When specifying a press brake there are a number of features and options to consider that make the machine easier to use and more productive. According to Morgan Rushworth, these include: height-adjustable control panel arm; AKAS laser tooling guards; CNC sheet follower support arms; and hydraulic tool clamping.

All press brake operators are not born equal. For those tired of stooping down or standing on a pallet to use the press brake control, the ergonomic height-adjustable control arm from Morgan Rushworth could be the answer. This is available as an option on all press brakes although is also fitted as standard on several models.

The AKAS laser tooling guards offer a vastly improved user experience when compared with traditional light guards. As the AKAS system guards the top tool only, rather than the whole working area, the operator can hold the workpiece during the beam’s rapid descent stage rather than having to wait until reaching the mute position. This capability allows the easy positioning of smaller components against the back gauge, without compromising safety.

When working with light gauge material, larger parts will tend to fold down under their own weight, making handling more difficult. While it is possible to slow the bending and ram return speeds to make this operation easier, another option is to specify a CNC-powered sheet follower support arm. As the name implies the support arm will lift up and down during bending ensuring continual support for the part.

For workshops where a lot of tool changes are required, hydraulic tool clamping can greatly increase efficiency. Available for either top and bottom tools – or both – and with different clamp designs, hydraulic tool clamping will make frequent tool changes a quick and simple task.
For further information www.morganrushworth.com