7/11/2005 VERSION 2.0 26
11.3.1.Tearing
The crimping process is essentially a controlled folding process. The most typical problem with this
process is tearing. Tearing typically results from the knives being set too deep, or from the side knives
making asymmetrical contact with the blank (the side knives being set too far in on the top). Be sure the
side knives are just barely contacting the bottom corners on the blank. From there, the angle of the side
knives may be adjusted to increase crimp or reduce tearing. The top knife must work together with the side
dies to create the correct fold. A visual assessment must be made to determine how to adjust the depth of
crimp. An inspection of the inside of the completed elbow must not reveal any cracks in the elbow.
11.3.2. Right or Left Curve
Right or left curve is caused when one of the side knives is crimping more material than the other. In some
cases, one side may be crimping too much material and sometimes one side may not be crimping enough.
If one side is crimping too much, turn both the upper and lower adjustment screws on that side
counterclockwise so as to keep the knife contacting the blank at the same angle it was before. If one side
isn’t crimping enough material, turn both upper and lower adjustment screws on that side clockwise,
keeping the knife angle the same. One indication that a side isn’t crimping enough material is the
appearance of a bulge instead of a crisp fold. Setting the side knife in slightly should alleviate this problem.
11.3.3. Profile Twisting Adjustments
Twisting will occur if only one of the adjustment screws (either the upper or the lower) on one side of the
blank is set too deep. The exit end of the blank will sweep to one side as well as vertically. Adjust the
appropriate screw depending on the direction of the twist.
11.4. CRASH PROCEDURES
A crash may include any of several conditions:
- material will not move through the machine.
- material is bent or crumpled against a fixed component in the machine.
In any case, a crash presents a potentially hazardous situation for the machine operator. Crashes often
produce sharp, jagged metal edges that ultimately require handling. Suitable hand and eye protection, to
include leather gloves and safety glasses, should always be worn when clearing a crash.
Inspect the machine for the cause of the crash. Examine the entire machine, because some obstructions and
the crash source may not be either obvious or visible. The safety covers must be removed to conduct and
adequate inspection.
11.4.1. Clearing the Crash
Use snips (this may require both right hand and left hand snips) to cut any folded, bent, or crumpled
material out of the machine. Removal of the cut out material may require the removal of the knives and
mandrel assembly.
A severe crash may require partial machine disassembly to clear, although disassembly is rarely required.
*** EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN OPERATING THE MACHINE WITH SAFETY
COVERS REMOVED ***
*A typical crash is caused by adding an extra crimp to the elbow without being able to use the
advance assembly to push the elbow over the mandrel. This crash might be able to be cleared by
placing a block of wood between the back end of the blank and the advance plate and pulling the
advance handle. Usually it requires the operator to remove the knives and mandrel assembly and
will likely result in an unusable elbow. *
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