Bend depth
Moves the gauge fingers toward or away from the tooling to establish flange depth.
Positioning systems explained
Every axis has a job.
A press brake backgauge turns a bend program into repeatable part positioning. Compare the movement, independence and part geometry supported by each BENDRYX package.
Backgauge systems at a glance
More axes do not automatically mean a better machine.
The correct system is the simplest configuration that positions every flange, profile and offset in the intended part family.
Axis terminology
What each movement controls.
Axis names describe direction and independence. Y1 and Y2 are included for context, but they control the ram rather than the rear gauge.
Vertical position
Raises or lowers the gauge beam or fingers for changing flange heights and formed features.
Left lateral position
Moves the left finger along the working length for width and off-centre setups.
Right lateral position
Moves the right finger independently for asymmetric and narrow part setups.
Independent depth
Controls left and right depth separately for tapered flanges and non-parallel edges.
Independent height
Controls left and right height separately for complex profiles and uneven support points.
Left ram cylinder
Controls the left side of the upper beam. It is a synchronization axis, not a rear-gauge movement.
Right ram cylinder
Controls the right side of the upper beam and works with Y1 to maintain ram position.
Auxiliary axis
May identify crowning, a sheet follower or another controlled function confirmed in the final specification.
Configuration levels
From one-axis positioning to six-axis control.
The right package is the simplest system that reliably positions the actual part family.
One-axis
Basic automatic flange-depth positioning.
- X depth control
- Simple straight parts
- Manual finger placement
Two-axis
Adds vertical positioning for changing flange heights.
- X depth
- R height
- General production work
Three-axis
Adds linked lateral positioning or an application-specific channel.
- X and R
- Linked Z movement
- Faster width changes
Four-axis
A versatile package with independent finger placement.
- X and R
- Independent Z1 / Z2
- Offset and narrow parts
Five-axis
Adds an offset or depth channel for more complex geometry.
- X, R, Z1 and Z2
- Additional X or R channel
- Tapered and staged parts
Six-axis
Independent left and right depth, height and lateral positioning.
- X1 / X2
- R1 / R2
- Z1 / Z2
BENDRYX structures
Rear gauges by part complexity.
Servo motors, precision ball screws and linear guides support fast movement and repeatable positioning.
Important: Axis labels can vary by controller and machine architecture. The final BENDRYX quotation confirms every controlled movement and travel.
How to select
Start with the part, not the axis count.
Four practical questions usually determine the correct gauge architecture.
Are edges parallel?
Tapered or non-parallel edges may require independent X1 and X2 depth positioning.
Do flange heights change?
Formed features and variable support points benefit from R or independent R1/R2 control.
Do part widths vary?
Z1 and Z2 reduce manual finger repositioning as part widths change.
Is handling difficult?
Long, heavy or flexible parts may also need sheet followers, front supports or automation.
Send us your part drawings.
BENDRYX will recommend the BENDRYX rear-gauge axes, ESA control, tooling and support equipment needed for the application.