5th February 1998

Release 1.x

Release: 1.x
 INDEX

1. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................1.1

1.1 MIND3 FEATURES............................................................................................................................1.1

1.2 KEY TO THE MANUAL ...................................................................................................................1.1

1.3 USE OF THE PROGRAM .................................................................................................................1.1

1.3.1 STATUS LINE...............................................................................................................................1.1
1.3.2 FUNCTION KEYS ........................................................................................................................1.2
1.3.3 TAB KEY.......................................................................................................................................1.2
1.3.4 BOXES...........................................................................................................................................1.2
1.3.5 ERROR MESSAGES.....................................................................................................................1.2
1.3.6 REPORT MESSAGES...................................................................................................................1.2
1.3.7 WARNING MESSAGES ...............................................................................................................1.2

1.4 ENTERING ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS ..........................................................................1.3

1.5 START-UP ...........................................................................................................................................1.3

1.6 PRESET ...............................................................................................................................................1.4

2. WRITING MODE ..........................................................................................................2.1

2.1 SET PROGRAMS ...............................................................................................................................2.2

2.1.1 FRONT VIEW AREA....................................................................................................................2.3
2.1.1.1 UPPER MACHINE 2.3
2.1.1.2 LOWER MACHINE.............................................................................................................2.3
2.1.1.3 FINGER ................................................................................................................................2.3
2.1.1.4 STATIONS ...........................................................................................................................2.4
2.1.1.5 [RECALCULATE STEPS]...................................................................................................2.5
2.1.1.6 [SET MACHINE] .................................................................................................................2.5
2.1.1.7 [STATION GRAPHICS] ......................................................................................................2.6
2.1.1.8 [DELETE TOOLS] ...............................................................................................................2.6
2.1.1.9 [INSERT TOOL] ..................................................................................................................2.6
2.1.1.9.1 TOOL LIST BOXES 2.6
2.1.1.9.2 [INSERT PUNCH] ....................................................................................................................................2.7
2.1.1.9.3 [INSERT DIE] ...........................................................................................................................................2.8
2.1.1.9.4 [INSERT FINGER]....................................................................................................................................2.8
2.1.1.10 [ENABLED TOOL DATA]................................................................................................2.9
2.1.1.11 [WORK STATION]............................................................................................................2.9
2.1.2 PROGRAM DATA AREA ............................................................................................................2.9
2.1.2.1 [RECALCULATE STEPS].................................................................................................2.10
2.1.2.2 [CORRECTION DATA] ....................................................................................................2.11
2.1.2.3 [SYSTEM DATA] ..............................................................................................................2.11
2.1.2.4 [RESET TIME] ...................................................................................................................2.11
2.1.2.5 [ALPHABET] .....................................................................................................................2.11
2.1.2.6 [PROGRAM REMARKS]..................................................................................................2.11

2.2 STEP DATA.......................................................................................................................................2.12

2.2.1 [STEP LIST].................................................................................................................................2.14
2.2.2 [DELETE STEP]..........................................................................................................................2.15

i
 2.2.3 [INSERT STEP] ...........................................................................................................................2.15
2.2.4 [PREVIOUS STEP] .....................................................................................................................2.15
2.2.5 [NEXT STEP] ..............................................................................................................................2.15

2.3 PIECE DRAWING............................................................................................................................2.16

2.3.1 DRAWING AREA .......................................................................................................................2.17
2.3.1.1 [ROTATION +] ..................................................................................................................2.18
2.3.1.2 [ROTATE -]........................................................................................................................2.18
2.3.1.3 [ROTATION ++] ................................................................................................................2.18
2.3.1.4 [ROTATION - -] .................................................................................................................2.18
2.3.2 TABLE AREA .............................................................................................................................2.18
2.3.2.1 [INSERT BEND] ................................................................................................................2.19
2.3.2.2 [DELETE BEND] ...............................................................................................................2.19
2.3.2.3 [COMMUTE TABLE]........................................................................................................2.19

2.4 PIECE SIMULATION......................................................................................................................2.20

2.4.1 MANUAL SETTING OF A BENDING SEQUENCE ................................................................2.22
2.4.2 [NEXT SEQUENCE]...................................................................................................................2.22
2.4.3 [PREVIOUS SEQUENCE] ..........................................................................................................2.22
2.4.4 [NEXT BEND].............................................................................................................................2.22
2.4.5 [PREVIOUS BEND] ....................................................................................................................2.23
2.4.6 [PIECE ROTATION] ...................................................................................................................2.23
2.4.7 [CHANGE SUPPORT] ................................................................................................................2.23
2.4.8 EDITING THE GRAPHIC DISPLAY .........................................................................................2.23
2.4.8.1 [COMPLETE].....................................................................................................................2.23
2.4.8.2 [PROFILE IN BENDING]..................................................................................................2.23
2.4.9 [UTILITIES].................................................................................................................................2.24
2.4.9.1 [DEVELOPMENT CALCULATION] ...............................................................................2.24
2.4.9.2 [GENERATE PROGRAM] ................................................................................................2.24
2.4.9.3 [SEARCH FOR SEQUENCE]............................................................................................2.24
2.4.9.4 [SET CRITERIA] ...............................................................................................................2.24
2.4.9.5 [DEFAULT CRITERIA] ....................................................................................................2.25

2.5 ARCHIVE ..........................................................................................................................................2.26

2.5.1 [GROUP AREA] ..........................................................................................................................2.27
2.5.1.1 [COPY GROUP].................................................................................................................2.28
2.5.1.2 [DELETE GROUP] ............................................................................................................2.28
2.5.1.3 [INTERNAL/EXTERNAL]................................................................................................2.28
2.5.1.4 [MINIDISK SET-UP] .........................................................................................................2.28
2.5.1.5 [MEMORY SPACE]...........................................................................................................2.28
2.5.2 LIST AREA..................................................................................................................................2.28
2.5.2.1 [COPY SELECTION IN] ...................................................................................................2.29
2.5.2.2 [DELETE SELECTION] ....................................................................................................2.29
2.5.2.3 [COPY] ...............................................................................................................................2.29
2.5.2.4 [RENAME] .........................................................................................................................2.29

2.6 SET ASSEMBLED TOOLS .............................................................................................................2.30

2.6.1 FRONT VIEW AREA..................................................................................................................2.31
2.6.1.1 UPPER MACHINE.............................................................................................................2.31
2.6.1.2 LOWER MACHINE...........................................................................................................2.31
2.6.1.3 FINGER ..............................................................................................................................2.31
2.6.1.4 STATIONS .........................................................................................................................2.32
2.6.1.5 [STATION GRAPHICS] ....................................................................................................2.32
2.6.1.6 [DELETE TOOL] ...............................................................................................................2.32

ii
 2.6.1.7 TOOL LIST BOXES ..........................................................................................................2.33
2.6.1.8 [INSERT PUNCH] .............................................................................................................2.33
2.6.1.9 [INSERT DIE] ....................................................................................................................2.34
2.6.1.10 [INSERT FINGER]...........................................................................................................2.35
2.6.1.11 [WORK STATION]..........................................................................................................2.35
2.6.1.12 [COPY FROM THE PROGRAM] ...................................................................................2.35
2.6.1.13 [SET MACHINE] .............................................................................................................2.35
2.6.2 DATA AREA ...............................................................................................................................2.36

2.7 APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................................2.37

2.7.1 STATION GRAPHICS ................................................................................................................2.37
2.7.1.1 TEXT ..................................................................................................................................2.37
2.7.1.2 GRAPHICS .........................................................................................................................2.39
2.7.2 TOOL LISTS................................................................................................................................2.39
2.7.2.1 PUNCH LIST......................................................................................................................2.39
2.7.2.2 PUNCH HOLDER LIST.....................................................................................................2.40
2.7.2.3 DIE LIST.............................................................................................................................2.40
2.7.2.4 HOLDER LIST ...................................................................................................................2.40
2.7.2.5 DIE BASE LIST .................................................................................................................2.40
2.7.2.6 FINGERS ............................................................................................................................2.40
2.7.3 POSITION AND LENGTH .........................................................................................................2.40
2.7.3.1 INSERTING A NEW TOOL ..............................................................................................2.41
2.7.3.2 EDITING THE TOOL ENABLED.....................................................................................2.42

3. MANUAL MODE...........................................................................................................3.1

3.1 FEATURES..........................................................................................................................................3.1
3.1.1 [POWER] .......................................................................................................................................3.5
3.1.2 [CLAMP. DIFF.] ............................................................................................................................3.5
3.1.3 [CLAMP.].......................................................................................................................................3.5
3.1.4 [COPY STEP] ................................................................................................................................3.5

3.2 AXIS MOVEMENT ............................................................................................................................3.6

3.2.1 [--]...................................................................................................................................................3.6
3.2.2 [-] ....................................................................................................................................................3.6
3.2.3 [+] ...................................................................................................................................................3.6
3.2.4 [++].................................................................................................................................................3.6
3.2.5 Y AXIS MOVEMENT...................................................................................................................3.6

4. SEMIAUTOMATIC MODE ............................................................................................4.1

4.1 FEATURES..........................................................................................................................................4.1
4.1.1 [NEXT STEP] ................................................................................................................................4.3
4.1.2 [PREV. STEP]................................................................................................................................4.3
4.1.3 [NEXT BEND]...............................................................................................................................4.3
4.1.4 [POWER] .......................................................................................................................................4.3
4.1.5 [UTILITIES]...................................................................................................................................4.3

5. AUTOMATIC MODE.....................................................................................................5.1

5.1 FEATURES..........................................................................................................................................5.1
5.1.1 [SMALL/BIG CHARACTERS] ....................................................................................................5.4
5.1.2 [DISPLAY DRAWING] ................................................................................................................5.4

iii
 5.1.3 [RESET PIECES]...........................................................................................................................5.4
5.1.4 [POWER] .......................................................................................................................................5.4
5.1.5 [TEST STEPS] ...............................................................................................................................5.4
5.1.6 [DISPLAY MODE]........................................................................................................................5.5
5.1.7 [SPEED COEFF.]...........................................................................................................................5.5

6. APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................6.1

6.1 HOW TO PRODUCE A PIECE ........................................................................................................6.1

6.1.1 SET PROGRAMS PAGE...............................................................................................................6.2
6.1.2 SET ASSEMBLED TOOLS PAGE...............................................................................................6.2
6.1.3 PIECE DRAWING PAGE .............................................................................................................6.2
6.1.4 PIECE SIMULATION PAGE........................................................................................................6.3
6.1.5 1 STEP DATA PAGE ....................................................................................................................6.3
6.1.6 AUTOMATIC OPERATION.........................................................................................................6.3

6.2 MIND3 KEYBOARD..........................................................................................................................6.4

6.3 SHEET HANDLING...........................................................................................................................6.5

6.4 R BENDS AND MEASUREMENTS .................................................................................................6.6

6.5 THE AXIS ............................................................................................................................................6.7

6.6 Y AXIS AND X AXIS BENDING CYCLE .......................................................................................6.8

6.7 MACHINE DATA ...............................................................................................................................6.9

iv
1. INTRODUCTION

WARNING!! Access to MIND3 internal parts ant to the electric cabinet is exclusively allowed to
SCHIAVI technical staff. It may be extremely dangerous to touch any parts of the
device, since they could be charging or discharging electric power.

1.1 MIND3 FEATURES

MIND3 (MIND3 MULTI-AXIS GRAPHIC CONTROL) controls the operation of a bending press equipped
with a number of axis ranging from 4 to 12.
Moreover:
→ Drawing of the piece to be produced.
→ Automatic search and generation of the bending sequence necessary to produce the piece desired.
→ Display of the profile drawing of the tools available, either those stored in the archive or mounted
on the machine.
→ Management of internal and external archives (Mini-disks can be used as a permanent support to
store programs and tools)
→ Display of the actual and virtual paths of the fingers during their positioning.
→ Display of a section view of the piece and tools used in the Automatic operation mode.
→ Serial dialogue with the Bending System program running on an MS-DOS Personal Computer, in
order to share the archives available for bending sequences, tools and machine data (This function
is not available at the moment).

1.2 KEY TO THE MANUAL

To make the reading of this manual easier, the following typographical styles have been used:

[FUNCTION KEY] : Name of MIND3 function keys

“ Box Name “ : Name of MIND3 boxes
MIND3 Reports : Reports concerning errors, warnings and messages transmitted by MIND3.

1.3 USE OF THE PROGRAM

1.3.1 STATUS LINE

The status line is the grey or violet line displayed at the top of the screen; it is divided into four areas. In the
first area on the left, the name of the current program is displayed; the second area is used in the PIECE
SIMULATION page to display the current page number. The third area is assigned to the report messages
(in blue) and error messages (in red) sent by MIND3 to the operator. The last area on the right shows the
time.

1.1
1.3.2 FUNCTION KEYS
There are two types of function keys:

→Functions to select a page = External Functions

→Functions to edit data in the page selected = Internal Functions
External functions are coloured in blue and are displayed in the same order in each page of the writing
mode:

Set Programs 1 Step Data Piece Drawing Simulation Archive Set Tools

Internal functions are coloured in grey and are different in each page. Some of these functions are provided
with sub-functions. The picture below illustrates the functions included in the Front View Area of the Set
Programs page:

Recalculate Set Machine Station Delete Insert Enabled Tool Work Station
Steps Graphics Tool Tool Data

In this example, the functions [RECALCULATE STEPS], [SET MACHINE] and [INSERT TOOL] contain
sub-functions.
The INT./EXT. FUNCTION key allows you to switch from external to internal functions and viceversa.

1.3.3 TAB KEY

In the writing mode, some Areas are available between the Status Line and the Functions Keys.
To work inside an area, this must first be enabled. An area is enabled when its borders are highlighted in
light blue.
The TAB key allows you to enable the areas displayed in the current page.

1.3.4 BOXES
Boxes are used to select an element in a list or to set data more easily.
In the first case, exit the box by pressing the ENTER key on the element you intend to select.
In the second case, set the data desired by using the keypad, press ENTER to confirm the operation and
close the Box with [CLOSE BOX] at the end of the data setting.

1.3.5 ERROR MESSAGES

MIND3 error messages are displayed to signal the occurrence of a non-admitted or incorrect condition;
therefore, they indicate that the operation in progress or the command enabled cannot be executed.
Error messages are coloured in red and are inserted in the status line; if the space available in the line is not
sufficient, MIND3 will display error boxes with messages written in white on a red background.

1.3.6 REPORT MESSAGES

MIND3 report messages are displayed to signal the occurrence of an incorrect condition which is
nonetheless admitted by the program.
Report messages are coloured in blue and are inserted in the status line; if the space available in the line is
not sufficient, MIND3 will display report boxes with messages written in white on a blue background.

1.3.7 WARNING MESSAGES

MIND3 warning messages are displayed when the command enabled might cause relevant changes in the
program (e.g. all deleting operations). The operator will be asked to confirm the operation with the
[CONFIRM] key or to undo it by pressing the [CANCEL] key.

1.2
Warning messages are displayed in boxes with the message written in black on a white background.

1.4 ENTERING ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS

To enter alphanumeric characters, press the [ALPHABET] key: the relative box will be displayed, including
all the letters in the alphabet and some particular characters (@, _, *, space).
The Writing Line is above the character list.
The keypad remains active in this box.
To select a character use the cursor keys. By pressing ENTER the character selected will be inserted in the
Writing Line.
To position the cursor on the Writing Line press the HOME key.
To cancel the last character selected, position the cursor on the Writing Line and press the CLEAR key.
Once the characters desired have been entered, position the cursor on the Writing Line and press ENTER. If
this box is closed with [CLOSE BOX] without pressing the ENTER key, all the characters entered in the
Writing Line will be ignored.

