Abstract: A method for bending a workpiece into a developed shape between an upper and lower die. The method includes setting up a bending sequence for bending the workpiece from a unfinished to a finished state. The method is accomplished by preparing data for a workpiece shape, i.e. assigning bending points on the workpiece; determining consecutive striking points and bending points; determining preparatory bending points to avoid interference between the workpiece and dies; assigning identification codes for the preparatory bending points, and bending the workpiece.

Abstract: A plate bending machine for performing precise bending operations includes a machine pedestal having two opposite side sections, a guide member provided at each side section of the machine pedestal, and a vertically movable guide post supported by the guide members. A lower bending tool is supported by the machine pedestal and an upper table has two side sections, each supported by the guide posts. An upper bending tool is supported by the upper table and is adapted to move vertically with the upper table to operate in cooperation with the lower bending tool. An eccentric shaft is supported in a freely rotatable manner on the machine pedestal and has an eccentric section with which the guide post is engaged at its lower section, wherein there is play between the guidepost and the eccentric section. A play removing device is mounted on the machine pedestal, for removing the play between the guide post and the eccentric section.