The VIP Gauge Advantage

By using the VIP gauge, you will have the ability to bend complex jobs that would normally take several set-ups to bend or take the use of a high dollar multiple-axis CNC Press brake. Both options are costly to your success in this competitive market. By using the VIP Gauge, you will be able to set up multiple step operations on one machine and have the ability to easily maintain tight tolerances by simply adjusting the precision micrometer head.

This is a high quality, rugged press brake backstop gauge finger with micrometer adjustment. This tool has been production shop tested for 3 years and has proven to reduced setup time with increased accuracy.

No more shimming! You can eliminate tapers due to material pulling or faulty back stops by making exact corrections using the micrometer head.

You can add several VIP Gauge fingers for multiple step operations on one machine. This will increase the productivity of your CNC or manual press brakes.

Time Justification

Example 1

VIP GAUGE FINGERS ON A 2 AXIS CNC BRAKE

Number of setups: 1
Program time: 10 min
Setup time: 40 min
Part handling time: 10 sec.
Single bend time: 10 sec.
Run time: 80 sec.
Number of parts: 1000
Total time: 23.1 hr

Example 2

2 AXIS CNC BRAKE WITH 2 STOCK BACKGAUGE FINGERS

Number of setups: 3
Program time: 20 min
Setup time: 60 min (20min./setup)
Part handling time: 30 sec. (10/setup)
Single bend time: 10 sec.
Run time: 100 sec.
Number of parts: 1000
Total time: 29.1 hr

Example 3

6 TO 8 AXIS CNC BRAKE WITH STOCK SERVO DRIVEN GAUGE FINGERS

Number of setups: 2
Program time: 30 min
Setup time: 30 min (15 min/setup)
Part handling time: 20 sec (10/setup)
Single bend time: 10 sec
Run time: 90 sec
Number of parts: 1000
Total time: 26.0 hr

Benefits

Using a 4-foot up-acting press brake with 8 VIP Gauge fingers, these parts are produced complete in one handling. Fewer handlings mean better time and motion efficiencies.
Parts can be inspected and the next operation begun immediately without waiting for all 1000 parts to run through a partial-bend sequence.
Precision adjustments can be made quickly with the micrometer wheel. No need for metal or masking tape shims.
A custom nest can be screwed to each finger for gauging from difficult edges such as needed for steps 6 and 7 in the example. This can’t be done on 6 or 8 axis machines because the fingers are shared for all bends.
A good operator can bend most multiple bend parts faster using VIP Gauges on a 2 axis machine than on an expensive 6 or 8 axis machine because he won’t have to wait for the fingers to position after each bend.
You can gain the advantages of an expensive 6 or 8 axis brake for the price of tooling, rather than the price of new equipment. Continue to use your existing 2 axis machines that are already paid for. Avoid the cost of retraining operators to use a new, more complicated controller.