1.5 START-UP
At the start-up, MIND3 runs a test to check the correct operation of its memories and of the dialog lines
connected both with the CIP2CE device, which controls the Y axis of the bending press, and the Intelligent
Axis operation device, which controls the X, R and Z axis. If no error is found, MIND3 will display a set of
data relative to the creation date of the software programs and to the number of start-ups performed. The
current date and time are also displayed: to change them press [SET DATA] and MIND3 will display the
appropriate box. By using the four CURSOR keys, position on the data desired, enter the new value and
press ENTER to confirm it. When all data have been corrected, press [CLOSE BOX].
At this stage, MIND3 waits for the axis Preset. Access to the AUTOMATIC, MANUAL and
SEMIAUTOMATIC modes is denied if the axis Preset has not been completed.
If MIND3 should loose the data stored, all machine functions will be blocked and the following message
will appear:
Insert system disk into the drive...
Press any key.

In this case, insert the system disk and then press any key.

WARNING!! Before continuing the normal operations, read the data archive disk and check
that the data of all programs read are correct.

If the same problem occurs again at the second start-up, contact Schiavi Technical Service.

1.3
1.6 PRESET

Set Date Power

MIND3 dialogues with the CIP2CE device, to move the Y axis, and with the Intelligent Axis operation
device, which moves the X, R and Z axis.
If the connection line with CIP2CE or with the Intelligent Axis operation device is not working when
MIND3 is switched on, the following message will appear:

Connection with all boards failed

..... press any key to continue.

1.4
By pressing a key, MIND3 gains access to the DIAGNOSTICS function:

WARNING!! Access to the DIAGNOSTICS function is exclusively allowed to Schiavi technical

staff, since this page contains the commands to enable the axis free movement, i.e.
movement not controlled by MIND3 or by external devices. Repeat the start-up
and if the problem persists, contact Schiavi Technical Service.

If the connection line with the devices mentioned above is working, carry out the Preset by pressing the
green START key.
Once this key has been pressed, the motors move towards the limit switch (in the Preset direction) at high
speed, while CIP2CE will command the hydraulic cylinder Preset; subsequently, the axis are moved in the
opposite direction at low speed; then, at the first stroke, the axis are positioned.
During the different Preset phases, MIND3 will display the messages SEARCHING REFERENCES and
COMPLETED, which allow you to check if the motors are in motion.
When the Preset is completed, the Preset value reached will be displayed beside each axis along with the
message COMPLETED.

WARNING!! If the message REFERENCE AT 1/8 appears beside one of the motors, please
contact Schiavi Technical Service: errors in the axis positioning might occur.

If one or more motors fail to perform the Preset, MIND3 will display an error message relative to the motor
concerned and the Preset of all other axis will be arrested. The Preset operations must be completed within a
given time-limit; if this is exceeded an error message will be displayed and the axis Preset will be called off.
In this case, before trying the Preset again, check that no faulty condition has occurred on the machine.

WARNING!! Preset operations can be interrupted at any time by pressing the red
STOP key, the emergency mushroom-head button or the WRITING key.
An error message will be displayed when trying to access the
AUTOMATIC, SEMIAUTOMATIC and MANUAL modes.

In the Preset page, the [POWER] function key allows you to check the condition of the lamps on the electric
cabinet. No operation is allowed inside this box; to close it press [CLOSE BOX].

1.5
1.6
2. WRITING MODE

WARNING!! The writing of work programs should be exclusively allowed to Qualified

Personnel, i.e. to operators trained by Schiavi technicians. A wrong programming
of the work data may cause the faulty operation of the machine, leading to
dangerous conditions for the user. For example, the setting of a unit pressure
higher than the value allowed by the tools (die and punch) may result in the
ejection of some machine parts; the same dangerous conditions may also arise
when the tools actually mounted do not correspond to those set in the program.

WARNING!! Editing the data of a program already existent is a dangerous operation, since
wrong work sequences might be generated (directly or indirectly). For example,
changing the holding time between the bend end and the following finger
positioning, without checking that this time is compatible with other data, might
cause the back mechanic parts to collide with the moulds or the machined
material not removed.

To gain access to the Writing mode, press the WRITING key.

Access is allowed even if the axis Preset has not been carried out. The Writing Mode is made up of six
pages ( [SET PROGRAMS], [1 STEP DATA], [PIECE DRAWING], [SIMULATION], [ARCHIVE] and
[SET ASSEMBLED TOOLS] ) which can be opened by means of the external function keys coloured in
blue. On entering this mode, the last page selected will be displayed on the screen.

2.1
2.1 SET PROGRAMS

Recalculate Correction System Reset Program

Alphabet
Steps Data Data Time Remarks

Press [SET PROGRAMS] to open the corresponding page.

To set a work program, it is necessary to define the tools and general data suitable to obtain the piece
desired; the Set Programs page allows you to enter all these data; it is divided into two areas:

• Front View Area: at the top of the page, shows the front view of the machine related to the
program selected; in this area you can select different machine parts and
enable certain commands.
• Program Data Area: at the bottom of the page, shows the general data related to the program
selected.

The two areas mentioned above are empty when no program has been loaded into MIND3 memory. When a
new program is generated, MIND3 automatically inserts the tools present in the Set Assembled Tools Page,
i.e. the tools actually mounted on the machine.
To operate inside one of these areas, select it by pressing the TAB key. The area selected will be bordered
by a light blue line; the non-selected area has grey borders.

A detailed description of the two areas included the Set Programs page is given below.

2.2
2.1.1 FRONT VIEW AREA
As seen previously, this area shows the front view of the machine related to the program selected.
This drawing is particularly useful, since it provides you with a number of direct information (such as the
number of the tools to be mounted, their lay-out, work station data, etc.).
You can also select a part of the drawing illustrated in the area.
This operation is very important since some function keys work exclusively on the part selected.
The internal functions included in this area are the following:

Recalculate Set Machine Station Delete Tool Insert Tool Enabled Work
Steps Graphics Tool Data Station

Insert Insert Die Insert

Punch Finger

Beam with Beam

clamp without
clamp

Recalculate Recalculate
All

To select a part of the drawing displayed in this area, use the CURSOR keys.
The part selected will change colour.
When the Front View Area is enabled, the following machine parts can be selected.

2.1.1.1 UPPER MACHINE

This is the upper part of the press and it cannot be modified.
If selected it appears coloured in pink; if non-selected, it is brown.

2.1.1.2 LOWER MACHINE

This is the lower part of the press and it cannot be modified.
If selected it appears coloured in pink; if non-selected, it is brown.

2.1.1.3 FINGER
The front view of the fingers appears as a little rectangle on the left of the machine.
If selected, this rectangle appears coloured in light green; if non-selected, it is dark green.

2.3
2.1.1.4 STATIONS
Stations are made up of a punch group plus a die group, which are laid out so that the punch group, or part
of it, is positioned above a die group, or part of it.
Therefore, when a punch group is above one or more die groups, or viceversa, it may be shared by different
Stations.
MIND3 numbers all complete stations on the machine, starting from Station 1 on the left side.
There may be incomplete stations made up of a single punch group or die group; these stations can be
selected and displayed in the [STATION GRAPHICS] page, but they cannot become work stations. A Work
Station is the station chosen to carry out the program selected. For all bending operations, MIND3 enters the
same Work Station as a default value; the operator may decide to change the Work station used for each
bending and choose another one among those created in this area.
The colours used to highlight stations are the following:

DARK GREY = Station not selected

LIGHT GREY = Work Station not selected
GREEN = Station selected
GREEN with BLACK DOTS = Work Station selected

These colours allow you to identify the Work Station immediately (see the paragraph below).
When a station has been selected, one part (the punch or the die) appears coloured in light green, and the
other (the punch or the die) in dark green.
When a group is enabled it is coloured in light green (Punch Group or Die Group).
As illustrated in the following page, the Punch Group can be made up of a maximum of two elements:

PUNCH: is the main element in the Punch Group.

PUNCH HOLDER: is an optional element in the Punch Group which can be included or not according
to the operator’s requirements. However, the Holder must always be present in the
Punch Group when the punch is rotated, though not all Holders allow this
operation.

The Die Group can be made up of a maximum of three elements:

DIE: is the main element in the Die Group.

DIE HOLDER: is an element inserted in the Die Group according to the Die chosen; for every die,
MIND3 indicates if this must be mounted with or without holder, specifying also
the type required.
DIE BASE: is an optional element in the Die Group which can be included or not according to
the operator’s requirements. However, the Holder must always be present in the
Die Group when a Beam without clamp is mounted on the machine.

2.4
 PUNCH
UNIT

PUNCH
HOLDER

PUNCH

DIE

DIE BASE

DIE HOLDER

DIE
UNIT

2.1.1.5 [RECALCULATE STEPS]

This function must be used when the stations or general data in the program have been changed.
It displays the [RECALCULATE ALL] and [RECALCULATE] sub-functions.
By pressing [RECALCULATE ALL], MIND3 works out all step data again, considering the changes made
in the stations and general data of the program.
By pressing [RECALCULATE], MIND3 works out all data again, considering all the changes previously
made except those set manually (ex: X axis correction).

2.1.1.6 [SET MACHINE]

This command displays the [BEAM WITH CLAMP] and [BEAM WITHOUT CLAMP] sub-functions
which allow you to establish if the Beam must work with or without Clamp during the machining of the
piece. The [BEAM WITHOUT CLAMP] function is disabled when the machine used is of HFB type, whose
beam is always equipped with a clamp. The Clamp is used to secure dies without base. When the [BEAM
WITHOUT CLAMP] sub-function is selected, MIND3 checks that all the dies mounted have a base; if this
condition is not found, an error message will be displayed.

2.5
2.1.1.7 [STATION GRAPHICS]
This command displays the [STATION GRAPHICS] Box, which is divided into two parts: Text and
Graphics.

• Text: on the left side of the screen, displays the set of data relative to the Tools included in the
station selected (Punch Group, Die Punch and Fingers).
• Graphics: on the right side of the screen, displays the side view of the station selected.

For further information see the “Station Graphics” paragraph in the Appendix to this Section.

2.1.1.8 [DELETE TOOLS]

This command allows you to delete the tool group (Die or Punch) currently enabled.
The [DELETE TOOL] function can only be used when a Punch Group or a Die Group has been selected in
the Front View Area.
The tool group to be deleted will be displayed in lighter colours in the Front View Area.
Before deleting the tool group, MIND3 will display a Warning Message requiring you to confirm the
operation.

2.1.1.9 [INSERT TOOL]

This command displays the following sub-functions:
[INSERT PUNCH], [INSERT DIE], [INSERT FINGER].

These functions allow you to enter a new Punch Group/Die Group or Finger in the set-up of the tools
required by the program selected.

Before describing in detail these three sub-functions, some information concerning the Tool List Boxes is
given below.

2.1.1.9.1 TOOL LIST BOXES

Tool List Boxes list all the tools stored in the internal archive and may also include the drawing of a tool
selected with the cursor.
To enable a box, press the ENTER key after positioning the cursor on the tool desired inside the “Punch
Data”, “Die Data” or “Finger Data” boxes.
To select a tool, use the CURSOR keys to position on the item desired and press ENTER to confirm your
selection.
If the archive contains more than one page, use the [PREVIOUS PAGE] or [NEXT PAGE] sub-functions.
To bring the cursor back to the first tool, press the HOME key.
By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the Box is closed and all operation performed will be ignored.
For further information on the contents of the different Tool List Boxes, see the “Tool List” paragraph in the
Appendix to this Section.

2.6
2.1.1.9.2 [INSERT PUNCH]
By pressing and confirming the [INSERT PUNCH] function, the drawing of the new Punch Group is
included in the Front View Area and the “Punch Data” Box is displayed.

The data required to insert a new Punch Group are the following:

NAME: name of the punch to be inserted. Enter the punch name by using the keypad and the
[ALPHABET] sub-function (see the chapter “Entering alphanumeric characters” in
Section 1) or choose the name desired in the punch list (see the previous paragraph
“Tool List Boxes”). If the punch entered is not included among those available,
MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.
HOLDER NAME: name of the Punch Holder to be inserted. This data can be omitted if the punch is
mounted without holder. Enter the Holder Name desired or choose it in the Holder list
(see the previous paragraph “Tool List Boxes”). If the holder entered is not included
among those available, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message. To delete
the punch holder entered, press the CLEAR key.
POSITION: defines the punch position on the machine and indicates the distance between the
machine left edge and the punch left edge.
LENGTH: length of the punch
ROTATION: indicates if the punch has been mounted normally (NO) or has been rotated (YES).
Only two values are available for this data (YES - NO) and they can be selected by
pressing the ENTER key. If the value YES is selected and the Punch Holder is not
present or is of a Special kind, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.
HORN TYPE: indicates whether the punch has a horn. Only the following values are available:
WITHOUT = Punch without horn
RIGHT = Punch with a horn on the right only
LEFT = Punch with a horn on the left only
BOTH = Punch with horns on the left and on the right
To set these values press the ENTER key to open the relative Box; move the cursor on
the correct data and press ENTER again to save it. If the Box is closed by pressing
[CLOSE BOX] this data will not be changed.
Y CORRECTION: this value will be added to Y values to compensate for any errors in the dimensions of
the Punch Group.

⇒ NOTE: For any further information on the Position and Length data and on the control operations
available for the [MOVE TOOL] sub-function, see the “Position-and-Length” paragraph in the Appendix to
this Section (in particular, refer to “Inserting a new tool”).

Whenever the Punch Group is inserted above a Die Group or part of it, a new station is created. When this
condition occurs, MIND3 will check that the Punch Group height summed to the Die Group height and to
the Thickness of the sheet to be bent is lower than or equal to the machine maximum opening. If the opening
value is exceeded, MIND3 will signal an error condition. To close this Box, press [CLOSE BOX].

2.7
2.1.1.9.3 [INSERT DIE]
By pressing and confirming the [INSERT DIE] function, the drawing of the new Die Group chosen is
included in the Front View Area and the “Die Data” Box is displayed.

The data required to insert a new Die Group are the following:

NAME: name of the Die to be inserted. Enter the die name desired by using the keypad and
the [ALPHABET] sub-function or choose it in the die list (see the previous paragraph
“Tool List Boxes”). If the die entered is not included among those available, MIND3
will display the appropriate error message.
HOLDER NAME: name of the die holder. The use of a holder and the type required are established
according to the die chosen. Enter the holder name by using the keypad and the
[ALPHABET] sub-function or choose it in the holder list (see the previous paragraph
“Tool List Boxes”). If the holder entered is not included among those available or is
not of the type required, MIND3 will display the corresponding error message. To
delete the die holder entered press the CLEAR key.
BASE NAME: name of the Die Base to be inserted. This data can be omitted if the die is mounted
without a base. Enter the Die Base name or choose it in the base list (see the previous
paragraph “Tool List Boxes”). If the base entered is not included among those
available or if this data is omitted and the machine used is equipped with a Beam
without clamp, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message. To delete the die
base entered press the CLEAR key.
POSITION: defines the die position on the machine and indicates the distance between the
machine right edge and the die right edge.
LENGTH: length of the die.
ROTATION: indicates if the die has been mounted normally (NO) or has been rotated (YES). Only
two values are available for this data (YES - NO) and they can be selected by pressing
the ENTER key.
Y CORRECTION: this value will be added to Y values to compensate for any errors in the Die Group
height.

