A press brake bending machine is an industrial equipment that molds metal sheets into different shapes. Press braking is an advanced manufacturing technology that ensures efficiency and precision.
It can be perplexing sometimes because the procedure uses similar terms like press brake and press brake bending machine. However, it is essential to note that the press brake machines are shortly called press brakes.
There are two components involved in the process. A punch is the machine’s head which comes down on the sheet placed upon a cavity or die, molding it into shape. Press brake is a complicated process and requires more field knowledge. Here is a compreensive illustration of all the must-know facts.
What Is a Press Brake Bending Machine?
Press brake is the most used terminology when discussing press brake machines. It is a solid metallic piece that bends the metallic sheet into the mold.
You can consider it an attachment at the end of the machine’s head. Press brake machines can perform different kinds of bending. Therefore, press brakes come in numerous shapes.
Classification of Press Brake Machines by Bending Force
Before diving into the classification details, it is essential to know that press brake machines have multiple classification aspects. The most common ones are discussed here.
Mechanical Press Brake
These brake machines use the conventional component arrangement and mechanical power to bend the sheets. A flywheel is attached to the machine’s head which moves vertically, molding the metal. Mechanical press brakes are the most primitive type of machinery and were prevalent until the 1950s.
Hydraulic Press Brake
As the name specifies, these machines use hydraulic cylinders to control the ram’s movement. The machine arm is the press brake, also called the ram. Hydraulic press brakes are more powerful than mechanical press brakes. Therefore, they are preferable to industrialists.
Pneumatic Press Brake
Another class of press brakes utilizes air pressure to move the ram. Pneumatic press brakes work identically to hydraulic press brakes but have significantly less tonnage.
Classification Based on Operation
Press brake machines differ in their working mechanisms as well. Some most used types are mentioned below.
Manual Press Brakes
Another name for these press brakes is the sheet metal brakes. Unlike other press brake categories, manual press brakes require you to adjust the punching angle manually. The machines are relatively complicated, so confirming the angles and measurements is crucial before beginning production.
CNC Press Brakes
A CNC press brake is the most advanced kind of press brake machine. These usually use hydraulic or electric mechanisms, and AI-powered controlled systems for sheet bending. CNC machines are highly detailed oriented but are notably expensive.
Advantages Of Press Brake Bending Machines
Reading about the press brakes will make you question its benefits as well. Here is an adequate answer.
- Less Wastage: The conventional metal shaping ways lead to significant metal waste. However, a press brake machine prevents that as they are designed for more precision and economy.
- In-House Setups: Press brake machines are available in various sizes to create onsite setups easily. Modern-day sellers manufacture not only efficient but also compact press brakes.
- Automatable: The traditional manufacturing process requires much staffing because they require continuous monitoring. However, thanks to modern-day technology, press brakes are mostly automatable.
The Final Verdict
Press brake machines are a vast topic with numerous terminologies and procedure details. However, the equipment has revolutionized the manufacturing industry so having insights about it is essential.
A press brake has a punching head that comes down on the metallic sheet on the worktable. The machines can efficiently work with sheets of varying thicknesses and strengths. However, the final results depend upon the machine’s maximum tonnage.
Press brake machines are classifiable based on their bending force, working mechanisms, etc. Each type has some ideal use cases and power. Therefore, analyzing factors like compatible material, tonnage, press brake shape etc., is essential for a practical purchase.
