A multifunction machine for modifying a workpiece held in a bending brake is provided that allows one tool to be easily interchanged with another tool. The machine includes a carriage operable to move longitudinally along the bending brake, and a tool detachably connected to the carriage and operable to modify the workpiece. The tool can be detached from the carriage and interchanged with another tool for performing a different modification to the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, either the tool or the carriage includes a projection extending therefrom, and the other includes an opening sized to receive the projection in order to connect the tool and the carriage. The tool preferably includes rotatably mounted rolls that may be used for cutting or forming the workpiece. The multifunction machine is intended to be used in conjunction with any type of bending brake.
A cutting assembly (20) is removably supported on a sheet bending brake (24) for cutting a work piece (22). The cutting assembly (20) includes a cutter body (32), and a first (42) and a second cutting disk (48), each having an outer periphery defining a primary (44) and a complimentary cutting edge (50) respectively. The first (42) and second cutting disks (48) are rotatably supported by the cutter body (32) and rotate about a first axis (46) and a second axis (52) respectively. An adjustment mechanism (60) interconnects the second cutting disk (48) and the cutter body (32) for axially adjusting the complimentary cutting edge (50) with respect to the primary cutting edge (44) without having to remove the second cutting disk (48) from the cutter body (32). The cutting assembly (20) includes a locking device (82) for preventing movement of the adjustment mechanism (60) relative to the cutter body (32).
A bend/cut-off gauge includes a hanger having a first portion adapted to engage at least one track feature on the anvil member of a sheet bending brake, and a second portion extending from the first portion so as to be cantilevered from the anvil member adjacent to the sheet material clamp surface on the base member of the brake. An abutment stop is disposed on the second portion of the hanger for engagement by an edge of sheet material resting on the clamp surface. The width of the sheet material between the edge of the anvil member and the abutment stop is thus accurately gauged. The gauge may then be removed from the anvil member, and the bend member operated to bend an accurately gauged strip of material over the anvil member, or the cutter mechanism operated along the track feature(s) on the anvil member to sever an accurately gauged strip of material from the sheet stock clamped between the anvil member and the base member.
A sheet material cutter and bending brake combination includes a sheet bending brake having a base member with a clamp surface, and an anvil member for clamping sheet material against the clamp surface. The anvil member has a track extending longitudinally of the anvil member and the brake. The track includes a pair of parallel channels that are at an angle to each other, and are laterally spaced from each other--i.e., laterally of the longitudinal dimension of the brake and the longitudinal direction of the track. The track also includes a second channel extending along the anvil member parallel to the first channel and disposed between the lip and the clamp surface. A cutter has a frame, and first and second pairs of track rollers mounted on the frame. The first pair of track rollers have outwardly extending peripheries for receipt in the first channel, and the second pair of track rollers have outwardly extending peripheries for receipt in the second channel. A pair of cutter rollers on the frame are disposed for engagement with sheet material clamped between the anvil and base members when the cutter is mounted on the track. The track and track roller geometries provide affirmative wheel locking in the track, which reduces any tendency of the cutter to become untracked as the cutter is propelled along the sheet bending brake.
The subject invention provides a sheet bending brake assembly for securing a work piece. The sheet bending brake assembly includes a clamping member having a lower leg extending therefrom and a pivoting arm pivotally supported by and extending from the clamping member. The pivoting arm defines a clamping area with the lower leg. A base supports the clamping members and provides support to the assembly while moving the pivoting arm between the open position and the clamped position. A guide mechanism reacts between the clamping member and the pivoting arm for moving the pivoting arm between the open position and the clamped position. The guide mechanism has a guide slot with a detent positioned within the guide slot between the first and the second ends for positioning the pivoting arm in an intermediate position to allow for precisely aligning the work piece.
The subject invention provides a sheet bending brake assembly for securing a work piece. The sheet bending brake assembly includes a clamping member having a lower leg extending therefrom and a pivoting arm pivotally supported by and extending from the clamping member. The pivoting arm defines a clamping area with the lower leg. A base supports the clamping members and provides support to the assembly while moving the pivoting arm between the open position and the clamped position. A guide mechanism reacts between the clamping member and the pivoting arm for moving the pivoting arm between the open position and the clamped position. The guide mechanism has a guide slot with a detent positioned within the guide slot between the first and the second ends for positioning the pivoting arm in an intermediate position to allow for precisely aligning the work piece.