Press Brake

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Basic Configuration Steps

2.1 Accessing the DELEM DA-66S Tool Configuration Interface

2.2 Activating the Tool Setup Function

2.3 Selecting and Adding New Tools

3. Setting Tool Placement and Length Parameters

3.1 Programming Tool Length and Placement Position

3.2 Making the Most of the Auto Select Feature

4. Advanced Configuration & Tool Segmentation Management

4.1 Managing Tool Segmentation

4.2 Selecting and Repositioning Tool Stations

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

6. Conclusion

Configuring the tools of the DELEM DA-66S control system with precision and following the standard steps is the key to boosting the operational efficiency and machining accuracy of press brake machines. Whether you are revamping an existing tool setup or creating a brand new one, every step in the configuration process needs to be executed meticulously to ensure optimal production results.

The core of tool configuration lies in the accurate programming of punches, dies and all required adapters for the machine. By accessing the product library and choosing the appropriate tool setup scheme, you can achieve highly precise configuration of these core components. This guide will walk you through all the essential steps of DELEM DA-66S tool configuration, streamlining your setup workflow and elevating the overall operational efficiency of the press brake.

Introduction

The DELEM DA-66S is a cutting-edge numerical control system widely applied in modern manufacturing, especially in the metalworking industry. Its precise tool configuration is the fundamental guarantee for the press brake to achieve high-precision bending and stable performance. Incorrect configuration will not only affect the machining accuracy of workpieces but also reduce production efficiency and even cause unnecessary wear to the machine and tools. Mastering the scientific configuration steps is therefore essential for every operator.

1 Accessing the DELEM DA-66S Tool Configuration Interface

To edit or modify the tool setup for a specific product, first locate and select the corresponding product from the system's product library, then access the Tool setup module to start the subsequent configuration work. This is the initial step to enter the professional tool configuration interface and the basis for all follow-up operations.

2 Activating the Tool Setup Function

Activating the Tool Setup function is a prerequisite for carrying out tool configuration on the DELEM DA-66S. Once activated, the system interface will display a detailed visual layout of the machine's current tool setup, which is indispensable for programming the accurate placement of punches, dies, adapters and other tools.

After the Tool setup function is enabled, the upper half of the screen presents a front view of the machine's current setup, while the lower half displays the detailed data of all configured tools. It is on this integrated interface that operators can program the placement position of various tools on the press brake.

The front view of the machine displays the core structural elements from top to bottom in the following order: press beam, punch adapter (if pre-programmed), punch, die, die adapter (if pre-programmed), and worktable. These machine parts are pre-selected in the Machine mode of the system and generally do not need to be adjusted during daily configuration. Whether an adapter can be programmed and added in the setup depends on the adapter parameter settings in the same Machine mode.

3 Selecting and Adding New Tools

When creating a new tool configuration scheme, the machine's tool installation area is in an empty state by default. Operators need to manually add the required tools, which can be punches, dies or adapters (if the adapter function is enabled in the system). After a tool is added, it will be placed in the machine with the maximum available length by default, and the operator can then modify the Tool ID through the List view for precise tool matching and management.

The specific operation process is as follows:

1. After entering the new tool configuration mode, confirm that the machine's tool opening is in an empty state;

2. Click the "Add" button to select the tool type to be added (punch, die or enabled adapter);

3. After selecting a tool (e.g., a punch), the system will automatically place it in the designated position of the machine with the maximum available length;

4. Select the Punch ID on the interface and click the List view to modify the tool's unique ID for subsequent identification and management.

The system is equipped with a smart tool ID filtering function: when only part of the tool ID is entered, the control system will automatically match and display a list of tools containing the entered characters, greatly speeding up the tool selection process.

Clicking the "Advice" button on the interface will trigger the system to screen and display a limited number of suitable tools from the entire tool library based on specific criteria, helping operators quickly lock in the optimal options. The screening criteria are as follows:

• Product radius matching: the selected tool must make the processed product radius close to the preset preferred radius, and the actual resulting radius must be within the range of ±50% of the preferred radius;

• Bending force compliance: the bending force required for processing must not exceed the load-bearing resistance of the selected tool;

• Tool angle adaptation: the angle of the selected tool should be less than or equal to the angle required for the product to be processed;

• Bending method matching: for example, hemming tools are automatically recommended when the product requires hemming bending processes.

Clicking the "Show All" button will cancel the screening and display the complete list of all tools in the library for operators to choose from.

3.1 Multi-V Die Pre-selection

For a Multi-V die (a die with more than one V or U-shaped opening), operators can either select a specific V/U opening or the entire Multi-V die (marked as V = *). If a specific opening is selected, the system will use this opening for the entire bend sequence calculation; if the whole Multi-V die is selected, the control system will automatically select the opening that can make the product radius closest to the pre-programmed value.