⇒ NOTE: For any further information on the Position and Length data and on the control operations
available for the [MOVE TOOL] sub-function, see the “Position-and-Length” paragraph in the Appendix to
this Section (in particular, refer to “Inserting a new tool”).

Whenever the Die Group is inserted below a Punch Group or part of it, a new station is created. When this
condition occurs, MIND3 will check that the Die Group height summed to the Punch Group height and to
the Thickness of the sheet to be bent is lower than or equal to the machine maximum opening. If the opening
value is exceeded, MIND3 will signal an error condition. To close this Box, press [CLOSE BOX].

2.1.1.9.4 [INSERT FINGER]

By pressing and confirming the [INSERT FINGER] function, the drawing of the Finger chosen is included
in the Front View Area and the “Finger Data” Box is displayed.
The data required to insert a new Finger are the following:

NAME: name of the Finger to be inserted. Enter the name desired by using the keypad and the
[ALPHABET] sub-function or choose it in the finger list. If the finger entered is not
included among those available, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message; in
each program, you are allowed to use only one type of finger; therefore, when trying to
insert a finger in a program where this element is already present, MIND3 will display
the appropriate error message. To close this Box, press [CLOSE BOX].

2.8
2.1.1.10 [ENABLED TOOL DATA]
This function allows you to edit the data of the tool currently selected (Die Group, Punch or Finger Group -
see the “Front View Area” paragraph). The [ENABLED TOOL DATA] function is normally disabled when
the Upper or Lower Machine are selected.
If the tool selected is a Punch Group, a Die Group or a Finger, the corresponding boxes (“Punch Data” Box,
“Die Data” Box and “Finger Data” Box) will be displayed by pressing [ENABLED TOOL DATA]. These
Boxes have already been described in the [INSERT TOOL] paragraph. For a detailed definition of the
Position and Length data refer to “Editing the tool enabled”.

The [ENABLED TOOL DATA] function is provided with an important feature: the TAB key is enabled.

This allows you to display all tool data of the program selected in a single sequence. To do this, press
[ENABLED TOOL DATA] to display the first box; subsequently, press the TAB key to enable the Front
View Area. By positioning on the other tools with the CURSOR keys, you will be able to display the
relative boxes. To edit the data listed in the box displayed, press the TAB key twice and the Box desired will
be enabled.

2.1.1.11 [WORK STATION]

This function allows you to set the Work Station, i.e. the main station to be used in order to produce the
piece desired.
In the Piece Drawing and 1 Step Data pages, you may also choose another station among those numbered by
MIND3.
Before enabling this command, select the station desired inside the Front View Area of the Machine (see the
relative paragraph).
When the [WORK STATION] function has been enabled, MIND3 will display a window requiring you to
confirm the operation.
The Work Station selected is highlighted differently from the other stations on the machine.
If this function is enabled when the Upper Machine, Lower Machine, the Fingers or an incomplete Station
are selected, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.
If the Work Station has not been selected, MIND3 will consider Station 1 (i.e. the first Station on the left)
the Work Station to be used.
When no complete station is present on the machine, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message and
will not allow operations in other pages.

2.1.2 PROGRAM DATA AREA

If the Front View Area is enabled, press the TAB key to activate the Program Data Area. This shows a
heading corresponding to the name of the work program, which can be made up of a maximum of sixteen
alphanumeric characters. The program general data are listed below. It is not possible to access the program
step data without first entering the general data required.
To select any data, use the CURSOR keys; the name of the work program is selected by pressing the HOME
key
The internal functions included in this area are the following:

Recalculate Correction System Reset Alphabet Program

Steps Data Data Time Remarks

Recalculate Recalculate
All

To change the work program, enter the new name by using the keypad and the [ALPHABET] sub-function
or choose it in the list of the programs available in the internal archive.

2.9
When the new program is entered, MIND3 will display a message to indicate whether the program is already
included in the archive or is a new program.
To display the “Program List” Box, press the ENTER key when the cursor is positioned on the name of the
program.
This Box displays the following information: → Program Name.
→ Program Type (2D or 3D)
→ Creation date of the program.
→ Piece Drawing, if necessary.

Use the CURSOR keys to scroll the program list displayed. If you wish to select the first item in the list,
press the HOME key directly.
If the program list is not fully displayed on the screen, use the [PREVIOUS PAGE] and [NEXT PAGE] sub-
functions.
Once the program desired has been selected with the cursor, press the ENTER key to confirm the operation.
By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the selection made will be ignored.
To delete a program, select it with the cursor and press the CLEAR key.
MIND3 will display a warning message requiring you to confirm the operation.

The general data relative to a program are the following:

WIDTH: length of the sheet to be bent.

THICKNESS: thickness of the sheet to be bent.
MATERIAL: material of the sheet to be bent: STEEL, STAINLESS STEEL, ALLUMINIUM,
MATERIAL 1 or MATERIAL 2. Press the ENTER key to display the Box
including the material list. Use the cursor keys to choose the material desired and
press ENTER to confirm the selection. MATERIAL 1 and 2 allow you to enter
different types of material. When these materials are set, the Resistance data
displayed is a default value (60 and 30 kg/sqmm, respectively); you may enter a
different value which will be stored so as to make it available even after MIND3
has been turned off; when a new program is created the Resistance value
displayed will be the last set, provided that the same kind of Material is chosen.
RESISTANCE: resistance of the material selected stated in Kg/sqmm. MIND3 loads this value
automatically, according to the Material set, but allows any data editing.
DEVELOPMENT: displays the sheet length necessary to obtain the piece drawn. This data is
automatically worked out by the Development function in the Simulation page,
but it can also be entered with the keypad.
PIECES TO BE indicates the number of pieces to be produced, this value must be included
PRODUCED: between 1 and 10000.
PIECES PRODUCED: indicates the number of pieces obtained; this data cannot be edited, since it is
automatically updated by MIND3 at every piece produced. This data can be reset
only in the Automatic mode.
ENABLED TIME: enables the identification of the minimum and maximum time required by the
bending sequence. This function is useful to program production.
MINIMUM TIME: shows the minimum time measured during the bending sequence in progress.
AVERAGE TIME: shows the average time measured during the bending sequence in progress.

2.1.2.1 [RECALCULATE STEPS]

This command displays the [RECALCULATE ALL] and [RECALCULATE] sub-functions.
By pressing [RECALCULATE ALL] MIND3 works out all step data again, considering the changes made
in the stations and general data of the program.

2.10
By pressing [RECALCULATE], MIND3 works out all data again, considering the changes previously made,
except those set manually (ex.: X axis correction).

2.1.2.2 [CORRECTION DATA]

This command displays the [CORRECTION DATA] Box, which includes the following values:

X CORRECTION: is the value added to X axis values in order to correct any misalignment of the die.
Y CORRECTION: is the value added to Y axis values in order to correct any errors in the bending
operation.
SELF- enables the automatic calculation of the correction value for X axis, according to the
CORRECTION: stress exerted on the sheet during bending; to edit this value, press the ENTER key.
MUTING POINT: the clamping point at which the punch starts to slow down. This data must be included
between the Minimum MP and the lower of the two preset values of the cylinders.

After entering all data required, press [CLOSE BOX].

2.1.2.3 [SYSTEM DATA]

This function is not available.

2.1.2.4 [RESET TIME]

This function resets the minimum and average time in order to start again the bending sequence timing.

2.1.2.5 [ALPHABET]
See Section 1, Chapter “Entering Alphanumeric Characters”.

2.1.2.6 [PROGRAM REMARKS]

This command displays the [PROGRAM REMARKS] box where you can enter any remarks referred to the
piece to be produced.
It is possible to enter five lines of twenty-five alphanumeric characters by using the keypad and the
[ALPHABET] sub-function.
Write a line at a time and confirm it with the ENTER key; once the writing operation is completed, press
[CLOSE BOX].

2.11
2.2 1 STEP DATA

Step Delete Insert Previous Next

List Step Step Step Step

Press [1 STEP DATA] to open the corresponding page where you can edit the step data of the program,
delete steps or create new steps.
To generate a bending sequence, it is advisable to use the search and automatic generation functions instead
of programming the sequence step by step.
The internal functions listed in this page are the following:

Step Delete Insert Previous Next

List Step Step Step Step

The data displayed for each step are the following:

STEP NUMBER: total number of steps in the program.

CURRENT STEP: number of the step whose data are currently displayed.
WIDTH: width of the sheet to be bent.
X: X1 axis positioning value; this value can either be absolute or relative to the
positioning of the previous step.
X CORRECTION: correction of the X axis positioning value according to the sheet bending stress, so
that the length of the side obtained corresponds to the data set.
X MISALIGNMENT: difference in the positioning of the X2 axis with respect to the X1 axis (X2 = X1 +
X MISAL.)
ANGLE: value of the sheet bending angle to be obtained.
ANGLE CORRECTION: correction value for the bending angle.
Y: Y1 axis positioning value.

2.12
Y CORRECTION: correction value for the Y axis positioning.
BEND TYPE: bend types available. Press the ENTER key to display the corresponding
Box. By using the CURSOR keys, choose among: AIR BEND, COINING,
SLOW, COINING+SLOW or WITHOUT; use the ENTER key to confirm
your selection. By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the previous type of bend
remains set.
Y BALANCE: difference in the positioning of the Y2 axis with respect to the Y1 axis (Y2
= Y1 - BAL.Y).
REPETITIONS: number of times a step is to be repeated. When a number of repetitions is set
for one step, the X axis positioning values are related to the previous one. If
relative values are entered for the X axis (preceded by a + or - sign) the
repetition number will be automatically set to one. These data cannot be
entered for the first step in the program.
Z1: Z1 axis positioning value.
Z2: Z2 axis positioning value.
Z3: Z3 axis positioning value.
Z4: Z4 axis positioning value.
R: R axis positioning value.
STATION: station used for the bending operation. MIND3 automatically sets the
Station chosen for the previous step as the one currently used for bending. If
you wish to set a different station, enter its number directly or press the
ENTER key when the cursor is positioned on the Station data. MIND3 will
display a Box illustrating the front view of the machine: choose the station
desired, highlight it in green by using the CURSOR keys and press ENTER
to confirm the operation. By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the previous station
remains stored. This Box includes the [STATION GRAPHICS] function:
select it to open the corresponding Box described in the “Station Graphics”
paragraph in the Appendix to this Section. This function allows you to select
the bending station desired more easily. Press [CLOSE BOX] to exit.
SUPPORT TYPE: support position on the fingers: NORMAL or SUPPORT. Press the ENTER
key to edit the type of support:
MUTING POINT: the clamping point at which the punch starts to slow down. The default
value is set in the Set Programs page.
STOP PEDAL: indicates if the Stop Pedal-Muting Point Pedal cycle is required (YES) or
not (NO). Press the ENTER key to edit this data.
Y OPENING: value of the Y axis return, with relation to the clamping measure.
PRESSURE: pressure exerted by the punch during bending.
Y SPEED: punch speed during the bending phase (stated in mm/sec).
HOLDING TIME: time the punch remains at the bending measure.
Y RELEASE: value of the punch withdrawal after bending, with relation to the bending
measure.
WITHDRAWAL TYPE: indicates if the X axis withdrawal must be carried out at the CLAMPING
measure or at the BEND END. Press the ENTER key to edit this data.
X WITHDRAWAL: value of the X axis withdrawal after the sheet clamping or at the bend end.
WITHDRAWAL DELAY: time required between the punch up-stroke and the X axis positioning for
the next step.
EXTERNAL FUNCTIONS: machine functions enabled during bending (Relay Ports). Press the ENTER
key to display the relative Box. Use the CURSOR keys to position on the
external functions desired and press ENTER to enable (YES) or disable
(NO) them. After setting the four External Functions press [CLOSE BOX].

HANDLING: indicates the operations to be carried out on the sheet before the next
bending. Press the ENTER key to display the relative Box. Use the
CURSOR keys to position and choose one of the following options: NONE,

2.13
 ROTATE, ROT.TILT, OVERTURN or TILTING; press the ENTER key to
confirm the operation. By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the previous Handling
remains set.
α ROTATION: rotation angle of the sheet. Set this data only if the ROTATE or ROT.TILT
handling options have been selected.

To select the step data, position the cursor on the item desired. Press the HOME key to select the first data.
To edit or enter data, use the cursor to select the item to be changed or enter the new value and press the
ENTER key to store it. If the data entered is not admitted, MIND3 will display an error message.

To program a bending step, only the data listed below are required: MIND3 will work out or set all other
data automatically, on the basis of the general data entered in the Set Programs page:
→ X axis
→ ANGLE or Y axis

However, to generate a bending sequence, it is advisable to use the search and automatic generation
functions instead of programming the sequence step by step.

2.2.1 [STEP LIST]

Press [STEP LIST] to display the corresponding Box which lists all data relative to the step sequence of the
program.

For each step the following data are displayed:

N.: number of the step in the bending sequence.

X: X1 axis positioning value.
α: bending angle of the sheet.
α CORR.: correction value of the bend angle.
Y: Y1 axis positioning value.
BEND TYPE: type of the bend in the step.
REPETITIONS: number of step repetitions.
Z1: Z1 axis positioning value.
Z3: Z3 axis positioning value
Z4: Z4 axis positioning value
R: R axis positioning value
SUPPORT: support position on the fingers.
STATION: station used for the bending operation. MIND3 automatically sets the Station chosen for
the previous step as the one currently used for bending. If you wish to set a different
station, enter its number directly or press the ENTER key when the cursor is positioned
on the Station data. MIND3 will display a Box illustrating the front view of the
machine: choose the station desired, highlight it in green by using the CURSOR keys
and press ENTER to confirm the operation. By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the previous
station remains stored. This Box includes the [STATION GRAPHICS] function; select
it to open the corresponding Box described in the “Station Graphics” paragraph in the
Appendix to this Section. This function allows you to select the bending station desired
more easily. Press [CLOSE BOX] to exit.
HANDLING: manual operations to be carried out at the end of the step.
α: rotation angle, if required
Use the CURSOR keys to scroll the step list displayed. Press HOME to position on the number of the first
step in the list. If the step list is not fully displayed on the screen, use the CURSOR keys to move through
the display area, provided that the first or the last step displayed have been selected. By entering the step

2.14
number desired in the N line and then confirming with the ENTER key, the cursor will directly position on
the corresponding item in the list. To edit the step data, first select the step desired and position on the data
to be changed by using the CURSOR keys; then, enter the new data and press ENTER to confirm it. If the
data entered is not admitted by the program, an error message will be displayed.
For further information on the BEND TYPE, SUPPORT, HANDL. data and on the procedure to edit them,
refer to the previous pages (1 Step Data).
To insert a new step in the list, position the cursor on the first of the two steps between which the new step
will be inserted; press [INSERT STEP] and confirm the operation: MIND3 will automatically insert a new
step with the values set for the previous one and will increase the number of the following steps.
You can enter a new step even by setting one of the X, ANGLE or Y data in the first blank step: MIND3
will automatically display the value of the pressure exerted by the machine.
To delete a step, position the cursor on the step desired, press [DELETE STEP] and confirm the operation:
MIND3 will delete this step and decrease the number of the following ones.
At the end of these operations press [CLOSE BOX]: MIND3 will enter all edited data in the corresponding
steps and will display the data of the last step selected in the “Step List” Box.

