Coventry-based
Bystronic UK Ltd has unveiled the latest version of its ByBend Smart which has been designed specifically to increase the flexibility and speed of bending. Thanks to its numerous functions and options, the press brake offers ‘high-quality Swiss bending technology and numerous intelligent functions at an affordable price’.
One of the ByBend Smart’s main new features is the insert and stroke length expansion. This enhancement, which is available with the purchase of a new machine, extends the insert height for bending tools from 480 to 580mm. The additional 100mm boosts the ByBend Smart’s flexibility by as much as 30% because this means that higher tools can be used, which enables users to produce parts with lower bending edges, particularly useful when bending boxes and drawers.
Another new optional feature is the five-axis back gauge. Until now, users had the choice between a two-axis and a four-axis back gauge system. Customers who choose the new five-axis option can also use the ByBend Smart to bend complex 3-D parts.
For example, sheet metal products where the bending edges are not just parallel, but also at angles to each other. Similar to the expansion of the insert height and stroke length, the various back gauge systems represent an option to increase the bending versatility — the basic version of the ByBend Smart is supplied with a two-axis back gauge system.
In addition to a wide spectrum of applications, fast bending sequences and short manufacturing cycles frequently play an important role for users. Here, increasing process speeds and shortening set-up times are key. This is precisely what Bystronic offers with its range of high-speed options for the ByBend Smart.
A new “Efficiency Booster” is an optional feature that ensures a fast return of the upper beam, which can speed up the bending process, making it up to 20% faster.
The machine’s main drive is only active when the machine is actually in operation. This is the logic of the “Energy Saver” that reduces the power consumption of the machine while also boosting productivity and offering the added benefit of minimising noise and waste heat.
Upon request, higher-performance mechanics are also available that enable the ByBend Smart’s upper beam to move at higher speeds during the rapid movement and bending phases. The “Fast Bend M Safety System” option consists of a laser safety system that allows the upper beam to move almost all the way to the part that is being processed at the rapid movement speed.
The high-precision laser sensor allows the ByBend Smart’s control to reduce the upper beam’s speed from up to 200mm per sec (rapid movement speed) to 16 mm per sec (bending speed) just before reaching the metal sheet. The laser safety system functions like an intelligent brake assistant that permits the machine to move at a higher speed for longer. This offers users a speed advantage of up to 30%.
During the bending process, dynamic sheet followers support and guide large and thin sheets as well as heavy, thick sheets with long bending flanges. The control synchronizes the movement of the bending aid with the actual bending process and the vertical movement of the H axis.
The dynamic sheet support is designed for machines with a press force between 100 and 300 metric tons. The lifting capacity is 100kg per set (at a distance of approximately 800mm from the bending line). The dynamic sheet follower is operated simultaneously with the upper beam.
It increases material handling flexibility, in particular for small batch sizes with changing material types and thicknesses. Optionally, there are rollers available for heavy parts. The table can be converted from plastic rails to rollers or brushes in a matter of seconds.
When it comes to bending technology, simple operation is a key factor for many users. Load the bending plan, set up the machine, and start bending – this is precisely what the ByBend Smart and the ByVision Bending user interface offer. ByVision Bending is included in the ByBend Smart’s basic version — operators can launch all the bending processes with just a few swipes of the finger on a 22in touch screen.
ByVision Bending has an extensive database that includes the parameters for all the common types of sheet metal and bending tools. Depending on the material thickness and bending angle, the user interface determines the ideal bending process and suggests the suitable tools.
The dynamic crowning ensures high-precision air bending results. This unique assistant function is only available in this form with press brakes from Bystronic. Thanks to its sensor system, the ByBend Smart’s crowning recognises the position and length of the sheet metal part.
This sensor system is integrated directly into the ByVision Bending control enabling the ByBend Smart to automatically ensure the ideal distribution of the bending force across the entire bending length without requiring the operator to deal with complicated details. This results in precise and consistent angles every time.