1. Question:  How do I know which controls work with which backgauges?

Answer: Consult compatibility chart.

2. Question:  What does “P” mean in the model number?

Answer:  “P” modifier means the backgauge drive castings are configured in       a low profile manner to allow them to fit properly on pressbrakes with small clearance between die hold and bottom bed such as up-acting pressbrakes.

3. Question:  What else does Automec do?

Answer:  Our sole business is gauging for pressbrakes and shears.

4. Question: How long has Automec been around?

Answer:  Automec is a privately held company established in 1971.

5. Question: What do you mean by X,Y, and R axis?

Answer:  X is the backgauge.  Y controls the ram depth.  R means up and down on the gauge bar.

6. Question: What is Category 1, 2, and 5 Ram axis?

Answer:  It refers to the way we control the ram axis on various pressbrakes.

Category 1 means the pressbrake ram depth is set by a microswitch or another electrical signal to a solenoid.  We use a linear scale and relays, i.e. Allsteel, Wysong MTH, Standard, Piranha

Category 2 means the ram depth is controlled by turning a low torque screw which activates a valve.  We use a 100 watt motor and amplifier, i.e. Betenbender, Guifil, Amada, Promecam

Category 5 means the ram depth is controlled by turning a high torque screw which moves mechanical depth stops in the ram cylinders. We use a 1000 watt motor and amplifier, i.e. LVD, Atlantic

7. Question: Which control should I buy?

Answer:  That depends on how many axes you want to control, how much program storage you desire, your preferred method of entering and displaying data, and your cost goals.

Consult Compatibility Chart.

8. Question:  Which mechanical structure should I buy?

Answer:  That depends mostly on the size of the pressbrake and the size of the material you will bend. Consult Compatibility Chart.

9. Question:  When is the Squaregage justified?

Answer:  When you often use the shear to achieve square accurate blanks.  When only rough blanking is required a backgauge is usually sufficient.

10. Question: What is the typical payback of a gauging system?

Answer:  If the pressbrake is used daily, the payback is usually 3-6 months.

11. Question:  If my pressbrake has control with twin glass scales can I  retrofit an Automec?

Answer:  No, that is considered a Y1/Y2 syncro machine and we only support new pressbrake applications of this type.