If the system selects another V/U opening during the bend sequence calculation, this newly selected opening will be applied to all subsequent bending processes that have not yet been included in the original sequence.

3.2 Vario-V Die Selection and Parameter Setting

The initial selection process of a Vario-V die (a die with adjustable V/U-shaped opening) on the DELEM DA-66S is consistent with that of ordinary dies. After selecting a Vario-V die, its V-value is not set by default. Operators can directly proceed to create the bend sequence, and the system will automatically select the most suitable V-value based on the available adjustment positions of the Vario-V die.

If the operator pre-sets a specific V-value, the system will use this value for all subsequent bending calculations. For Vario-V dies with discrete adjustment positions, only the preset fixed values can be selected; if a non-preset V-value is entered, the system will automatically default to the nearest available fixed value.

In the Bend Sequence mode, operators can modify the V-opening of Multi-V dies or the V-value of Vario-V dies through the Modify or Shift Die functions on the interface. The Die positioning function in the Program mode also provides the same parameter adjustment capability.

Setting Tool Placement and Length Parameters

1 Programming Tool Length and Placement Position

Adjusting the length and placement position of tools on the DELEM DA-66S is simple and intuitive. Operators can either select the target tool and directly input new numerical values for length and position, or drag the tool on the visual interface to reposition it. The system's drag function is optimized with a speed adjustment feature: the downward drag distance increases, the movement speed of the tool slows down, which enables ultra-precise placement of tools and greatly improves the accuracy of configuration.

The snapping function is a prominent and essential feature for precise tool alignment in the DELEM DA-66S tool configuration. When dragging tools or tool stations on the interface, the snapping function will automatically align the target with the machine's center either vertically or horizontally. When the tool is moved into the snapping zone, a red guide line will appear on the screen, indicating the optimal release position for precise alignment—this feature is the key to ensuring the accuracy of tool placement and the stability of subsequent machining.

In addition, the DELEM DA-66S system has an intelligent matching function: after a punch is placed, the system will automatically place a die directly below it, and the length and placement position of the die will be fully matched with the punch. On this basis, operators can carry out personalized customization according to production needs, such as adding or deleting punches and dies, moving tool positions, adjusting tool lengths, changing tool orientation angles, or modifying heel types. These flexible adjustment functions allow the tool configuration to adapt to a variety of complex production and processing requirements.

Key operation buttons for this step:

• Delete config: Clear the existing entire tool configuration scheme and start a new configuration from scratch;

• Add: Add a new tool to the current configuration, and click to select the tool type (upper adapter (if enabled), punch, die, lower adapter (if enabled));

• Delete: Remove the currently selected single tool from the configuration.

2 Making the Most of the Auto Select Feature

The "Auto select" function is available on the core interface of Tool Configuration, which is designed to help operators quickly select the most suitable punch and die combination for the pre-programmed bending process, based on the maximum bendline size of the product.

The system will automatically retrieve and match the optimal tool set from the tool library for a single bending process, with the goal of achieving the most ideal product radius. It should be noted that this function only matches tools for a single bending step and does not generate a complete tool setup scheme for the entire production process—because the bend sequence is a key constraint for the overall setup and needs to be formulated manually by operators. After the Auto select function is activated, the system will automatically replace the existing tool setup with the newly matched optimal combination.

Advanced Configuration & Tool Segmentation Management

1 Managing Tool Segmentation

For segmented tools, the DELEM DA-66S system can automatically calculate the optimal segmentation scheme based on the preset segment length parameters, ensuring that the segmented tooling can be perfectly adapted to the structural constraints of the press brake and effectively improving the efficiency of the bending process.

The system's support for segmented tool configuration brings great flexibility and precision to production: operators can combine tools of the required size through reasonable segmentation, which is particularly practical when facing diverse tool requirements for different workpieces, and makes the tool configuration more targeted and efficient.

The Tool Setup interface of the DELEM DA-66S is equipped with three distinct view modes, each providing a unique operational perspective to assist operators in tool setup and segmentation management. These views can be switched by clicking the selection buttons on the left side of the machine's front view, making the operation of segmented tools simple and intuitive.

1.1 Key Operations for Individual Tool Segmentation

• Bend Sequence Calculation: After completing the basic tool setup, switch to the Bend Sequence mode, and the system will automatically calculate the most efficient bending sequence for the configured tools, greatly streamlining the entire production process;

• Manual Tool Segmentation: If the default tool length does not meet the processing needs, operators can manually segment the tools to adjust to the exact required length, further enhancing the flexibility of configuration;

• Automatic Segmentation Calculation: The system's built-in tool segmentation function can automatically determine the optimal segmentation scheme according to the actual production parameters. It takes key parameters such as the "maximum inter-tool distance" and the optional "tool length tolerance" as the calculation basis, making the segmentation more scientific and the operation more user-friendly.

