Linuxcnc Press brake - Open Source

Hello everyone,
Everyone here with a plasma cutter need a press brake. PlasmaC saved our lives once. :laugh: .

Now, I want people to gather here and discuss how we can design a Linuxcnc Press brake.

We can do discussions in phases. One phase at a time, so that we dont lose track ( its important for efficient solution).

[1] Inspiratons, suggestions, example videos. etc

[2] We have to set goals and limit ourselves to achieveable stuff. What we need and what we dont.

[3] Solving mechanical problems

[4] Then, electrical and digital

[5] Then comes software.

[6] Then we can design a GUI.

Please give your opinions, It will be milestone for Linuxcnc.

Cheers,
Pinder

[1]
This is triumph 5000 I think. Superb! work efficiency

Automatic angle measuring system. Very cool. Maybe achievable by using external offsets?

Aciera wrote: Automatic angle measuring system. Very cool. Maybe achievable by using external offsets?

Angle defined by tool height and shape of the base and tool.

External offset will surely help in aacuracy. Some kind of measuring system with light system
on one side and camera on other.

Yeh, that is a cool video. I might have this a bit wrong but on my 2 axis press brake, it looks really simple. X axis is the back stop and Y I assume is a threaded acme rod each side that acts as a stop for the punch so you set the axes and press on the foot pedal which activates the hydraulics. More sophisticated machines will control the height of the back stop and position them left to right.

Setting the X axis is easy as it comes from your cad drawing so you just need to do some maths to convert the bend angle to a Y axis position. SO just get that far to start with and add the bells and whistles later.

There are a few different machine types described here icontrol.net.au/PressBrakeApps

and this video shows the settings defining a bend

Start at 50Cm wide and a bigger one at 1M, those can be pretty much made with hand tools.
Leaving megalomania aside, lets do a simple one that will do repeatable bends with usable accuracy, 1 motor for the back stop and the hydraulic parts, then we can add lasers and bells and whistles later.
Starting with a 2.5 million $ machine is a no no.
But during planing it would be nice to think about additions so it can be easily upgraded.

If you want to build something, come up with a design that can be cut on a 1200 x 1200mm (4' x 4') plasma table, say 16mm steel but use no more than 1 sheet (1200 x 2400mm)

I would stay at 1M wide in respect to us in the oldest continent.

rodw wrote: If you want to build something, come up with a design that can be cut on a 1200 x 1200mm (4' x 4') plasma table, say 16mm steel but use no more than 1 sheet (1200 x 2400mm)

I think 16mm might be a bit optimistic for a DIY build even 12mm might be pushing it at 1200mm wide.

Just my 2c worth

He meant for parts use 16mm.
Bending 16mm is another level where only a few dare to wander.