For metal sheet fabricators, working with a high-performance automatic machine that is less laborious is a welcome relief. A press brake offers these and much more. When properly maintained, a press brake will give you the added advantage of high precision and safety. If you are shopping for a press brake for your metal fabrication works, check out this article for tips for cleaning different parts of a press brake.
- Hydraulic System
Comprised of different components including tubing, pumps, motors, and substrates, among others, the hydraulic system is the centerpiece of a press brake. As a practice, always remove and clean these components once every month. Monthly cleaning will ensure that the tubing and pumps are in good working condition for the next metal fabrication job.
However, when cleaning the hydraulic system, avoid using detergents. Detergents will lead to the corrosion of these components. Apart from that, corroded and malfunctioning parts will affect the precision and accuracy of the bends. They will also impact the overall performance of the press brake.
Use wiping oil to remove dust, debris, metal flakes, and resins from these components. Cleaning of the system and other parts should be done after the completion of a binding task. Removing and reattaching these parts will affect the precision and accuracy of the bends.
- Hydraulic Oil Inspection
While cleaning of hydraulic components should be done monthly, always check the hydraulic oil every week. During hydraulic oil inspection, ensure that the oil temperature is within the recommended temperature range. Any temperatures above 60°C should raise concerns. Use the oil inspection window to gauge the hydraulic oil levels. Consider topping up when below. Too high oil temperatures will damage the integrity of the various components of the hydraulic system.
- Filter System
A press brake machine comes with a filter system that cleans the air and oil entering the hydraulic oil tank. Debris and other foreign materials can clog filters. Clogged air filters are functionally inefficient and will affect the overall efficiency of your machine. As a best practice, filters should be cleaned quarterly. However, when damaged, consider replacing any time. The best practice in maintaining air filters is to replace them with new ones annually.
- Inspection And Machine Parts Readjustment
Always conduct regular and planned inspections of your press brake to identify damaged, worn out, or misaligned parts. Inspection is especially recommended before you begin a new task. During the examination, test, and readjust all the mechanisms, including bending angle, worktable, and lower dies to suit your needs and the recommended settings. Check for deformities on tubing and other parts and replace it if damaged.
Take-Home
Press brakes can give your metal fabrication tasks high levels of performance precision and accuracy. However, they need to be appropriately maintained. Always have a timetable for inspection and maintenance practices, such as cleaning. Use the right cleaning agent to avoid damaging your machine parts.
