A press brake is a machine used to bend sheet metal. When in use, the wire is energized to create a magnetic field, which generates attractive force on the pressure plate, thereby clamping the sheet metal between the pressure plate and the base.
Modern press brakes, thanks to the adoption of electromagnetic clamping, allow for various workpiece requirements and can process workpieces with side walls. They are also easy to operate.
Press brakes can be divided into manual press brakes, hydraulic press brakes, and CNC press brakes. So why do I recommend using a CNC press brake for precision sheet metal bending?
Firstly, bending accuracy is a crucial factor to consider. It is this factor that determines whether you should opt for a CNC press brake or a manual press brake. If the bending accuracy requirement is ±1° and you are someone who values quality, then you must focus on a CNC machine.
The repeat accuracy of the slide on a CNC press brake is ±0.0004 inches, and such precision, along with good tooling, is required for forming accurate angles. The repeat accuracy of the slide on a manual press brake is ±0.002 inches, and under suitable tooling conditions, it generally produces deviations of ±2-3°. In addition, a CNC press brake is ready for quick tooling, which is an undeniable advantage when you need to bend many small-batch parts.
Secondly, efficiency is important. Those who have worked in this industry know how crucial lead times are. Compared to a conventional press brake, a CNC press brake stands out with its CNC operating system. It has multi-step programming capabilities, enabling multiple automatic operations and the completion of multi-step part processing in one go. By adding a CNC system, it not only reduces the labor required but also enhances processing efficiency.
While ensuring efficiency, a CNC press brake also provides a relatively higher level of safety. As we all know, CNC lathes are much safer than conventional lathes. With a CNC lathe, after installing the workpiece and setting the tool, you can simply close the door and the machine will automatically turn the workpiece. In contrast, operators of conventional lathes often get hit by iron chips and sometimes even face more dangerous situations. Similarly, a CNC press brake starts bending when the footswitch is pressed, and unlike a conventional press brake, the tooling can be released at any time. Releasing the footswitch stops the operation, and pressing it again continues the downward movement.
Modern press brakes, thanks to the adoption of electromagnetic clamping, allow for various workpiece requirements and can process workpieces with side walls. They are also easy to operate.
Press brakes can be divided into manual press brakes, hydraulic press brakes, and CNC press brakes. So why do I recommend using a CNC press brake for precision sheet metal bending?
Firstly, bending accuracy is a crucial factor to consider. It is this factor that determines whether you should opt for a CNC press brake or a manual press brake. If the bending accuracy requirement is ±1° and you are someone who values quality, then you must focus on a CNC machine.
The repeat accuracy of the slide on a CNC press brake is ±0.0004 inches, and such precision, along with good tooling, is required for forming accurate angles. The repeat accuracy of the slide on a manual press brake is ±0.002 inches, and under suitable tooling conditions, it generally produces deviations of ±2-3°. In addition, a CNC press brake is ready for quick tooling, which is an undeniable advantage when you need to bend many small-batch parts.
Secondly, efficiency is important. Those who have worked in this industry know how crucial lead times are. Compared to a conventional press brake, a CNC press brake stands out with its CNC operating system. It has multi-step programming capabilities, enabling multiple automatic operations and the completion of multi-step part processing in one go. By adding a CNC system, it not only reduces the labor required but also enhances processing efficiency.
While ensuring efficiency, a CNC press brake also provides a relatively higher level of safety. As we all know, CNC lathes are much safer than conventional lathes. With a CNC lathe, after installing the workpiece and setting the tool, you can simply close the door and the machine will automatically turn the workpiece. In contrast, operators of conventional lathes often get hit by iron chips and sometimes even face more dangerous situations. Similarly, a CNC press brake starts bending when the footswitch is pressed, and unlike a conventional press brake, the tooling can be released at any time. Releasing the footswitch stops the operation, and pressing it again continues the downward movement.