2.2.2 [DELETE STEP]

MIND3 will ask you to confirm the operation and, if required, will delete the step displayed updating the
following step numbers.

2.2.3 [INSERT STEP]

MIND3 will ask you to confirm the operation and, if required, will automatically enter the step desired with
the data of the step currently displayed. The following step numbers will be consequently updated.

2.2.4 [PREVIOUS STEP]

This function selects the step preceding the one displayed.

2.2.5 [NEXT STEP]

This function selects the step following the one displayed.

2.15
2.3 PIECE DRAWING

Insert Delete Commute

Bend Bend Table

Press [PIECE DRAWING] to open the corresponding page which displays the section of the piece to be
obtained; it is possible to create new drawings or edit those already present in the program.

This page is divided into two Areas:

• Drawing Area: displays the drawing of the piece selected in the current work program.
• Table Area: displays a table listing the data of the piece selected in the work current program.

The two areas mentioned above are empty when no program has been loaded into MIND3 memory.
To work inside one of these areas, select it by pressing the TAB key.
The area chosen will be bordered by a light blue line; the area not selected has grey borders.

A detailed description of the two areas included in the Piece Drawing page is given below.

2.16
2.3.1 DRAWING AREA
This area displays the drawing of the piece present in the current work program.
The internal functions in the area are the following:

Rotation Rotation Rotation Rotation

+ - ++ --

When no piece has been drawn, this area appears completely empty; you can create the piece drawing by
enabling the data area with the TAB key.
If the piece has already been drawn, it will be displayed in this area; the side or angle selected will appear
coloured in red or in green respectively.
The drawing can be enlarged, reduced, moved or rotated, as explained below.
Basically, the elements composing a piece are the following:

SIDES
ANGLES
CURVES

CURVE

SIDE

ANGLE

These elements can be selected automatically according to the cursor position on the data area.
The colours applied to the drawing have the following meaning:

WHITE: Element not selected.

RED: Side selected
GREEN: Angle selected

A curve is made up of segments and angles; when a Curve is selected, the segments included will be
coloured in red and the bending points in green.

2.17
The operations allowed on the drawing of the piece present in the current work program are described
below:

→ Shift The piece drawing displayed can be shifted in the four directions by pressing the
CURSOR keys. Hold down one of the CURSOR keys to obtain a continuous shifting in
the direction indicated by the key pressed.
→ Blow-up To enlarge the piece drawing, press the PLUS key on the keypad. Hold down this key to
obtain a continuous enlargement.
→ Reduce To reduce the piece drawing, press the MINUS key on the keypad. Hold down this key
to obtain a continuous reduction.
→ Rotate By using the function keys described below, the piece drawing displayed can be rotated
by 1 or 10 degrees, either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The drawing will be enlarged or
reduced so as to be completely displayed within the drawing area borders.
→ HOME key Press the HOME key to return to the original display of the drawing.

2.3.1.1 [ROTATION +]
The piece drawing displayed is rotated anti-clockwise by 1 degree.

2.3.1.2 [ROTATE -]
The piece drawing displayed is rotated clockwise by 1 degree.

2.3.1.3 [ROTATION ++]

The piece drawing displayed is rotated anti-clockwise by 10 degrees.

2.3.1.4 [ROTATION - -]
The piece drawing displayed is rotated clockwise by 10 degrees.

2.3.2 TABLE AREA

The Table Area can be on the right or below the Drawing Area. This latter kind of display offers the
following advantages:

→ The table data are displayed completely.

→ The Drawing Area has more space and therefore, the drawing appears enlarged.

On the other hand, if the Table Area is on the right of the Drawing Area:

→ it will display the data of all bends.

To switch from one kind of display to the other, press the [COMMUTE TABLE] function key.
The internal functions in this area are the following:

Insert Delete Commute

Bend Bend Table

The data listed in the Table Area are explained below. The data definitions used are those displayed when
the Table Area is positioned at the bottom; the shorter definitions given in brackets are displayed when the
Table Area is on the right.

2.18
BEND N. (N.): bend number.
TYPE (): indicates whether an R bend (R) or a side (S) are carried out in the current bending.
To edit this data press the ENTER key.
STATION (ST): station used for the bending operation. MIND3 automatically sets the Station chosen
in the Set Programs page as the one currently used for bending. If you wish to set a
different station, enter its number directly or press the ENTER key when the cursor is
positioned on the Station data. MIND3 will display a Box illustrating the front view
of the machine: choose the station desired, highlight it in green by using the CURSOR
keys and press ENTER to confirm the operation. By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the
previous station remains stored. This Box includes the [STATION GRAPHICS]
function: select it to open the corresponding Box described in the “Station Graphics”
paragraph in the Appendix to this Section. This function allows you to select the
bending station desired more easily. Press [CLOSE BOX] to exit.
LEN/RAD side length or R bend radius.
(LEN/RA):
ANGLE (ANG): angle formed by the previous side (this data cannot be entered neither in the first side
nor in the side following an R bend) or R bend angle.
PITCH (PITCH): pitch of the curve; the data actually stored will be the curve pitch nearest to the value
entered which allows R bends and bending points to be carried out.

For a detailed description of the LEN/RAD, ANGLE and STEP data see the Appendix (R Bends and
measurements).
If the drawing has not been created, the tables will appear empty and the cursor will automatically position
on each data to be inserted.
When a sequence of three question marks (???) appears next to a data item, it means that the value for that
item must be entered.
To set or edit data, first select the item required with the cursor, enter the new value with the keypad and
press ENTER to store it.
To select a bend directly, enter its number in the suitable data field and confirm the operation by pressing
the ENTER key.

2.3.2.1 [INSERT BEND]

A bend is inserted before the one selected with the cursor.

2.3.2.2 [DELETE BEND]

The bend selected is deleted.
Before deleting a bend, MIND3 will send a warning message requiring you to confirm the operation.

2.3.2.3 [COMMUTE TABLE]

The display of the Table Area is shifted from bottom to right and viceversa.

2.19
2.4 PIECE SIMULATION

Next Prev. Next Prev. Piece Change

Sequence Sequence Bend Bend Rotation Support Display Utilities

Press [SIMUL.] to open the corresponding page, where the best Bending Sequence in the work program can
be searched for, either manually or automatically.
A Bending Sequence is a set of steps arranged in a sequence which will make up the work program, once
this has been generated. Bends are matched to steps according to an order which may also be different from
the one set in the piece drawing.
The internal functions displayed in this page are the following:

Next Previous Next Previous Piece Change Display Utilities

Sequence Sequence Bend Bend Rotation Support

Complete Profile in
Bending

Develop. Generate Search for Set Default

Calculation Program Sequence Criteria Criteria

2.20
On opening this page, the profile view of the machine bending area is displayed; the bending area includes
fingers and tools of the work station selected to carry out the current bending operation.
The piece to be produced is displayed with a double profile:

→ The blue profile represents the piece before bending.

→ The green profile represents the piece after bending.

The first bend displayed will be the last one produced and the green profile will show the result obtained.
In the second space of the status line, the number of the bend selected is displayed.
The Piece Simulation page cannot be opened unless the piece drawing has already been created in the
appropriate page.
During the setting of a bending sequence, MIND3 will signal any faults or errors occurred by displaying the
relative error or report messages.
In the case of a collision, as well as displaying the suitable messages, MIND3 will mark the collision point
with a square, allowing you to spot it immediately.

Before the bend, the piece collides

with the lower part of the machine on the left

Next Prev. Next Prev. Piece Change

Display Utilities
Sequence Sequence Bending Bending Rotation Support

2.21
2.4.1 MANUAL SETTING OF A BENDING SEQUENCE
The manual setting of a Bending Sequence requires the definition of the order in which the bends will be
carried out, starting from the last one up to the first, so that the bend to be performed is chosen among all the
bends displayed , i.e. those to be simulated.
At first, the piece appears completely bent (all the bends are displayed) so that you may choose the first
bend to be simulated among all those to be carried out.
The following operations are required to create a Bending Sequence manually:

1. Choose the bend to be carried out in the current step of the Sequence by using the [PREV. BEND] and
[NEXT BEND] function keys.
2. If the bend chosen does not have the features required or generates an error condition (collisions, wrong
support, etc.), you can improve it by using the [PIECE ROTATION] or [CHANGE SUPPORT] function
keys. If problems persist, it will be necessary to modify the bend (see point 1).
3. Press [PREV. SEQUENCE] to store the bend obtained in the current step of the Bending Sequence and
to move to the next bend. When this function is enabled, MIND3 displays the bend which, in the piece
drawing, precedes the bend just performed.
4. Repeat the operations mentioned at points 1, 2 and 3 until the piece has been completely bent; all bends
simulated on the piece will be stored in the Bending Sequence steps.

Once the Bending Sequence is completed, generate the work program steps by using the [GENERATE
PROGRAM] sub-function (See the “Utilities” paragraph).

2.4.2 [NEXT SEQUENCE]

When this function is enabled, the bend displayed will be carried out after the bending in the current step,
according to the Sequence order.
If [NEXT SEQUENCE] is selected when the current bend is the last one (the green profile represents the
piece completely bent) MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.
If the current bend has been edited (i.e. the bend or the support have been changed or the bend rotated) by
pressing [NEXT SEQUENCE] the changes made will be lost.

2.4.3 [PREVIOUS SEQUENCE]

If the Bending Sequence has already been created, press [PREV. SEQUENCE] to display the bend in the
step preceding the current one.
If the Bending Sequence has not been completed, by pressing [PREV. SEQUENCE] the current bend will be
stored in the relative step of the Bending Sequence; the bend which precedes the current one in the piece
profile will be displayed, according to the order set in the piece drawing.
If [PREV. SEQUENCE] is selected when the current bend is the first one (the blue profile represents the
piece before bending) MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.
If the current bend was already stored in the Bending Sequence and has been edited later (the bend or the
support have been changed or the bend rotated), by pressing [PREV. SEQUENCE] the changes made are
stored, but it will be necessary to set all the previous steps again.

2.4.4 [NEXT BEND]

This function allows you to edit the bend to be performed in the current step of the Sequence, either by
moving from the bend displayed to the next one or by scrolling the order set in the piece drawing and
considering only the bends to be simulated.
If [NEXT BEND] is enabled when the bend displayed is inside a curve, an error message will be displayed
to signal that the operation is not allowed.

2.22
2.4.5 [PREVIOUS BEND]
This function allows you to edit the bend to be performed in the current step of the Sequence, either by
moving from the bend displayed to the previous one or by scrolling the order set in the piece drawing and
considering only the bends to be simulated.
If [PREV. BEND] is enabled when the bend displayed is inside a curve, an error message will be displayed,
to signal that the operation is not allowed.

2.4.6 [PIECE ROTATION]

By enabling this function you can carry out the rotation of the piece with respect to the current bend.
If [PIECE ROTATION] is enabled when the bend displayed is inside a curve, an error message will be
displayed to signal that the operation is not allowed.

2.4.7 [CHANGE SUPPORT]

This function allows you to change the support position of the fingers for the current bend; the support
position is always at the end of the sides, i.e. on the bending points and can never be internal to the side.
If the [CHANGE SUPPORT] function is selected when there is only one support point for the current bend
(fingers support only one end of the side being bent, i.e. one of the final sides of the piece) the relative error
message will be displayed.
If this function is enabled when the bend displayed is inside a curve an error message will be displayed to
signal that the operation is not allowed.
If the finger position is lower than the reference value or higher than the R axis end of stroke, MIND3 will
display the relative error messages.

2.4.8 EDITING THE GRAPHIC DISPLAY

The operations allowed on the drawing displayed are the following:

→ Shift: The drawing displayed in the Piece Simulation page can be shifted in the four
directions by pressing the CURSOR keys. Hold down one of the CURSOR keys to
obtain a continuous shifting in the direction indicated by the key pressed.
→ Blow-up: To enlarge the drawing displayed in the piece Simulation page, press the PLUS key on
the keypad. Hold down this key to obtain a continuous enlargement.
→ Reduce: To reduce the drawing displayed in the Piece Simulation page, press the MINUS key on
the keypad. Hold down this key to obtain a continuous reduction.
→ [DISPLAY]: This operation allows you to use the [COMPLETE] and [PROFILE IN BENDING]
sub-functions described in the following paragraphs.
→ HOME key: Press the HOME key to return to the last sub-function selected ( [COMPLETE] or
[PROFILE IN BENDING] ).

2.4.8.1 [COMPLETE]
Press the [COMPLETE] sub-function to display the piece profile and the whole machine.

2.4.8.2 [PROFILE IN BENDING]

Press the [PROFILE IN BENDING] sub-function to display the maximum blow-up of station tools, fingers
and piece profile

2.23
2.4.9 [UTILITIES]
Press [UTILITIES] to gain access to the five sub-functions listed below, which will be described in the
following paragraphs:
[DEVELOPMENT CALCULATION]
[GENERATE PROGRAM]
[SEARCH FOR SEQUENCE]
[SET CRITERIA]
[DEFAULT CRITERIA]

2.4.9.1 [DEVELOPMENT CALCULATION]

The Development of a piece corresponds to the sheet length necessary to carry out the piece desired.
The [DEVELOPMENT CALCULATION] sub-function displays the Development value worked out
automatically; calculations include all the elements which affect development (side length, bend angles,
bending stress of the material, tools, etc..)
The Development value obtained is automatically stored in the Development General Data of the work
program and it can be edited in the Data Area of the Set Programs page.

2.4.9.2 [GENERATE PROGRAM]

Press [GENERATE PROGRAM] and the Program Steps required to produce the piece drawn will be
automatically generated. A Program cannot be generated unless the Bending Sequence has been searched
for, either manually or automatically; if this operation is omitted, an error message will appear. The Steps
generated can be edited in the 1 Step Data page.

2.4.9.3 [SEARCH FOR SEQUENCE]

The program scans all the bending sequences and chooses the one which best suits the criteria set. This kind
of search is particularly recommended to unskilled operators, since the best sequence is chosen
automatically.
During the automatic search, MIND3 will display the relative Box including:

→ Percentage of scanned sequences: percentage of all the possible sequences scanned up to that
moment (100%). MIND3 will scan all the sequences until the one
which suits the criteria set is found (Optimisation=100%).
→ Optimisation percentage: percentage validity (with relation to the criteria set) of the best
bending sequence found up to that moment. If this value is
acceptable, you can stop the search by pressing [STOP SEARCH].

Once the search has been completed, the Box will show the time required by the search phase.
If the bends desired cannot be performed on the piece, because of the tools or general data chosen, MIND3
will display a warning message. Once the Bending Sequence has been found, press [GENERATE
PROGRAM] and the program steps will be automatically generated.

2.4.9.4 [SET CRITERIA]

Press [SET CRITERIA] to display the relative Box which allows you to edit the criteria used by MIND3
during the search for the bending sequence. These criteria are automatically set by MIND3 according to the
length, type and thickness of the material chosen; all criteria can be edited.

