Press Brake Sheet Follower Installation: Height and Clearance Checklist

Before ordering a press brake sheet follower, check its installation dimensions against your machine and tooling. Accurate measurements help you identify height, clearance, and support-table conflicts before installation.

Quick Answer

Measure working height with tooling installed, define front-clearance reference points, and check the follower’s complete movement envelope. Include every tooling setup you plan to use.

Send marked photographs, a dimension sketch, and representative part drawings to your supplier for compatibility confirmation.

For load capacity and system selection, read our guide on how to choose a press brake sheet follower.

Measure Working Height with Tooling Installed

Ask your supplier to identify the required height reference before measuring. Record the distance from the finished floor to that reference surface.

Measure your tallest and shortest planned tooling arrangements. Include die holders, adapters, and other components that change the sheet’s working position.Check your press brake tooling dimensions before confirming the follower’s height range.

Your follower needs sufficient adjustment for all agreed setups. Confirm the usable height range rather than checking one configuration alone.

Measure at the intended installation positions. Record floor unevenness that could affect levelling or support alignment.

Define Front Clearance with Clear Reference Points

A front-clearance dimension is useful only when both endpoints are clear. Mark the machine reference and tooling reference on a side-view photograph.

Include covers, brackets, and other projections near the installation area. These can reduce usable space even when the main dimension appears suitable.

Avoid applying another model’s installation dimensions to your machine. Height limits and clearance requirements depend on the follower configuration and mounting arrangement.

Ask your supplier to confirm each measurement against its installation drawing.

Check Clearance Throughout the Bending Sequence

Your follower needs space while lifting, rotating, lowering, and parking. Check the complete movement envelope rather than one stationary position.

Review clearance around clamps, protective devices, angle sensors, and machine covers. Include the panel’s movement as well as the follower’s movement.

Previously formed flanges can create interference during later bends. Provide the complete bending sequence, including turning and part removal.

Confirm clearance using an installation drawing and representative parts. A static photograph alone cannot establish compatibility.

Match Table Size and Extensions to Your Panels

Choose table dimensions around the area that requires support. A larger table also needs more space for loading, turning, and removal.

Ask whether extension dimensions describe each side, total added width, or another measurement. Confirm the resulting table dimensions on a drawing.

Also check whether extensions affect allowable load or support position. Additional contact area does not automatically increase rated capacity.

For coated or decorative panels, confirm the contact-surface material. Include surface-marking checks in your application test.

Reserve Space for Parking and Access

Identify where the follower will park when it is not required. Check that it allows access for tooling changes and routine maintenance.

Include walkways, nearby equipment, and material-handling routes in your layout. Record the space needed to load and remove your largest panels.

If repositioning is required, ask how it is performed. Confirm the agreed parking and operating positions before ordering.

Prepare a Complete Measurement Package

Send your supplier a consistent set of measurements and photographs. Use the same reference labels across every document.

Request an installation drawing showing reference points, adjustment ranges, and movement limits. Confirm the proposed layout before manufacture or dispatch.

FAQ

Where Should You Measure the Working Height?

Use the reference surface specified in the follower’s installation drawing. Ask your supplier to mark it before taking measurements.

Do not assume every supplier uses the same reference.

Is the Tallest Die Arrangement Enough to Check Compatibility?

No. Measure the shortest arrangement and any other setups you intend to use.

The follower must accommodate the agreed working-height range.

Can You Use Dimensions from Another Sheet Follower Model?

Use them only as preliminary references. Your selected model’s installation drawing must define the applicable dimensions and limits.

Do Table Extensions Increase Load Capacity?

Not necessarily. Extensions change the support area and may affect the permitted loading arrangement.

Request the applicable load limits for your selected configuration.

Are Photographs Enough to Confirm Installation?

Photographs help identify obstructions, but they need marked dimensions and reference points. Include machine details, tooling arrangements, and part drawings.

What Should You Confirm Before Ordering?

Confirm working height, front clearance, movement limits, table dimensions, and parking space. Agree on machine integration and installation responsibilities as well.

Confirm Your Sheet Follower Installation

Send MIHARTING Tooling your marked measurements, tooling photos, and representative part drawings. Request a layout review to check working height, clearance, table options, and integration requirements before ordering your press brake sheet follower.

Request an Installation Compatibility Review