In today’s article, I will discuss our minimum advanced press brake controller, the Estun E21. I will describe its main functions and a compare it with a more advanced controller. I invite you to read on.
A word of introduction
Numerical control is the name given to processing digital information and generating signals that control machines or equipment’s movement. It is used to control the manufacturing process of geometrically defined objects, i.e., digitally described based on a technical drawing or CAD model, e.g. the control of machine tools.
The main difference between an NC control and a CNC control for our higher-end presses is the possibility of programmable functions, the number of stored programmes, speed and accuracy of the machine. Therefore, the NC control is mainly chosen when we only bend simple parts, such as L-shaped ones, where precision and many other qualities are less important. Furthermore, in this situation, we do not want to spend a correspondingly higher amount on purchasing a machine of better capabilities.
Estun E21 controller screen
The interface of the controller discussed is as follows:
As we can see in the picture above, the controller has a display. This screen shows us information such as the current position of the backgauge (X-axis) and the current position of the ram (Y-axis). Manual adjustment keys are for user-programmed positions. These are entered by pressing the start button, and the machine calculates and travels to the preset positions.
We can switch between the different menus using the programming mode change button. There are three tabs for a single bending operation, a sequence of several bends (so-called programmes) and a settings menu. The functions visible on the screen are navigated using the arrows located directly below them. Data is entered using the numeric keypad and confirmed by pressing Enter. If a mistake is made, we can delete it using the “delete entry” button. We use the “dot” button as a separator of hundredths of a millimetre for both the height and the bending dimension. If we change the programme too quickly and start the calculation process, we can stop it with the “Stop” button. If we wish to adjust the parameters of our press manually, we use the buttons marked in yellow.
Programming modes
As I mentioned above, we can switch between three tabs. The first tab shows the single bending mode window.
Below, you can see a description of each entity on the “Single” screen you see above.
“Programs” mode
This is a mode that allows us to save a sequence of several bends. It is useful when we repeat the bending of the same complicated product after some time. It will enable us to save the settings that worked during the previous execution of a repeated element. The window of this mode looks as follows:
We can take advantage of the option to save up to 40 unique programmes, numbered 1-40. We can quickly return to the parameters used last time for products repeated in our production every certain period. This saves time. Unfortunately, the memory is limited to 40 individual programmes. For this reason, we recommend the Otinus OT – 41 or Delem controller in typical service production.
“Const” mode
This is the third of the machine programming screens, allowing constants to be entered. These are responsible for setting the essential controller functions used in programmes.
Below is a table in which each parameter is described.
Summary
The Estun E21 control press is a device designed to make simple bends. The controller is straightforward to use as it does not have too many functions that it performs for the user. Therefore, it will prove helpful in workshops where simple parts are made, and their accuracy does not have to be so high. The dimension is determined using the X-axis, and the planned angle is obtained by entering the depth to which the bending block is to descend. Unfortunately, the controller is not equipped with any calculator, so we have to do all the calculations manually. This is a time-consuming process, and we can put this time to work with a better machine control system.
When making various parts, it is worth looking for a press brake with a CNC controller, which will significantly reduce the time required to complete tasks. Feel free to contact our technicians and sales department. Otinus specialists will advise you on the reliable solution.