2.24
The search criteria which can be set in the program, are listed in the table below:

CRITERIA MEANING PRIORITY SCALE

Interposed Bends indicates the importance given to INDIFFERENT
the lack of interposing bends NOT IMPORTANT
between the bend and the support. IMPORTANT
VERY IMPORTANT
OBLIGATORY (Interposed bends are
not allowed)
Inclined End Side indicates the importance given to INDIFFERENT
finger support on the inclined side ADMITTED
TOLERATED
TO AVOID
NOT ADMITTED
Limit Rotations indicates the importance given to INDIFFERENT
the lack of rotations. NOT IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
VERY IMPORTANT
Limit Tiltings indicates the importance given to INDIFFERENT
the lack of tiltings. NOT IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
VERY IMPORTANT
Limit Overturn indicates the importance given to INDIFFERENT
the lack of overturns. NOT IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
VERY IMPORTANT
Minimum Front/Back Ratio minimum ratio between the Front Enter the value desired (0.00÷9.99)
sheet length (between operator and confirm by pressing the ENTER
and tools) and the Back sheet key.
length (between tools and fingers)
Front/Back Ratio indicates the importance given to INDIFFERENT
the Front/Back Ratio NOT IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT
VERY IMPORTANT
OBLIGATORY

To set these criteria, do the following:

1. Position the cursor on the item desired.

2. Press the ENTER key to display the Box.
3. Choose the priority desired with the CURSOR keys.
4. Press the ENTER key to store it.

The criteria set remain stored until [DEFAULT CRITERIA] is pressed or MIND3 is switched off. Once the
setting of all criteria is completed, press [CLOSE BOX] and run the search for the Bending Sequence.

2.4.9.5 [DEFAULT CRITERIA]

This function enters default values as criteria for the Bending Sequence search. These criteria are
automatically worked out by MIND3, considering the features of the piece desired (Length, Thickness and
Type of material).

2.25
2.5 ARCHIVE

Copy Delete Internal Minidisk Memory

Group Group External Set-up Space

Press [ARCHIVE] to open the corresponding page where you can manage both the internal (MIND3
Memory) and the external archives (Minidisks used as a permanent support to store programs and tools).
You can exchange data between the two archives by using the [COPY GROUP] function.

WARNING!! Using a program on a Minidisk without a complete check-up of the data set is a
dangerous operation: the machine conditions might have changed since the writing
of the program and this might lead to the ejection of some machine parts. During
any writing or reading operations from the Minidisk do not take this out of the
drive as this may damage the disk!

2.26
The Archive page is divided into two areas:

• Group Area: is the area on the left indicating the Archive enabled and the Group selected
• List Area: is the area on the right showing the list present in the Archive related to the Group
selected

To work inside one of these areas, select it with the TAB key. The area selected will be bordered by a light
blue line; the area not selected has grey borders.
A detailed description of the two areas composing the Archive page is given below.

2.5.1 [GROUP AREA]

The internal functions in this area are the following:

Copy Delete Internal Minidisk Memory

Group Group External Set-up Space

The archive is divided into nine groups; to select the group desired position the cursor on the corresponding
name.
The Copy and Delete functions allow you to copy or delete the Group selected.
The Groups which can be selected are the following:

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL ARCHIVE
PROGRAMS
TOOLS
PUNCH HOLDERS
PUNCHES
DIES
DIE HOLDERS
DIE BASES
FINGERS

To select the whole archive, position on INTERNAL or ENTERNAL ARCHIVE;

to select programs, position on PROGRAMS;
to select all the tools, position on TOOLS;
to select only one Group of tools, position on PUNCH HOLDERS, PUNCHES, DIES, DIE HOLDERS, DIE
BASES, FINGERS.
The first of the nine Groups also shows whether the Internal or External Archive has been enabled, thus
indicating which Archive includes the Groups and the operations to be carried out; on entering the Archive
Page the Internal Archive is enabled.

⇒ NOTE: Do not use the system disk as external archive: the Machine operation data might be lost.

2.27
2.5.1.1 [COPY GROUP]
This function can be used to copy the Group selected from the archive enabled to the one disabled.
By pressing [COPY GROUP], MIND3 displays a warning message requiring you to confirm the operation;
this message indicates the name of the Group selected and the archive in which it will be copied.
If the Group selected is included in the internal archive, it will be copied on the minidisk and viceversa.
During this operation, MIND3 will not cancel the elements stored in the receiving archive and will ask you
to confirm the overwriting operation for the elements with the same name; the confirmation request is a
warning message reporting the name of the two elements between the characters < > (example <Int.Idr.
h=100>).
If you wish to copy the group selected ignoring the minidisk contents, delete all data stored on the minidisk
before carrying out the copying operation.

2.5.1.2 [DELETE GROUP]

This function cancels the Group selected in the archive enabled.
Before carrying out this operation, MIND3 will display a message indicating the name of the Group to be
deleted and the relative archive. Confirm the operation to delete the group selected.

2.5.1.3 [INTERNAL/EXTERNAL]
If the Groups available for selection are stored in the internal memory, the first Group displayed will be
INTERNAL ARCHIVE; if these are stored on the Minidisk, the first Group displayed will be EXTERNAL
ARCHIVE; the first Group indicates whether the Internal or External Archive has been enabled. The
[INTERNAL/EXTERNAL] function allows you to select one of these two archives and to display the
relative Groups.

2.5.1.4 [MINIDISK SET-UP]

This function carries out the set-up of the Minidisk to be used as External Archive.

WARNING!! The [MINIDISK SET-UP] operation will delete all data stored on the disk.

Before carrying out the set-up, MIND3 will require you to confirm the operation.

2.5.1.5 [MEMORY SPACE]

This function allows you to check the memory space occupied by the archive enabled.
The “Memory occupied in % “ Box is displayed, showing the following data:

→ for Punches, Dies, Fingers, Programs, Drawings and Steps: The percentage of memory occupied
→ for Free: The total percentage of memory available

2.5.2 LIST AREA

This area lists all the elements composing the Group selected and included in the Archive enabled.
When INTERNAL/EXTERNAL ARCHIVE or TOOLS are selected, this Area is completely empty and
cannot be selected; by enabling the List Area with the TAB key, you can scroll the list of the elements
present; to carry out the operations desired on these elements, select one or more items with the CURSOR
keys. The List Area also displays a drawing of the tool or piece indicated by the cursor in the program.

2.28
The functions in this area are the following:

Prev. Next Copy Delete Copy Rename

Page Page Selection in Selection

If the archive includes several pages, use the [PREV. PAGE] or [NEXT PAGE] sub-functions. To bring the
cursor back on the first tool, press the HOME key.
The [COPY SELECTION IN] and [DELETE SELECTION] functions copy or delete only the elements
selected; to select one or more elements, position the cursor on the item desired and press the ENTER key. If
ENTER is pressed again, the selection made is undone.
The elements selected are coloured in yellow, the elements not selected are white.

The data in the Program List are: → Program Name

→ Program Type (2D or 3D).
→ Creation date of the program
→ Piece drawing, if present.

For the data included in the Tool Lists, refer to the “Tool List” paragraph in the Appendix to this Section.

2.5.2.1 [COPY SELECTION IN]

This function copies the elements selected (coloured in yellow) in the archive disabled.
Before copying the elements, MIND3 will ask you to confirm the operation; if another element with the
same name is found, a warning message will be displayed, reporting this name between the characters < >.

2.5.2.2 [DELETE SELECTION]

This function deletes the elements selected (coloured in yellow) in the archive enabled.
Before deleting these elements MIND3 will ask you to confirm the operation.

2.5.2.3 [COPY]
This function allows you to generate a program equal to the one selected but with a new name.
The [COPY] function is only included in the Program List and can be used when a single program has been
selected.
Press [COPY] to display the “Copy Program” Box and enter the new name of the program by using the
keypad and the [ALPHABET] sub-function; press [CLOSE BOX] to undo the operation.

2.5.2.4 [RENAME]
This function allows you to change the name of the program selected.
The [RENAME] function is only included in the Program List and can be used when a single program has
been selected.
Press [RENAME] to display the “Rename Program” Box and enter the new name of the program by using
the keypad and the [ALPHABET] sub-function; press [CLOSE BOX] to undo the operation.

2.29
2.6 SET ASSEMBLED TOOLS

Move
Alphabet Tool

Press [SET ASSEMBLED TOOLS] to open the corresponding page, containing data and drawings of the
tools mounted on the machine.

WARNING!! Before starting operations in the Manual, Semiautomatic and Automatic modes,
make sure that the tools in this page are actually mounted on the machine; only in
this condition, will MIND3 be able to check that the tools mounted correspond to
those chosen to produce the piece. If the Assembled Tools indicated are different
from those actually used, the machine operation might result faulty or dangerous;
for example, there might be collisions of the back mechanic parts with the moulds,
or between punches and dies, resulting in the ejection of some parts of the
machine

2.30
The Set Assembled Tools page is divided into two areas:

• Front View Area: at the top of the page, shows the front view of the machine
In this area, you can select different machine parts and enable some commands.
• Data Area: at the bottom of the page, shows the data relative to the tool selected.

The two areas mentioned above are empty when no tool has been mounted on the machine.
To work inside one of these areas, select it by pressing the TAB key.
The area selected will be bordered by a light blue line; the area not selected has grey borders.

A detailed description of the two areas included in the Set Assembled Tools page is given below.

2.6.1 FRONT VIEW AREA

As seen previously, this area shows the front view of the machine.
This drawing is particularly useful since it provides you with a number of direct information (such as, the
number of tools mounted, their lay-out, work station, etc.).
The function keys in this area are the following:

Station Delete Insert Insert Insert Work Copy Set

Graphics Tool Punch Die Finger Station from Machine
Program

Beam Beam
with without
Clamp Clamp

You may also select a part of the drawing displayed: this operation is very important because some function
keys work exclusively on the part selected. To select a part of the drawing, use the CURSOR keys to
position on the part desired which, once selected, will change colour.
When the Front View Area is enabled, the following machine parts are available for selection:

2.6.1.1 UPPER MACHINE

This is the upper part of the press and it cannot be modified.
If selected, it appears coloured in pink; if not selected, it is brown.

2.6.1.2 LOWER MACHINE

This is the lower part of the press and it cannot be modified.
If selected, it appears coloured in pink; if not selected, it is brown.

2.6.1.3 FINGER
The front view of the fingers appears as a little rectangle on the left of the machine.
If selected, this rectangle appears coloured in light green; if not selected, it is dark green.

2.31
2.6.1.4 STATIONS
Stations are made up of a punch group plus a die group, which are laid out so that the punch group, or part
of it, is positioned above a die group, or part of it.
Therefore, when a punch group is above more than one die group, or viceversa, it may be shared by different
Stations.
MIND3 numbers all the complete stations present on the machine, starting from Station 1 on the left side.
There may be incomplete stations, made up of a single punch group or die group; these stations can be
selected and displayed in the [STATION GRAPHICS] page, but they cannot become work stations. The
Work Station chosen in the Set Assembled Tools page can be used to select the station desired for the
Manual operation mode.
In this mode you may edit the station selected by choosing a new one among the Stations created in this
area. MIND3 will automatically edit the Work Station selected in this page.

The colours used to highlight stations are the following:

DARK GREY = Station not selected

LIGHT GREY = Work Station not selected
GREEN = Station selected
GREEN with BLACK DOTS = Work Station selected

These colours allow you to identify the Work Station immediately (see the paragraph below).
When a station has been selected, one part (the punch or the die) appears coloured in light green, and the
other (the punch or the die) in dark green.
When a group is enabled it is coloured in light green (Punch Group or Die Group).

2.6.1.5 [STATION GRAPHICS]

This command displays the [STATION GRAPHICS] Box which is divided into two parts: Text and
Graphics.

• Text: on the left side of the screen, displays the set of data relative to the Tools included in the
selected station (Punch Group, Die Group and Fingers).
• Graphics: on the right side of the screen, displays the side view of the station selected.

For further information see the “Station Graphics” paragraph in the Appendix to this Section.

2.6.1.6 [DELETE TOOL]

This command allows you to delete the tool group (Die or Punch) currently enabled.
The [DELETE TOOL] function can only be used when a Punch Group or a Die Group has been selected in
the Front View Area.
The tool group to be deleted will be displayed in lighter colours in the Front View Area.
Before deleting the tool group, MIND3 will display a Warning Message requiring you to confirm the
operation.

Before describing in detail the [INSERT PUNCH], [INSERT DIE], and [INSERT FINGER] functions, some
information concerning the Tool List Boxes is given below:

2.32
2.6.1.7 TOOL LIST BOXES
Tool List Boxes list all the tools stored in the internal archive and may also include the drawing of a tool
selected with the cursor.
To enable a box, press the ENTER key after positioning the cursor on the tool desired inside the “Punch
Data”, “Die Data” or “Finger Data” boxes.
To select a tool, use the CURSOR keys to position on the item desired and press ENTER to confirm your
selection.
If the archive contains several pages, use the [PREVIOUS PAGE] or [NEXT PAGE] sub-functions. To
bring the cursor back to the first tool, press the HOME key.
By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the Box is closed and all operation performed will be ignored.
For further information on the contents of the different Tool List Boxes, see the “Tool List” Paragraph in the
Appendix to this Section.

2.6.1.8 [INSERT PUNCH]

This command allows you to enter a new punch Group in the Set Assembled Tools page.
By pressing and confirming the [INSERT PUNCH] function, the drawing of the new Punch Group chosen is
included in the Front View Area and the “Punch Data” Box is displayed.

The data required to insert a new Punch Group are the following:

NAME: name of the Punch to be inserted. Enter the punch name by using the keypad and the
[ALPHABET] sub-function (see the chapter “Entering alphanumeric characters” in
Section 1) or choose the name desired in the punch list (see the previous paragraph
“Tool List Boxes”). If the punch entered is not included among those available,
MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.
HOLDER NAME: name of the Punch Holder to be inserted; this data can be omitted if the punch is
mounted without holder. Enter the Holder Name desired or choose it in the Holder list
(see the previous paragraph “Tool List Boxes”). If the holder entered is not included
among those available, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message. To delete
the punch holder entered, press the CLEAR key.
POSITION: defines the punch position on the machine and indicates the distance between the
machine left edge and the punch left edge.
LENGTH: length of the punch.
ROTATION: indicates if the punch has been mounted normally (NO) or has been rotated (YES).
Only two values are available for this data (YES - NO) and they can be selected by
pressing the ENTER key. If the value YES is selected and the Punch Holder is not
present or is of a Special kind, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.
HORN TYPE: indicates whether the punch has a horn. Only the following values are available:
WITHOUT = Punch without horn
RIGHT = Punch with a horn on the right only
LEFT = Punch with a horn on the left only
BOTH = Punch with horns on the left and on the right
To set these values press the ENTER key to open the relative Box; move the cursor on
the correct data and press ENTER again to save it. If the Box is closed by pressing
[CLOSE BOX] this data will not be changed.
Y CORRECTION: this value will be added to Y values to compensate for any errors in the dimensions of
the Punch Group.

⇒ NOTE: For any further information on the Position and Length data and on the control operations
available for the [MOVE TOOL] sub-function, see the “Position and Length” paragraph in the Appendix to
this Section (in particular, refer to “Inserting a new tool”).

2.33
Whenever the Punch Group is inserted above a Die Group or part of it, a new station is created. When this
condition occurs, MIND3 will check that the Punch Group height summed to the Die Group height and to
the Thickness of the sheet to be bent is lower than or equal to the machine maximum opening. If the opening
value is exceeded, MIND3 will signal an error condition.

