A backgauge is a mechanical system, normally attached to a
brake press
A press brake is a machine used for bending sheet metal and metal plate, most commonly sheet metal. It forms predetermined bends by clamping the workpiece between a matching top tool and bottom die.Parker, Dana T. ''Building Victory: Aircraft Manuf ...
. Its main function is to interface with the brake press
computer numerical control
Numerical control (also computer numerical control, and commonly called CNC) is the automated control of machining tools (such as drills, lathes, mills, grinders, routers and 3D printers) by means of a computer. A CNC machine processes ...
(CNC), moving along several different axes in order to precisely position a piece of metal for forming.
Backgauges typically have anywhere from 1 to 6 axes of movement. Each of these individual axes is controlled by a separate
electric motor
An electric motor is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Most electric motors operate through the interaction between the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a wire winding to generate forc ...
. Often a brake press is sold to a customer in conjunction with a backgauge.
On an
extrusion saw
Extrusion is a process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile by pushing material through a die of the desired cross-section. Its two main advantages over other manufacturing processes are its ability to create very complex ...
, a backgauge is responsible for feeding material at exact amounts past a saw blade. It is responsible for the accuracy of the piece's cut length.
Machine tools
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