Positioning guide

Press brake backgauges explained.

The right backgauge is not the one with the most axes. It is the simplest system that reliably positions every edge, offset and formed profile in your production mix.

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A backgauge creates a repeatable reference point behind the tooling. The CNC moves its fingers before each bend so the operator can locate the sheet accurately without measuring every flange by hand.

The core axes

Flange depth

Moves the fingers toward or away from the tooling.

Gauge height

Raises or lowers the gauge for different flange heights and formed profiles.

Left position

Moves the left finger laterally along the working length.

Right position

Moves the right finger independently for narrow or offset parts.

When independent axes matter

Parallel sheet edges can often share one X depth. Tapered or non-parallel parts may need X1 and X2 so each finger can reference a different depth. Complex formed profiles can also benefit from independent R1 and R2 height channels.

Use independent X positioning for tapered flanges and non-parallel reference edges.
Use independent R positioning when left and right support points sit at different heights.
Use Z1 and Z2 when part widths change frequently or fingers must avoid formed features.
Confirm travel, finger geometry and collision clearance—not only the axis count.

Two, four, five or six axes?

X + R

Strong general-production choice for straight parts and changing flange heights.

X + R + Z1/Z2

Adds independent lateral finger placement for varied widths and offsets.

Four axes + one

Adds an application-specific depth or height channel for more complex geometry.

X1/X2 + R1/R2 + Z1/Z2

Independent depth, height and lateral positioning for demanding asymmetric parts.

BENDRYX six-axis press brake backgauge — A six-axis system adds flexibility, but the final selection should follow the actual reference edges and formed geometry.

Five questions to send with a drawing

Which edge establishes each flange dimension?
Are the reference edges parallel?
Will formed features change the finger support height?
How often do part widths and finger locations change?
Does the part need front supports, sheet followers or robotic handling?

Final specification: Axis names and packaged functions can vary by machine architecture and CNC platform. The BENDRYX quotation confirms every controlled movement, travel and finger arrangement.