2.6.1.9 [INSERT DIE]

This command allows you to enter a new Die Group in the Set Assembled Tools page.
By pressing and confirming the [INSERT DIE] function, the drawing of the new Die Group chosen is
included in the Front View Area and the “Die Data” Box is displayed.

The data required to insert a new Die Group are the following:

NAME: name of the Die to be inserted. Enter the die name desired by using the keypad and
the [ALPHABET] sub-function or choose it in the die list (see the previous paragraph
“Tool List Boxes”). If the die entered is not included among those available, MIND3
will display the appropriate error message.
HOLDER NAME: name of the die holder. The use of a holder and the type required are established
according to the die chosen. Enter the holder name by using the keypad and the
[ALPHABET] sub-function or choose it in the holder list (see the previous paragraph
“Tool List Boxes”). If the holder entered is not included among those available or is
not of the type required, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message. To delete
the die holder entered press the CLEAR key.
BASE NAME: name of the Die Base to be inserted; this data can be omitted if the die is mounted
without a base. Enter the Die Base name or choose it in the Base list (see the previous
paragraph “Tool List Boxes”). If the base entered is not included among those
available or if this data is omitted and the machine used is equipped with a Beam
without clamp, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message. To delete the die
base entered press the CLEAR key.
POSITION: defines the die position on the machine and indicates the distance between the
machine right edge and the die right edge.
LENGTH: length of the die.
ROTATION: indicates if the die has been mounted normally (NO) or has been rotated (YES). Only
two values are available for this data (YES - NO) and they can be selected by pressing
the ENTER key.
Y CORRECTION: this value will be added to Y values to compensate for any errors in the Die Group
height.

⇒ NOTE: For any further information on the Position and Length data and on the control operations
available for the [MOVE TOOL] sub-function, see the “Position and Length” paragraph in the Appendix to
this Section (in particular, refer to “Inserting a new tool”).

Whenever the Die Group is inserted below a Punch Group or part of it, a new station is created. When this
condition occurs, MIND3 will check that the Die Group height summed to the Punch Group height and to
the Thickness of the sheet to be bent is lower than or equal to the machine maximum opening. If the opening
value is exceeded, MIND3 will signal an error condition.

2.34
2.6.1.10 [INSERT FINGER]
This command allows you to insert the Finger desired in the Set Assembled Tools page.
By pressing and confirming the [INSERT FINGER] function, the drawing of the Finger chosen is included
in the Front View Area and the “Finger Data” Box is displayed.

The data required to insert a new Finger are the following:

NAME: name of the Finger to be inserted. Enter the name desired by using the keypad and the
[ALPHABET] sub-function or choose it in the finger list. If the finger entered is not
included among those available, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.

It is possible to mount only one type of finger; therefore, if you try to insert a finger when this element has
already been mounted, MIND3 will display an error message.

2.6.1.11 [WORK STATION]

This function allows you to set the Work Station, i.e. the station to be used in the Manual operation mode.
Do not mistake this function with the Work Station function in the Set Programs page, which refers to the
piece to be produced in the Automatic and Semiautomatic modes.
In the Manual operation mode, you may choose a different station among those numbered by MIND3.
Before enabling this command, it is necessary to select the station desired inside the Front View Area of the
Machine (see the relative paragraph).
When the [WORK STATION] function has been enabled, MIND3 will display a window requiring you to
confirm the operation.
The Work Station selected is highlighted differently from the other stations on the machine.
If this function is enabled when the Upper Machine, Lower Machine, Fingers or an incomplete Station are
selected, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.
If the Work Station has not been selected, MIND3 will consider Station 1 (i.e. the first Station on the left)
the Work Station to be used.
When no complete station is mounted on the machine, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.

2.6.1.12 [COPY FROM THE PROGRAM]

This function allows you to copy tools into the Set Assembled Tools page in order to carry out the current
work program.

WARNING!! Before operating in the Manual, Semiautomatic or Automatic modes, the tools
mentioned above must be mounted on the machine in order to avoid the faults
described earlier in this chapter, which might result extremely dangerous for the
operator.

2.6.1.13 [SET MACHINE]

This command displays the [BEAM WITH CLAMP] and [BEAM WITHOUT CLAMP] sub-functions,
which allow you to establish whether the Beam is equipped with a Clamp or not. The [BEAM WITHOUT
CLAMP] sub-function is disabled when the machine used is of HFB type, whose beam is always equipped
with a clamp.The Clamp is used to secure dies without base. When [BEAM WITHOUT CLAMP] is
selected, MIND3 checks that all the dies mounted have a base; if this condition is not found, MIND3 will
display the appropriate error message.

2.35
2.6.2 DATA AREA
At the bottom of the page, this area shows all data relative to the tool selected. When the Upper Machine or
Lower Machine are selected, this area is empty.
The internal functions in this area are the following:

Alphabet Move Tool

This area allows you to edit all data of the tool currently selected (Die Group, Punch Group or Finger - see
the “Front View” paragraph); if the tool selected is the Punch Group the Punch Data are displayed and
similarly, Die Data are shown if the Die Group is selected or Finger Data appear if the Finger is selected.
These data have already been explained in the paragraphs concerning the [INSERT PUNCH], [INSERT
DIE] and [INSERT FINGER] functions.

⇒ NOTE: For further information on the Position and Length data and on the [MOVE TOOL] sub-
function, see the “Position and Length” paragraph in the Appendix to this Section (in particular, refer to
“Editing the tool enabled”).

2.36
2.7 APPENDIX

2.7.1 STATION GRAPHICS

The [STATION GRAPHICS] function displays the relative Box which is divided into two parts: Text and
Graphics.

2.7.1.1 TEXT
The area on the left of your screen displays the set of data relative to the tools included in the work station
selected (Punch Group, Die Group and Fingers).
These data are only reported for reference and cannot be edited directly. MIND3 provides to update them
automatically every time a tool is edited.

The data displayed in the “Station Graphics” Box are the following:

PUNCH name of the Punch Holder.

HOLDER: height of the Punch Holder.
HEIGHT: name of the Punch.
PUNCH: angle of the Punch tip.
ANGLE: radius of the Punch tip.
RADIUS: maximum pressure (Tn, Tn US or Kn) which can be exerted on the length of the Punch
RESISTENCE: (per cm or inch).
height of the Punch.
HEIGHT: distance between the machine left edge and the beginning of the Punch Group.

2.37
POSITION: length of the Punch Group.
LENGTH: indicates if the Punch is rotated (YES) or not (NO).
ROTATION: indicates if the Punch is equipped with a horn (LEFT, RIGHT or BOTH) or not
HORN: (WITHOUT).
DIE: name of the Die.
V WIDTH: width of the Die V
RADIUS: radius of the Die V smoothed sides.
ANGLE: angle formed by the V sides.
HEIGHT: height of the Die.
RESISTENCE: maximum pressure [Tn, Tn US or KN) which can be exerted on the Die length (per cm
or inch).
CURR. SEC.: current value of the anti-collision security. This value corresponds to the distance
between the V centre and the Die internal edge.
HOLDER: name of the Die Holder.
HEIGHT: height of the Die Holder.
DIE BASE. name of the Die Base.
HEIGHT: height of the Die Base.
POSITION: distance between the machine left edge and the beginning of the Die Group.
LENGTH: length of the Die Group.
ROTATION: indicates if the Die is rotated (YES) or not (NO).
FINGER: name of the Finger.
LENGTH: length of the Finger.

HEIGHT
(PunchHolder)
ANGLE

HEIGHT
RADIUS
(Punch)

CURR.SEC.
DIEWIDTH
HEIGHT
ANGLE
(Die)
HEIGHT
(DieBase)
HEIGHT
(DieHolder) RADIUS

2.38
 LEN G TH

2.7.1.2 GRAPHICS
On the right side of your screen, this area displays the side view of the station.
The drawing displayed can be enlarged, reduced or moved.
To enlarge it, press the PLUS key.
To reduce it, press the MINUS key.
To move it in the four directions, press the CURSOR keys.
Press HOME to return to the original drawing.
To close this Box, press [CLOSE BOX].

2.7.2 TOOL LISTS

Tool List Boxes or Areas list the tools stored in the internal archive and may also display the drawing of a
tool selected with the cursor.

The Tool Lists include the following items:

• Punch List
• Punch Holder List
• Die List
• Die Holder List
• Die Base List
• Finger List

The Tool Lists mentioned above are described in the following paragraphs.

2.7.2.1 PUNCH LIST

The data listed for each punch are the following:

NAME: name of the Punch.

ANGLE: angle of the Punch tip.
RADIUS: radius of the Punch tip.
HEIGHT: height of the Punch.

2.39
2.7.2.2 PUNCH HOLDER LIST
The data listed for each holder are the following:

NAME: name of the Punch Holder.

STATUS: indicates if the holder allows the punch rotation (NORMAL) or not (SPECIAL).
HEIGHT: height of the Punch Holder.

2.7.2.3 DIE LIST

The data listed for each die are the following:

NAME: name of the Die.

TYPE: indicates the type of Holder necessary for the Die used. If the value indicated is
WITHOUT, the die will not need any Holder.
V WIDTH: width of the Die V
ANGLE: angle formed by the Die V sides.
HEIGHT: height of the Die.

2.7.2.4 HOLDER LIST

The data listed for each holder are the following:

NAME: name of the Die Holder.

TYPE: indicates the type of Holder.
HEIGHT: height of the Die Holder.

2.7.2.5 DIE BASE LIST

The data listed for each die base are the following:

NAME: name of the Die Base.

HEIGHT: height of the Die Base.

2.7.2.6 FINGERS
The data listed for each finger are the following:

NAME: name of the Finger.

LENGTH: length of the Finger.

2.7.3 POSITION AND LENGTH

Position and Length data are displayed in the “Punch Data” and “Die Data” Boxes or Areas.
This paragraph explains how to set Position and Length data, either in the tool INSERTION phase or in the
EDITING phase of the tool enabled; moreover, some instructions are provided on the use of the [MOVE
TOOL] sub-function, included in the Boxes or Areas where Position and Length data are present.

Before describing these functions, it may be useful to define the concept of SPACE required to insert a tool.

⇒ SPACE: indicates an empty area visible in the Front View of the machine and limited by the
borders of the machine itself or by the tools already mounted.

2.40
Before inserting a tool, choose the space where you intend to place it; in the tool editing phase, the tool is
already positioned in a space but you may move it to another one.
The choice of the space to insert the tool is essential because all control operations carried out by MIND3 on
the Position and Length data refer to the limits and dimensions of the space selected.
A space is selected when a tool is positioned inside it.
To move a tool from one space to another, use the [MOVE TOOL] sub-function.
A space cannot be selected if it is smaller than 5 mm, since the minimum length value allowed for a tool is 5
mm.
When no tool is mounted, the space displayed is only one and it is limited by the machine borders.

2.7.3.1 INSERTING A NEW TOOL

By enabling one of the commands to insert a Tool Group (either [INSERT PUNCH] or [INSERT DIE] ) the
drawing of the tool inserted will be displayed in the Front View of the machine; the tool is positioned inside
the first space available on the left.
Press [MOVE TOOL] to move the tool from one space to the next one. Position and Length data will be
edited every time, according to the space selected.
If the tool movement is not possible, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message. Once you have
chosen the space where the new tool will be inserted, proceed according to one of these two methods:

1. Set the POSITION data before the LENGTH data. MIND3 will run a set of control operations and,
eventually, will signal the errors found. If the Position chosen is included within the limits allowed,
MIND3 will set the Length data so as to fill all the space available. Then, enter the actual Length of the
tool: MIND3 will run a set of control operations and, eventually, will signal the errors found. If the
Length data set is included within the limits allowed, the tool drawing will be changed according to the
length value entered.
2. Set the LENGTH data before the POSITION data. MIND3 will run a set of control operations and,
eventually, will signal the errors found. If the Length chosen is included within the limits allowed,
MIND3 will set the Position data so that the tool is inserted as close as possible to the middle line of the
machine; in particular,
− if the space selected to insert the tool includes the machine middle line, the tool will be centred on
that line. Position = Middle Line Value - Length/2;
− if the space selected to insert the tool is on the right of the machine middle line, the tool will be
positioned as close as possible to the left limit of the space itself;
− if the space selected to insert the tool is on the left of the machine middle line, the tool will be
positioned as close as possible to the right limit of the space itself.
At this stage, it is possible to enter a new Position data, different from the one set by MIND3, which will
run a set of control operations and, eventually, will signal the errors found. If the Position set is included
within the limits allowed, the tool drawing will be moved so that the tool beginning point corresponds to
the value set.

2.41
2.7.3.2 EDITING THE TOOL ENABLED
If SPACES are wide enough, you can move the tool enabled and edit its Length and Position data.
To move the Tool Group inside a Space with sufficient dimensions, press the [MOVE TOOL] sub-function;
in this case, MIND3 will not edit the tool Length but will change the Position data so that the tool is placed
as close as possible to the machine middle line; in particular,

→ if the space selected to insert the tool includes the machine middle line, the tool will be centred on that
line. Position = Middle Line Value - Length/2;
→ if the space selected to insert the tool is on the right of the machine middle line, the tool will be
positioned as close as possible to the left limit of the space itself;
→ if the space selected to insert the tool is on the left of the machine middle line, the tool will be positioned
as close as possible to the right limit of the space itself.

If the tool movement is not possible, MIND3 will display the appropriate error message.

According to the Space selected, the following operations are allowed:

1. Editing Tool Position. MIND3 will run a set of control operations and, eventually, will signal the errors
found. If the Position set is included within the limits allowed, the tool drawing will be moved so that the
tool beginning point corresponds to the value set.
2. Editing Tool Length. MIND3 will run a set of control operations and, eventually, will signal the errors
found. If the Length set is included within the limits allowed, the tool drawing will be changed according
to the length value entered.

2.42
3. MANUAL MODE

3.1 FEATURES

Press the [MANUAL] function key to open the corresponding page which allows the manual movement of
the axis; the values reached can be stored in the bending step.
Access to the Manual mode is denied if the axis Preset has not been completed or if the Work Station chosen
in the Set Programs page is not mounted.

3.1
WARNING!! The Manual mode is the least dangerous of all operation modes, since the axis
movement is carried out at low speed. However, the operator should be extremely
careful when performing any operations: in the Manual mode MIND3 can
command the axis movement directly, without requiring any confirmation;
moreover, in this mode, the safety protection devices are disabled.

WARNING!! Before starting operations in the Manual mode, make sure that the tools present
in the Set Programs page are actually mounted on the machine; only in this
condition, will MIND3 be able to check that the tools mounted correspond to those
chosen to produce the piece. If the Assembled Tools indicated are different from
those actually used, the machine operation might result faulty or dangerous; for
example: there might be collisions of the back mechanic parts with the moulds, or
between punches and dies, resulting in the ejection of some parts of the machine

The [MANUAL] page displays the values reached by the axis, the graphic illustration of the selected axis
and all data relative to the Manual mode. The X and Z axis selected appear coloured in red.
If all Z axis are selected, MIND3 will signal whether the Centering or Distance options are enabled.
The internal functions in this page are the following:

-- - + ++ X R Z Y

Y Axis Y Axis Power Clamp Clamping Copy

Bend Moulds Diff. Step

Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Z Z Copy
Center. Distance Step

Select Copy
Axis Step

X1 X2 X1 X2 Copy
Step

The data relative to the Manual operation mode are the following:

THICK: thickness of the sheet to be bent.

