Hybrid Drive, Hydraulics & Superior Accuracy Contribute to Performance of Amada HDS NT Series Press Brakes.

Advanced design features combine for power, speed and performance in the HDS NT press brake series from Amada America, Inc (Buena Park, CA). Driven by the combined response of a hydraulic pressure unit and servo motor drive system, the HDS NT achieves the consistent speeds required in a high-output environment. To reduce electrical consumption and heat, hydraulic operation is suspended when the ram reaches the top of its stroke.

Consistent ram positioning to within one micron makes it possible for shops to maintain high accuracy levels, even over a continuous operating period. In addition, a new crowning mechanism, consisting of hydraulic sub-cylinders that are positioned in the lower beam to add crowning pressure, make it possible to prevent uneven bending, while increasing accuracy across the entire bed.

For precise bending control at any position, a 5-axis backgauge provides continuously updated feedback to the CNC, where exact positioning can be viewed at any time on the PC-based AMNC-PC control. Programming enhancements include a more powerful and enhanced automated software package, BendCAM with Dr. ABE. With it, programs can be automatically generated—tool selection and layout, bending sequence and bending data. Improved network functions within the AMNC-PC control allow operators to call up complete sets of data from the network server.

By incorporating an AMNC-PC control on all of its press brakes, turret punch presses, and lasers, Amada has created continuity which facilitates employee cross-training. When used in conjunction with the vFactory™ feature, shop management is able to check a machine's operating history, observe patterns between shifts, or determine the exact production time required per part or job. With vFactory, shop owners can remotely monitor any of the Amada AMNC-controlled machines in their shop.

Amada's BendCAM software features a 3D solid-modeling component by which the operator is enabled to program all motion of the press brake and backgauges. This software is compatible with Amada's AstroCAM II Robotic software and AP100 CAD programs and features a user-friendly touch screen. Enabling operators to view 3D models on the machine makes programming a more intuitive process, allowing the visualization of tooling setups and the ability to set up the press brake by following the onscreen guide.

In addition, each sectionalized piece of punch and die is listed on the screen so the operator knows exactly what is needed. Some options for programming the AMNC control include offline programming via BendCAM, 2D graphical programming, and angle and depth mode programming. All these options are enhanced by the "tool navigator," which allows the onscreen backgauge fingers to show the operator where to set up the punches and dies in the machine.

A new machine feature allows users the ability to use Modular style tooling which allows for hydraulic clamping along the entire length of the bed. Modular tooling can save time by completely eliminating the manual tool alignment process. It can save money by protecting tools from damage due to dropping. Tooling is automatically aligned, clamped and unclamped at the touch of a button. Safety clicks reduces risks associated with tool changes. European style tooling is also available on the HDS press brake.

According to Jon Paul Edwards, Amada's general manager - bending: "Overall, the versatility of the HDS press brake provides users with immediate production benefits today and allows owners a simplified transition when faced with the more advanced manufacturing requirements of the future. We're convinced that, today, Amada's BendCAM software and the capabilities of the HDS series press brake offer outstanding levels of productivity and operating economy to sheet metal fabricators. The speed and accuracy of the bending, together with the offline programming and tool navigator, dramatically increase throughput."