For operators who need in-depth customization of tool segmentation, the DELEM DA-66S supports direct programming of segment parameters in the Machine mode. In this mode, operators can modify the segment parameters of punches and dies in the tool library, so that the tool setup can fully meet the precise requirements of special production processes. Mastering the segment programming method in the tool library is the key to tapping the full potential of the DELEM DA-66S tool configuration function.

1.2 Tool View: Assignment Parameter Setting

Click the "Assignments" button on the interface to view and set the core parameters used for segmentation calculation. The configurable assignment parameters include:

• Max inter segment distance: Set the maximum allowable distance between adjacent tool segments;

• Use tool length tolerance: Enable or disable the tolerance parameter to control the allowable deviation range during tool segmentation.

1.3 Segmentation View: Segment Adjustment and Management

Switching to the Segmentation view, the interface will display the segment details of the tools in both graphical and list forms, and only the segment information of the currently selected tool will be shown. Operators can drag and modify the position and size of individual segments on the graphical interface, and the list will clearly display the composition and parameter details of all segments of the current tool.

It should be noted that when adjusting segments in the Segmentation view, the system will not take into account the actual stock of segments in the warehouse; the consistency between the adjusted scheme and the actual stock can be verified by re-executing the segmentation calculation. In addition, modifying the tool length or tool type will cause the existing segmentation scheme to be cleared, and the operator needs to re-generate the segmentation parameters.

1.4 Segment Parameter Setting in the Tool Library

To enable the system to use the segmented tool function and calculate the segmentation scheme based on the actual available segments, operators first need to complete the information filling of the segment library. This operation can be done in the tool programming module, which is located in the Machine mode under the punch and die tool property settings.

In the property settings of each tool, switch to the Segmentation tab, where operators can program and set the segment length, optional heel shape and the available quantity of segments for the tool, laying the foundation for the automatic segmentation calculation of the system.

2 Selecting and Repositioning Tool Stations

Mastering the use of the Station view is a key part of advanced tool configuration on the DELEM DA-66S, which is mainly used for the overall management of tool stations, and its core functions and operation points are as follows:

1. Highlighting and Repositioning: In the Station view, the entire tool station is displayed as a highlightable unit for quick selection by operators. The repositioning of the tool station can be realized in two ways: directly programming the new coordinate position or dragging the station to the target position on the visual interface, which greatly improves the flexibility of the overall tool setup;

2. Automatic Definition of Tool Stations: The system will automatically identify and define a tool station when there is an overlapping area between the punch and the die. This overlap can be a precise alignment position or a slightly shifted position, both of which will be recognized as a valid tool station. Even a special configuration with two punches corresponding to a single die can be defined as a tool station, which is very helpful for processing bending processes with spatial constraints;

3. Management of Tool Stations: In the Station view, operators can copy an existing tool station with the "add" button or delete an unnecessary station with the "delete" button. The most important feature of this view is that it only manages the tool station as a whole and will not modify the detailed parameters of individual tools in the station, making the overall setup adjustment more efficient without affecting the precise configuration of a single tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How to realize efficient tool setup in DELEM DA-66S tool configuration?

A1: To maximize the efficiency of tool setup, first switch to the Bend Sequence mode to let the system calculate the most efficient bending sequence for the actual production task, then use the system's tool segmentation function to adjust the tool segments and create the exact tool length required for processing. Combining these two functions can greatly shorten the setup time and improve configuration efficiency.

Q2: How to define tool stations in DELEM DA-66S tool configuration?

A2: On the DELEM DA-66S, a tool station is automatically defined by the system when there is an overlapping area between the punch and the die. This definition includes both precise overlapping positions and shifted overlapping positions, which can effectively adapt to the processing needs of complex bending processes and diverse tool configurations.

Q3: Can the detailed parameters of a single tool be modified in the Station view during configuration?

A3: No. The Station view is only used for the overall management of tool stations, supporting operations such as copying, deleting and repositioning of stations, but it cannot modify the detailed parameters of individual tools. This design ensures that the overall adjustment of the tool station will not affect the precise configuration of a single tool.

Conclusion

Precise CNC tool configuration of the DELEM DA-66S is the core guarantee for achieving high-precision and high-efficiency operation of the press brake. Strictly following the above key steps for configuration can ensure that the tool setup is fully adapted to the specific processing requirements of the product, effectively improving the machining accuracy and production efficiency of the machine. In daily production, operators need to regularly review and adjust the tool configuration parameters according to the actual processing situation and workpiece requirements to maintain the optimal operational state of the press brake.

For more in-depth professional insights and technical support on DELEM DA-66S tool configuration, please feel free to contact the professional technical team of JUGAO. We are committed to providing comprehensive support for your machine setup and daily operation, ensuring the smooth progress of your entire production process.