WIDTH: width of the sheet.
MATERIAL: material of the sheet to be bent: STEEL, STAINLESS STEEL, ALUMINIUM,
MATERIAL 1 or MATERIAL 2. Press the ENTER key to display the Box including
the material list. Use the CURSOR keys to choose the material desired and press
ENTER to confirm your selection. MATERIAL 1 and 2 allow you to enter different
types of material. When these materials are set, the Resistance data displayed is a
default value (60 and 30 kg/sqmm, respectively); you may enter a different value
which will be stored so as to make it available even after MIND3 has been turned
off; when a new program is created, the Resistance value displayed will be the last
set, provided that the same type of material is chosen.
RES.: resistance of the material selected stated in Kg/sqmm. MIND3 loads this value
automatically, according to the Material set, but allows any data editing.
BALANCE: positioning difference between Y1 and Y2 axis.
U.D.P. Y axis Upper Dead Point; maximum opening of the Punch.
M.P. Y axis Muting Point, i.e. the point at which the punch switches from the closed
condition to the bending condition.

3.2
PRESSURE: pressure exerted on the sheet by the punch during bending.
STATION: station used for the bending operation. MIND3 automatically sets the Work Station
chosen in the Set Assembled Tools page. If you wish to set a different Station, enter
its number directly or press the ENTER key when the cursor is positioned on the
item required. MIND3 will display a Box illustrating the front view of the machine.
Choose the station desired, highlight it in green by using the CURSOR keys and
press ENTER to confirm the operation. By pressing [CLOSE BOX] the previous
station remains stored. This Box includes the [STATION GRAPHICS] function:
select it to open the corresponding Box, described in the “Station Graphics”
paragraph in the Appendix to the Writing Section. This function allows you to select
the bending station more easily; press [CLOSE BOX] to exit.

⇒ NOTE: These parameters have no relation with the parameters of the program selected.
To edit any data, select the item desired with the CURSOR keys, enter the new value and press ENTER to
confirm the operation.

3.3
 3.2 AXIS SELECTION

The function keys available to enable the four

axis are the following: [X], [R] [Z] and [Y].

3.2.1 X AXIS
Press [X] to display the [X1] and [X2] sub-
functions which can be used to select the two
axis separately; use the [X1X2] sub-function to
select both axis simultaneously.

3.2.2 R AXIS
Press [R] to select the corresponding axis by
means of the [SEL.AXIS] sub-function.

3.2.3 Z AXIS
Z3 and Z4 axis are optional. By pressing [Z] you
can only select one axis at a time (Z1, Z2, Z3 or
Z4); to select them all, you may choose either [Z
CENTR] or [Z DIST]. If the Centering function
is selected by pressing [+] or [++], the axis are
moved to the right; they are moved to the left if
[-] or [--] are pressed. If the Distance function is
selected by pressing [+] or [++] the axis are
distanced in couples; they are approached to one
another if [-] or [--] are pressed.

3.2.4 Y AXIS
To select the Y axis, press [Y] and [Y AXIS
BEND], after checking that the CIP2CE device
is operating in the manual mode. If this
condition is not found, MIND3 will display the
appropriate error message. The [Y AXIS
MOULDS] function must be used during the die
centering in the assembly phase; this function
allows you to exclude the display of messages
concerning the sheet, which must not be present
on the machine at this stage.

3.4
3.2.5 [POWER]
By pressing [POWER] the relative Box is displayed to allow you to control the condition of the lamps on the
electric cabinet. No operation is allowed inside this box. To close it, press [CLOSE BOX].

3.2.6 [CLAMP. DIFF.]

Press the [CLAMP. DIFF.] sub-function to display the difference between the Y axis current value and the
clamping measure. This option is useful to check that the values entered for sheet thickness, die height and
punch height are correct; for example, by placing the sheet to be bent on the die and allowing the punch
down-stroke until the clamping position, the difference between the Y value and the theoretical clamping
measure should be equal to 0. If this condition is not found, it means that the machine, tools and sheet
thickness data do not correspond to the actual values.

3.2.7 [CLAMP.]
Press [CLAMP.] to display the clamping measure worked out by MIND3 automatically, according to the
Station chosen and the Thickness of the sheet to be bent.

3.2.8 [COPY STEP]

The [COPY STEP] sub-function allows you to copy the axis positioning values into the step selected. To
copy the Y axis value, the Length and Thickness parameters set in the Manual mode must be equal to those
included in the step. By selecting this option, you can program each phase of the bending sequence which
will be carried out automatically by the Numeric Control device.

3.5
3.3 AXIS MOVEMENT

WARNING!! Before moving the axis, make sure that the data mentioned above are correct in
order to avoid the faulty operation of the machine, which might result dangerous
for the operator.

The correct positioning of the axis can be checked at any times, thanks to the drawing displayed on the right
of your screen. The axis movement can be stopped by the limit switch software, by the limit control or by
the anti-collision values. The R axis is enabled for movement even after reaching negative values, i.e. values
lower than the die plate. However, MIND3 will block R axis movement in the case of collisions with the die
plate.

WARNING!! To stop the motor motion press the mushroom-head Emergency button on MIND3
front panel.

In the Manual mode, the following functions are available to move the axis.

3.3.1 [--]
This function enables axis movement in the minus direction; the axis movement can take place as a
continuous fast movement or as an impulse movement by 1mm for X, R and Y axis and by 10mm for the Z
axis.

3.3.2 [-]
This function enables axis movement in the minus direction; the axis movement can take place as a
continuous slow movement or as an impulse movement by 0.1mm for X, R and Y axis and by 1mm for Z
axis.

3.3.3 [+]
This function enables axis movement in the plus direction; the axis movement can take place as a continuous
slow movement or as an impulse movement by 0.1mm for X, R and Y axis and by 1mm for Z axis.

3.3.4 [++]
This function enables axis movement in the plus direction; the axis movement can take place as a continuous
fast movement or as an impulse movement by 1mm for X, R and axis and by 10mm for Z axis.

3.3.5 Y AXIS MOVEMENT

WARNING!! In the Manual mode, the safety protection devices are disabled.

Select the Y axis by using the relative switch on the CIP2CE cabinet when the device is operating in the
Manual mode; the message Press Pedal will be displayed. By pressing the pedal, the Y axis is moved
downwards until the Muting Point set. Release the pedal and use the [--] and [-] functions to move the axis
as desired. Once the bending is completed, select the [+] and [++] functions to bring the Y axis back to the
Upper Dead Point set. If the pedal is released before reaching the Muting Point, during the axis down-stroke,
it will be necessary to bring the Y axis back to the Upper Dead Point by using the [+] and [++] functions.

3.6
4. SEMIAUTOMATIC MODE

4.1 FEATURES

Next Prev. Next

Step Step Bend Power Utilities

Press the Semiautomatic function key to open the corresponding page. This operative mode allows you to
check the correct setting of the program. Access to this page is denied if the axis Preset has not been carried
out, if no program has been stored or if the tools required by the program selected have not been mounted.

WARNING!! Before starting operations in the Semiautomatic mode, make sure that the tools
present in the Set Programs page are actually mounted on the machine; only in
this condition, will MIND3 be able to check that the tools mounted correspond to
those chosen to produce the piece. If the Assembled Tools indicated are different
from those actually used, the machine operation might result faulty or dangerous;
for example, there might be collisions of the back mechanic parts with the moulds,
or between punches and dies, resulting in the ejection of some parts of the
machine

WARNING!! In the Semiautomatic mode, the axis move at high speed: the operator is warned
to take all necessary precautions.

4.1
The function keys in this page are the following:

Next Prev. Next Power Utilities

Step Step Bend

Correct Virtual Actual Display Speed

Angles Path Path Mode Coeff.

For each bending step the following data are displayed:

STEP: number of the step in the bending sequence in progress.

X: X axis positioning value
ANGLE: bending angle of the sheet
Y1: Y1 axis value
Y2: Y2 axis value
DX: difference between X1 and X2 axis values.
R: R axis value
Z1: Z1 axis value.
Z2: Z2 axis value.
Z3: Z3 axis value.
Z4: Z4 axis value.
CY: number of repetitions of the bending step.
WIDTH: width of the sheet.
BEND TYPE: bend types available: air bend, coining, slow, slow coining or without.
Y BALANCE: difference between Y1 and Y2 axis values.
STATION: station used in the current step.
SUPPORT TYPE: support position on the Fingers: normal or support.
MUTING POINT: the clamping point at which the punch starts to slow down.
PEDAL STOP: indicates if the Pedal-Stop-Pedal cycle is required (YES) or not (NO) at the
muting point.
Y OPENING: value of the Y axis return after the bending, with relation to the clamping
measure.
PRESSURE: pressure exerted by the punch during bending.
Y SPEED: maximum speed of the punch during bending.
HOLDING TIME: time the punch remains at the bending measure.
Y WITHDRAWAL: value of the punch withdrawal after bending with relation to the bending
measure.
WITHDRAWAL TYPE: indicates whether the X withdrawal must be carried out at the Clamping point
or at the Bend End.
WITHDRAWAL DELAY: time required between the punch up-stroke and the X axis positioning for the
next step.
EXTERNAL machine functions enabled (Relay Ports).
FUNCTIONS:
HANDLING: indicates the operations to be carried out on the sheet before the next bending.
THICKNESS: thickness of the sheet to be bent.
MATERIAL: material of the sheet to be bent: steel, stainless steel, aluminium, material 1 or
material 2.

In the data concerning axis positioning and step repetitions, the Current value and the Memory value have
been included, the former to display the current position, the latter to indicate the value programmed.
In the Semiautomatic mode you can set the correction value relative to the X axis position or to the Y axis
angle. If an error is found after the bending, you can set the suitable correction which will be automatically

4.2
stored in the Writing mode; the same result can also be obtained by setting the value measured at the end of
bend: MIND3 will work out the correction automatically.
By pressing the green START key, the axis are positioned at the values set in the program step; when the
correct position is reached, MIND3 displays the message: Press Pedal.
Unlike the Automatic mode, no change of step occurs after the Semiautomatic bending. Once the axis have
been positioned, press [NEXT STEP] or [PREV. STEP] to change the step in use. MIND3 allows you to
change the step in use even when the axis have not been positioned, but does not allow the axis movement if
a step with repetitions is accessed. The axis movement is also denied when the Semiautomatic operation is
started with a step including repetitions.

WARNING!! To block the motor motion during the positioning phase, press the red STOP key
or the mushroom-head Emergency button on MIND3 front panel.

4.1.1 [NEXT STEP]

This function allows you to move to the next step.

4.1.2 [PREV. STEP]

This function allows you to move to the previous step.

4.1.3 [NEXT BEND]

This function allows you to carry out the next bending in a step including repetitions. This function cannot
be used in a step without repetitions.

4.1.4 [POWER]
This function allows you to check the condition of the lamps on the electric cabinet. No operation is allowed
inside this box. To close it, press [CLOSE BOX].

4.1.5 [UTILITIES]
The utilities available in the Semiautomatic page are the following:

[CORRECT enters the angle correction value into all the steps with the same angles and
ANGLES]: stations.
[VIRTUAL PATH]: displays the path which the fingers should follow during the positioning phase.
This function is useful to avoid the risk of collisions before the positioning is
carried out. The virtual paths are represented by broken lines which simulate the
finger positioning. The finger positions are shown by means of coloured dots. To
disable one or more fingers, select the sub-functions [FINGER 1, 2, 3 or 4
ON/OFF]. Press [CURRENT POSITIONS ON/OFF] to disable the display of the
finger current positions (coloured dots). Press [RECORD ON/OFF] to disable the
display of the paths (lines of dashes). By pressing [REPAINT] you can delete
previous paths.
[ACTUAL PATH]: displays the actual path of the fingers during the positioning phase. These paths
are represented by broken lines which simulate the finger positioning. The finger
positions are shown by means of coloured dots. To disable one or more fingers,
press the sub-functions [FINGER 1, 2, 3 or 4 ON/OFF]. Press [CURRENT
POSITIONS ON/OFF] to disable the display of the finger current positions
(coloured dots). Press [RECORD ON/OFF] to disable the display of the paths
(lines of dashes). By pressing [REPAINT] you can delete previous paths.

[DISPLAY MODE]: allows you to switch the display of the X axis positions from the Physical mode
to the Logical mode. The Physical display mode shows the actual axis position;

4.3
 the Logical display mode shows the difference between the Physical and
Correction values, i.e. indicates the value that should be obtained on the piece
after the bending.
[SPEED COEFF.]: allows you to reduce the speed of the bending press and of the X, R and Z axis
(per cent value).

4.4
5. AUTOMATIC MODE

5.1 FEATURES

Small Display Reset Display Speed

Power Step Test
Characters Drawing Pieces Mode Coeff.

Programs can be made operative by pressing the Automatic function key to open the corresponding page.
Access to the Automatic mode is denied if the Preset has not been carried out, if no program has been stored
in MIND3 memory or if the tools required by the program selected have not been mounted on the machine.

5.1
WARNING!! Before starting operations in the Automatic mode, make sure that the tools
present in the Set Programs page are actually mounted on the machine; only in
this condition, will MIND3 be able to check that the tools mounted correspond to
those chosen to produce the piece. If the Assembled Tools indicated are different
from those actually used, the machine operation might result faulty or dangerous;
for example, there might be collisions of the back mechanic parts with the moulds,
or between punches and dies, resulting in the ejection of some parts of the
machine

WARNING!! The Automatic execution of a program is surely the most dangerous work phase:
the upper beam of the press and the back mechanic parts are moved at high speed
according to the data programmed, which might result incorrect. Therefore, when
a program is carried out for the first time the use of the Semiautomatic mode is
recommended, in order to verify the correctness of the data programmed.

The function keys in this page are the following:

Small Display Reset Power Test Steps Display Speed

Characters Drawing Pieces Mode Coeff.

Big Display Reset Power Test Steps Display Speed

Characters Drawing Pieces Mode Coeff.

By pressing the green START key, the fingers will reach the working positions corresponding to the
program step displayed. A beep and the message Press Pedal will signal the end of the positioning phase.
After the bending, the machine moves on to the next step and the axis are positioned for the following
bending operation.

WARNING!! To block the motor motion during the positioning phase, press the red STOP key
or the mushroom-head Emergency button on MIND3 front panel.

If a withdrawal value is present in the step, the X axis will move backward by the same value, either when
the upper beam touches the sheet (withdrawal at Clamping) or at the end of bending (withdrawal at Bend
End); the axis will maintain this position until the next positioning phase.
If a holding time has been set, the X1 and X2 axis will reach the value required for the next step only after
the interval is over.
The external functions programmed are enabled at each step. If an axis fails to reach the value stored in
MIND3 memory during the execution of a program, an error message will be displayed.
When the number of pieces obtained equals the number of pieces still to be produced, according to the
values entered in the Set Programs page, the Automatic operation of the machine is stopped and an
appropriate message is displayed.
The data page of the program in use can be displayed in small or big characters by selecting the
corresponding functions: [SMALL CHARACTERS] and [BIG CHARACTERS].

5.2
The data displayed in the [BIG CHARACTERS] page are the following:

Y1: Y1 axis value.

Y2: Y2 axis value.
X1: X1 axis value.
X2: X2 axis value.
R: R axis value.
Z1: Z1 axis value.
Z2: Z2 axis value.
Z3: Z3 axis value.
Z4: Z4 axis value.
N: number of the step in the bending sequence in progress.
CY: number of step repetitions.
Q: number of pieces produced.
ANG: bending angle of the sheet.
DELAY: time required between the punch opening and the X axis positioning for the next step
(Withdrawal Delay)
STATIO station used in the step.
N:

Moreover, this page allows you to display the drawing of the operations to be carried out on the sheet
between the current step and the next one (Handling).

