working or not.

Get an Older Model

There’s always new on the market but sometimes buying an old model are also good. Sometimes, the difference between the new and old model are added accessories and features to the machine but wouldn’t make a difference when it comes to performance. If you like this press brake, you might want to wait for a while before buying it and at that time, the price will be more reasonable.

As you were told earlier, it is quite possible to get a good deal when you are in the market for this equipment. It is not always necessary to spend a bundle to get what you need.

Key to Successful Punching

There are factors to consider when it comes to successful punching and today we’re going to enumerate some of them. Successful punching depends on the quality and feature of your punching tools. With these, we can maximise productivity and the efficiency of the fabrication operation one step at a time.

Tool Design

There are four essential parts of tool design namely the punch, die, stripper and the tool holder system. Successful punching depends on these parts and relies with the features of the components.

Punch

During the process of punching, the punch encounters both compressive and tensile forces. As the punch connects with the surface of the material, it applies pressure until it overcomes the material’s tensile strength. The material fractures releasing the comprehensive forces on the punch and producing a hole within the material.

Successful punching depends on the features and design of the tool that mitigates the forces during the process of punching. Using quality steel made tools with metallurgic process can endure the extreme process.

Stripper

Performs two important functions; it holds the work material against the die as the punch penetrates and retracts and the second function is to hold the punch tip as it punches the hole in the material.

Die

It requires efficient fit between the punch and die. A good alignment of the punch and die ensures the safety and efficiency of the process. Another thing to remember is the clearance; difference between dimensions of the punch and die. Die clearance around the punch’s peripherals is important along corners. As clearance increases with the material’s thickness, so does the radius. With proper radius the quality of improves the strength and the quality of work when it comes to punching.

Proper Maintenance

Proper tool maintenance also contributes to successful punching. With proper lubrication, sharpening using grinding equipment and regular maintenance of the punch press to ensure the turret alignment will really make things different when it comes to punching.

Tooling manufacturers designs tooling for maximum longevity. Maximising the interval between the regrinds with the use of high-quality tools, near polished punch flanks and back taper helps the machines up-time and improving the part quality.

Proper Maintenance for Drilling Machines

There are two types of drilling machines used by people who are in fabrication. One is the hand-feed or the power-feed and the other one is radial drill press or simply drill press. Using these tools can help us to be more productive but don’t forget to conduct maintenance if we want our precious tools to live longer.
How to do maintenance:

1. Lubrication

During the process of drilling, the drill generates friction and heat which can deteriorate the moving parts. Check the manufacturer’s guide for proper lubrication. Make sure to clean the drill after usage to prevent dirt buildup that causes the machine to slow down. Clean the belt, groves, pulleys and T-slots.

Put some light coat on unpainted parts of the drill to prevent rust. Remember to remove chips to avoid unnecessary damage to the drill.

2. Special Care

Heavy work load during operations requires extensive care for drilling machines. For example, you’re working on an environment where dust is literally present everywhere, make sure to operate at a slow pace to avoid abrasive wear on the parts. Under cold conditions, make sure to start on a slow speed to warm up the drill. Extreme heat can cause the motor to overheat, so try to on and off between operations to cool it down.

3. Belt and Vibration

Worn out or bent belt can be a source of a very annoying noise and vibration for the drilling machine. Remove the head of the drill and rotate the belt manually, if it has cracks or lumpy section better to replace it right away. If the belt looks normal, check if the tension is normal; if it is too loose or too tight.

Other Things to Remember:

• Always wear an eye protection when using your drill.
• Make sure that cutting tools are running smoothly before starting the operation
• Never place tools or even equipment on the drill table
• Keep your guard while operating
• Adjusting the machine while using it can be dangerous, make sure to adjust it while the machine is not running.
• Use a brush to clean away the chips

We know that drilling machines is one of the most dangerous equipment in workshops. During operations we must remember that safety comes first that’s why we’re giving you this tips to eliminate accidents and unnecessary loss of time.

How to Choose the Right Bandsaw Blade?

If you have a little idea about band saw blades, why don’t we give you an idea on how to choose the right one? There are things to consider when choosing the right band saw blade for the right material. Using inappropriate blade to cut through objects can harm your jeopardize the cut quality, the blade, the machine and even the fabricator.

These are the things you should consider:

1.       Tooth Shape

Tooth shape is one of the factors you should consider when buying the proper band saw blade. Remember, the material determine the tooth form or what saw to be used.

·         Regular: A general or all-purpose saw with a straight zero rake

·         Skip: Best used for soft nonferrous materials, plastic and wood

·         Hook: Used for fast cutting and nonferrous materials, non-metallic

2.       Metal Cutting

Cutting metal requires carbon steel or bi-metal blade for your band saw. Why? The FPM or feet per minute of the blade is the answer. Carbon steel blades can go up to 200 FPM and for best result, try it with a coolant.

In fabrication shops or in production settings using bi-metal saws is the best choice. The downside on this one is it cost more than the carbon steel blade but more economical when it comes to operations in the long run; can outlast carbon steel if used properly and maintained regularly.

3.       Tooth Pitch

The pitch is what they called TPI or tooth per inch and it is crucial in determining the performance and longevity of the blade.

What to remember:

·         A blade has a minimum of 3-4 TPI within an inch

·         The higher the TPI the finer the tooth pitch

·         Coarse pitches are required for thicker materials or fewer teeth

·         Cutting thin sections requires more teeth or has a fine tooth pitch

4.       Material

In every material, there’s a specific band saw edge to be used. Carbon steel blades, bi-metal blades, coated or uncoated, carbide tipped blades are used for cutting wood, steel and non-ferrous materials. While carbide grit and diamond grit are used for abrasive materials, silicon and fiber glass.

Bi-metal blades are usually used in fabrication and configured to withstand the stress delivered in fabrication shops that primarily cut shapes and bundles. It is also used in cutting alloy steels.