In what position must the ram be in when the press brake is not in use?

The position of the ram when the press brake is not in use is important for safety and equipment maintenance. The correct position is "down, but not tight." This means that the ram should be lowered to a safe position where it is not under any tension but is still secured enough to avoid any accidental movement or hazards.

Keeping the ram down serves to ensure that there is no unnecessary strain on the machine components and limits the risk of injury. If the ram were to be left in an elevated position or tightly locked, it could lead to wear on the machinery or create a hazardous working environment. Thus, positioning the ram down, and ensuring it is not tight, strikes a balance between safety and maintenance needs when the press brake is idle.