The data displayed in the [SMALL CHARACTERS] page are the following:

STEP NUMBER: total number of Steps in the program in progress.

CURRENT STEP: number of the step in the bending sequence in progress.
Y1: Y1 axis value.
Y2: Y2 axis value.
X1: X1 axis value.
X2: X2 axis value.
R: R axis value.
Z1: Z1 axis value.
Z2: Z2 axis value.
Z3: Z3 axis value.
Z4: Z4 axis value.
CY: number of step repetitions.
Q: number of pieces produced.
WIDTH: width of the sheet.
X MISALIGNMENT: difference between X1 and X2 axis values.
ANGLE: bending angle of the sheet.
BEND TYPE: bend types available: air bend, coining, slow, slow coining or without.
Y BALANCE: difference between Y1 and Y2 axis values.
STATION: station used in the step.
SUPPORT TYPE: support position on the Fingers: normal or support.
MUTING POINT: the clamping point at which the punch starts to slow down.
PEDAL STOP: indicates if the pedal-Stop-Pedal cycle is required (YES) or not (NO) at the
muting point.
Y OPENING: value of the Y axis return after the bending, with relation to the clamping
measure.
PRESSURE: pressure exerted by the punch during bending.
Y SPEED: maximum speed of the punch during bending.
HOLDING TIME: time the punch remains at the bending measure.

5.3
Y RELEASE: value of the punch withdrawal after bending, with relation to the bending
measure.
WITHDRAWAL TYPE: indicates if the X axis withdrawal must be carried out at the Clamping point or
at the Bend End.
WITHDRAWAL time required between the punch up-stroke and the X axis positioning for the
DELAY: next step.
EXTERNAL machine functions enabled (Relay Ports).
FUNCTIONS:
HANDLING: indicates the operations to be carried out on the sheet before the next bending.
THICKNESS: thickness of the sheet to be bent.
MATERIAL: material of the sheet to be bent: steel, stainless steel, aluminium, material 1 or
material 2.
LAST CYCLE TIME: time required to carry out the last bending sequence.
AVERAGE TIME: average time required to carry out a bending sequence.

In the data concerning axis positioning, step repetitions and pieces produced, the Current value and the
Memory value have been included, the former to display the current position and the latter to indicate the
value programmed.

5.1.1 [SMALL/BIG CHARACTERS]

This function allows you to change the way data are displayed. If Small Characters are chosen, a greater
number of data will be displayed.

5.1.2 [DISPLAY DRAWING]

This function allows you to display the profile view of the machine bending area, made up of the tools
included in the station chosen for the bending step. The piece to be produced is displayed with a double
outline: the blue one indicates the piece before the bending and the green one the piece after the bending.
This function can be used only if the drawing of the piece has been made.

5.1.3 [RESET PIECES]

This function allows you to reset the counter of the pieces produced (Q).

5.1.4 [POWER]
This function allows you to display the condition of the lamps on the electric cabinet. No operation is
allowed inside this box. To close it, press [CLOSE BOX].

5.1.5 [TEST STEPS]

This function checks all the Program Steps and signals any error found by displaying the appropriate
message.

WARNING!! Before executing a new program in the Automatic mode, select this function to
make sure that all data programmed are correct.

5.4
5.1.6 [DISPLAY MODE]
This function allows you to switch the display of the X axis positions from the Physical mode to the Logical
mode and viceversa. The Physical display mode shows the actual axis position; the Logical mode shows the
difference between the Physical and correction values, i.e. the value that should be obtained on the piece
after the bending.

5.1.7 [SPEED COEFF.]

This function allows you to reduce the speed of the bending press and of the X, R and Z axis (per cent
value).

5.5
6. APPENDIX

6.1 HOW TO PRODUCE A PIECE

Suppose you want to use MIND3 to generate the bending sequence necessary to produce a piece with the
following features: width = 100 mm and thickness = 2 mm.

The tools used are listed below:

6.1
To produce the piece, follow the procedure described in this Appendix.

6.1.1 SET PROGRAMS PAGE

First, generate a new program: open the Set Programs page by selecting [SET PROGRAMS] and enter the
name chosen for the new program (in this example, TEST) by using the [ALPHABET] sub-function. Press
the ENTER key to confirm the operation
To produce a piece with MIND 3 the following general data are required:
→ Width: Enter the value 100 and press ENTER to store it.
→ Thickness: Enter the value 2.00 and press ENTER to store it.
→ Other data: Keep the default values.

Press the TAB key to enable the Front View Area. By using the CURSOR keys, select the Die Group and
the Punch Group, if present, and delete them with [CANCEL TOOL]. After that, press [INSERT TOOL]
and then [INSERT PUNCH]. Position the cursor on the Punch Name desired and press the ENTER key to
display the “Punch List” Box. Use the cursor to select the punch F26021 and press ENTER to store it.
Repeat the same procedure to choose the Punch Holder h=100. The length of the punch in this example is
1000mm; enter the length value and press ENTER. Choose YES for the Rotation data. Press [CLOSE BOX]
and repeat the same procedure to enter the die F00051 V16, with the Holder 4504 h=34 and the Base h=90.
Leave NO in the Rotation data and enter a Length value of 300 mm. Press [CLOSE BOX] and repeat the
same procedure to enter a new Die Group with the following data: Die F16251 V16, Holder 4504 h=100,
Base h=90 and Width 400 mm. Press [MOVE TOOLS] to move the Die Group to the right of the previous
group and press [CLOSE BOX].
Check that the last Station on the right is selected and press [WORK STATION].
Press [STATION GRAPHICS] to display the section view of the tools selected. You can enlarge the
drawing displayed by using the PLUS key.
Now, the tools entered must be mounted on the bending press and recognised by MIND3.

6.1.2 SET ASSEMBLED TOOLS PAGE

Press [SET ASSEMBLED TOOLS] to open the corresponding page. Press [COPY FROM THE
PROGRAM] to notify MIND3 that the tools have been mounted on the machine.

6.1.3 PIECE DRAWING PAGE

At this stage, you must draw the piece to be produced: select the Piece Drawing page by pressing [PIECE
DRAWING] and enter the piece side data in the corresponding fields:

BEND No. TYPE STATION LEN./RAD. ANGLE

(N) () (ST) (LEN/RAD) (ANG)
1 L 2 30.0
2 L 2 50.0 +90.0
3 L 2 60.0 +90.0
4 L 2 50.0 -135.0
5 L 2 50.0 +90.0
6 L 2 60.0 -135.0
7 L 2 50.0 +90.0
8 L 1 30.0 +70.0

When all data have been entered, the section of the piece in the example will be displayed.

6.2
If the drawing displayed is not satisfactory because, for example, its development is not equivalent in all
dimensions, it is possible to rotate it by using the keys [ROTATION +], [ROTATION -], [ROTATION ++]
and [ROTATION –].

6.1.4 PIECE SIMULATION PAGE

After drawing the piece, MIND3 will run an automatic search for the best bending sequence. Select the
Piece Simulation page by pressing [SIMULATE]; then press [UTILITIES] and [SET CRITERIA] to display
the criteria chosen by MIND3 according to the dimensions of the piece to be produced. These criteria can be
edited by positioning the cursor on the item desired and then pressing ENTER.
MIND3 will search through all possible sequences to find the bending sequence which best suits the criteria
set. Start the search by pressing [UTILITIES] and then [SEARCH FOR SEQUENCE]. If the optimisation
percentage is satisfactory, the search can be stopped by pressing [STOP SEARCH].
At this stage, press [PREVIOUS SEQUENCE] and [NEXT SEQUENCE] to display the bending sequence
found by MIND3. If the size scale of the bend displayed is too small, press the PLUS key to obtain a blow-
up.
To retrieve the program necessary to produce the piece, press [UTILITIES] and then [GENERATE
PROGRAM].
Press [UTILITIES] and [DEVELOPMENT CALCULATION] to obtain the sheet length required to produce
the piece.

6.1.5 1 STEP DATA PAGE

If you wish to check the steps of the program generated, select the 1 Step Data page by pressing [1 STEP
DATA] and then display the various steps by means of [PREVIOUS STEP] and [NEXT STEP].

6.1.6 AUTOMATIC OPERATION

To produce the TEST piece, press the Automatic function key. Before accessing this mode, make sure that
the axis Preset has been carried out.
Press [TEST STEPS] to check that all data are correct.
Place a sheet of the length required (this value has been worked out by the [DEVELOPMENT
CALCULATION] function in the Piece Simulation Page) in the positions indicated by MIND3 (or simply
lay it on the back-gauges of the bending press) and carry out the handling operation displayed (Rotations,
Overturns, Tiltings) in order to obtain the piece desired.

WARNING!! Before producing a piece in the Automatic mode, it is advisable to simulate all
operations required in the Semiautomatic mode. Read carefully the instructions
reported in the “Semiautomatic and Automatic Modes” sections before beginning
any operations.

6.3
6.2 MIND3 KEYBOARD

FUNCTION keys INT./EXT.

TAB
key Soft - Keys FUNCTION KEY

FUNCTION Key
[WRITING]

CLEAR FUNCTION Key

Key [AUTOMATIC]

FUNCTION Key
[SEMIAUTOMATIC]

FUNCTION Key
HOME [MANUAL]
Key

ENTER DIRECTION KEYS START STOP

Key [RIGHT], [DOWN] Key Key
[LEFT], [UP]

6.4
6.3 SHEET HANDLING
The sheet can be handled in the following ways:
→ TILT: 180° rotation with respect to the Y axis.
→ OVERTURN: 180° rotation with respect to the Z axis.
→ ROTATE: Rotation of a α angle with respect to the Y axis.
→ ROTATE+TILT: Rotation of a α angle with respect to the Y axis and 180° rotation with respect to the
X axis.

TILT

OVERTURN

ROTATE : α = 180

6.5
6.4 R BENDS AND MEASUREMENTS
The drawing below illustrates the R bends characteristic data considered by MIND3 to produce a piece.

R: BENDING RADIUS

L: BENDING PITCH

a: BENDING ANGLE

ROTATE : α= 180

R bends are carried out by the bending press as a set of bends whose length equals the curve pitch, except
for the first and last bend, which have their lengths halved. Another particular feature of R bends is that they
do not have bend angles with adjacent sides.
The illustration in the previous page shows that the measures of each side always refer to the outer surface
of the piece with respect to the bend.

6.6
6.5 THE AXES

⇒ X1 and X2 axes: position the back-gauges on which the sheet rests. Their values refer to the centre
of the die V.
⇒ Y1 and Y2 axes: position the punch.
⇒ R axes: position the back-gauges vertically. The value refers to the die plate.
⇒ Z axes: position the back-gauges horizontally. Their values refer to the left cylinder axis.

R AXES

X1 AXIS

X2 AXIS

Z AXES

6.7
6.6 Y AXIS AND X AXIS BENDING CYCLE
The bending cycle starts with the positioning of the X axis at the value programmed (X Value = N Step). Y
axis are moved downward at high speed until the Muting Point (relative to the Clamping measure), from
which they are lowered to the Bending Measure at the programmed bending speed; the axis keep this
position for the time set in the Holding Time function. If the X axis Withdrawal has been programmed at the
sheet clamping (Withdrawal at Clamping) or at the end of bending (Withdrawal at Bend End) the back-
gauge will move backward according to the Withdrawal value set. At the end of the Holding Time, the Y
axis move upward at slow speed until the Y Release point (relative to the Bending Measure), and then reach
the Y Opening (relative to the Clamping) at high speed. After the Holding Time, the X axis keep the
position reached for another time period which can be freely programmed (Withdrawal Delay); after that,
they are positioned for the next step in the program (X Value = Step N+1).
The drawing illustrates the movements and speed changes of the Y and X axis during a bending operation
(in this example, the X axis Withdrawal is carried out is at Clamping).

PUNCH AXIS MOVEMENT

Y Position

Y Opening

Muting point

Y Release

Clamping (BP)
Bending measure
DIE
Holding
time
Withdrawal Delay

X Withdrawal

X Value
Step N

X Value
Step N+1

6.8
6.7 MACHINE DATA

MACHINE GENERAL DATA

RB Max. Withdrawal Time
Y0 K Release
YA BMP
M0 Minimum MP
Nominal Pressure Status
Offset Pressure Address
X Max. Misalignment X Finger Offset
Z Security R Finger Offset

AXIS SET-UP DATA

X1 On X1 Limit Switch Type
X2 On X2 Limit Switch Type
Z1 On Z1 Limit Switch Type
Z2 On Z2 Limit Switch Type
Z3 On Z3 Limit Switch Type
Z4 On Z4 Limit Switch Type
R1 On R1 Limit Switch Type
R2 On R2 Limit Switch Type
R3 On R3 Limit Switch Type
R4 On R4 Limit Switch Type

X AXIS DATA
X1 Withdrawal Max Speed in Man
X2 Withdrawal Min Speed in Man
Encoder Points FC With. Search Speed
K Encoder CG With. Search Speed
FC K Space
Max Speed up Integr. Time
Integr. % Max Integrator Gain
Speed up Time K Derivative
Max Speed in Aut. Revolutions per minute

6.9
 R AXIS DATA
R1 Withdrawal Max Speed in Aut.
R2 Withdrawal Max Speed in Man
R3 Withdrawal Min Speed in Man
R4 Withdrawal FC With. Search Speed
Encoder Points CG With. Search Speed
K Encoder K Space
FC Integr. Time
Max Speed up Max Integrator Gain
Integr. % K Derivative
Speed up Time Revolutions per minute

Z AXIS DATA
Z1 Withdrawal Max Speed in Man
Z2 Withdrawal Min Speed in Man
Z3 Withdrawal FC With. Search Speed
Z4 Withdrawal CG With. Search Speed
Encoder Points K Space
K Encoder Integrator Time
Max Speed up Max Integrator Gain
Integr. % K Derivative
Speed up Time Revolutions per minute
Max Speed in Aut.

CIP DATA (SECTION 1)

Speed Ratio Left Withdrawal
Max Fast Unbalance Right Withdrawal
Max Slow Unbalance Withdrawal Limit
K DV Space T CID Change
K Slow FCA PDSP Cip2-Status 2
K DL Space Decompression Time
Distributor Offset Decomp. Dist. Opening
End of Holding Offset Q CCI Advance
Q On Ramp Extension Q MP Man
K Fast Speed Max Pressing Speed
K Slow Speed Upstroke Press.
Dac DM Opening Max Downstroke Press.
Optical Rule Resolution Integrator
Cip2-Status 1 Start-up Time

6.10
 CIP DATA 8SECTION 2)
Max. FCA Speed CM Max Speed
FCA K Slow-down CM K Slow-down
FCA Speed-up Time CM Speed-up Time
OA Max Speed PIM Max Speed
OA K Slow-down PIM K Slow-down
OA Speed-up Time PIM Speed-up Time
OM Max Speed PLCM Max Speed
OM K Slow-down PLCM K Slow-down
OM Speed-up Time PLCM Speed-up Time
PA K Slow-down PVCM Max Speed
PA Speed-up Time PVCM K Slow-down
RA K Slow-down PVCM Speed-up Time
RA Speed-up Time

6.11
6.12