Press brake build

Press brake types

If we consider the source of the pressure and how we apply the bending force, we can distinguish press brakes in mechanical, hydraulic, servo-electric, and pneumatic/air press brakes.

Mechanical press brakes use an electric motor as the driving force that makes possible their operations. Servo-electric press brakes use servo motors and drives, giving a more automated touch to the production process. Hydraulic presses use hydraulic cylinders to form the material. 

Air press brakes, as the name suggests, use air pressure. They have been used for decades in plants, with hydraulic press brakes being the most popular recently.

Hydraulic press brakes are most sought out in the last years because of their evolving technology and their ability to manage higher tonnage applications. They are also known for their accuracy, high-quality products, and reliability. On the other hand, servos and air presses are used in lower tonnage. 

Tonnage calculation, or the bending force, is crucial to produce a high-quality material based on its thickness and shape. Remember to always settle on the bending force first when considering purchasing a press brake.

Depending on the extent of operation complexity, we can distinguish three types of press brakes: manual, hydraulic, and CNC. Of course, other features differ press brakes from one another, like:

• working length & height
• upper beam
• stroke length
• axes and angles
• speed, etc

What can you do with a press brake?

The operations you can do with a press brake are countless, varying on the design of the die you are using. The die is one of the most important parts of a press brake. As we said earlier, the press brake forms the material by putting it in between the die and the punch.

The die is a pretty important tool in manufacturing, and you can customize them according to the shape you are going to form. You can mainly create V, U, Z shapes, and go from there to more complex, deriving shapes.

Press brake tools

In metal folders, we know that tool changing isn’t necessary to do very often because metal folding machines can conduct a lot of operations without the need for extra accessories.

Meanwhile, press brakes have a kit of tools needed to perform different operations. Except for the clamps, which are standard and fast clamping for changing the top punch, press brakes also have:

• • Front supporters

The supporter arms are in the front of the machine and are very flexible to move and reposition. They help to raise workers’ safety and to facilitate their job.

• • Pedal switch

The operator directs a pedal switch by foot, which helps control the up and down movement during the bending process.

To increase the worker’s safety, press brakes also have a guard built in a steel fence. You can equip your press brake machine with a light curtain and/or laser protection device for extra protection.

Before investing in a press brake…

We suggest you always read the manual and train your workers beforehand. No matter the experience, if your team has worked with a press brake before, or are just starting, you should focus on training and reading the manual. 

Every press brake is built differently and designed according to the manufacturing company’s strategy. Expanding your knowledge will help your team know the machine’s features thoroughly and make them safer while operating it.

Also, maintenance is mandatory. If you want your press brake to have top performance in the long run, make sure to do check-ups and inspections every year. 

Our team at RS Machinery knows all about safety, maintenance, and top performance. If you want to learn more about the technical specs of press brakes, or you’re thinking of investing in one, feel free to contact us.