Gauging
When using a press brake to bend parts, it is important to position the material correctly. The back gauge helps by holding the part steady and ensuring it is in the right place before bending. It guides the machine to the exact spot where the bend should be made.
In RightAngle Control, you’ll see settings like X, X1, X2, Z1, Z2, R, R1, and R2. These are just labels for how the back gauges move to help position the part correctly before bending.
Here is a simple breakdown:
X-Axis: Front to Back
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X, X1 and X2 control how far the gauge fingers move into the machine, basically determines how deep the sheet goes.
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On some machines, you can move the left and right gauges separately (that’s what X1 and X2 are for).
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This controls how far your bend line is from the edge of the part.
Z-Axis: Side to Side
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Z1 and Z2 move the gauge fingers left and right across the table.
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Z1 is usually the left finger, and Z2 is the right finger.
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This helps you create angled bends or position longer parts more accurately.
R-Axis: Up and Down
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R, R1 and R2 adjust the height of the back gauge fingers.
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This is helpful if your part has flanges or bends that stick up, as you can lift the fingers out of the way or support different part heights.