Are you and your company on a consistent press brake schedule?
A good rule of thumb is to check your press brakes daily — cleaning any obvious debris, dust, and dirt at least once at the start and end of your day with a dry cloth to ensure that you do not need to do any larger cleanings down the road that could cut productivity time.
Of course, this is easier said than done, and sometimes it’s good to do a deep-clean and inspection on your press brakes to keep them in like-new shape. Make sure to do these on a semi-regular basis based on how often you use your machine:
- Clean the outside of the hydraulic circuit – do not use any harsh cleaning materials as it tarnishes the metal. Check the parts for any type of leak in every nook and cranny of the machine. Clean any paint that may have chipped off the machine through wear and tear.
- Change the fluid and oil once a year, and make sure that the machine is always well-lubed.
- Have an extra foot pedal cable within reach of the machine in case the foot pedal cable in use unexpectedly stops working or breaks.
- It may seem like common sense, but a simple inspection under the blocks to look for broken springs or anything that may have either unexpectedly broken or needs to be lubed.
- Check the blocks to make sure they are not bent or broken. Same with the coils.
- Check the stop lock periodically to make sure it is not broken.
- Find out if your oil needs to be changed through a simple visual check – sometimes once a year is not enough based on the amount of use.
- Verify that all the safety guarding is in place. For safety devices, such as light curtains or restraints, be sure they are functioning properly per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Press brakes require special attention in order to operate at the highest level – taking time to clean the machine ensures that your machine will operate at peak performance and like new for years to come. Neglecting your machine makes for a poor investment. Of course, if you need any big repairs, Mestek Machinery can help with all of your press brake parts, tips, and anything else pertaining to your machines.