Numerical control press

Types of numerical control press

A numerical control press is a significant part of the machinery industry. Here are some types of press NC controls.

• CNC Press Brake

  A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) press brake is a machine that bends metal using a computer control system. Metal sheets are clamped between a fixed punch and a movable ram, exerting pressure on the metal to shape it into the desired form. The computer control system tells the machine how to cut and bend the metal with high accuracy and repeatability, making it easier to create complex shapes and sizes consistently every time.

• Hydraulic CNC Press Brake

  A hydraulic CNC press brake uses fluid pressure to control the bending of metal; it also has computer control for precise and consistent shaping. This allows operators to create complicated shapes with great precision every time, which makes it a good choice for working with thicker metals or when more force is needed to bend the material.

• Servo-Hydraulic Press Brake

  A servo-hydraulic press brake combines a servo motor and hydraulic system for bending metal. Like other types, it has computer control for precise shaping. The servo motor gives better control and efficiency, making the machine more energy-saving and quicker in response. This allows operators to create complicated metal shapes accurately and consistently.

• Hybrid Press Brake

  A hybrid press brake mixes electric and hydraulic power for bending metal, allowing for greater accuracy and efficiency. It combines the benefits of both electric and hydraulic drives, giving better energy use and precision control during the bending process. This enables operators to shape metal with high precision and consistency while also reducing energy use and improving efficiency.

• Mechanical Press Brake

  A mechanical press brake is a bending machine that uses a mechanical drive system, such as a crank or gear drive, to bend metal accurately. It works by lowering a ram onto the metal with the help of mechanical parts, which can provide high speeds and suit lighter-duty jobs. While it might not be as versatile as other types powered by hydraulic systems or computers, a mechanical press brake remains useful for accurately shaping metal into various forms.

Specifications and Maintenance for Numerical Control Press

Specifications

The following specifications may vary depending on client needs.

• Working Sizes: The working sizes generally refer to the workbench area. The standard size may be 1,600 x 3,200mm. A one-size fits all may not always work for clients and their needs, though. They may need a numerical control press with a more extensive or more excellent area to meet their requirements, so customizations are available.
• Cutting Thickness: The cutting thickness can vary anywhere from a sheet/board of 1mm to 30mm. A thicker or thinner sheet can be used if people are willing to use lower or higher blade quality.
• Works Speed: The work speed can range anywhere from 20-70 m/min at a cutting accuracy level of ± 0.1mm.
• Spindle Power: The spindle power can vary if a servo motor is connected to the device. With the motor's presence, it can range between 3-15kw. If there is no motor, a standard motor power of 1.5-3.0kw may suffice.
• Machine Weight: The machine's weight can range from 1,200 to more than 3,500 kgs, depending on its overall structure and build.

Maintenance

Users must perform daily checks to keep the numerical control (NC) press working smoothly and maintain its reliability. Some of the things they should do on a typical/regular basis are:

• Ensure the machine is dust free. Users can get rid of any dust or debris using a soft brush or clean cotton cloth. They should refrain from using water.
• Keep the lubrication system in check. They should keep an eye on the oil pump, lubricant quality, and oil supply to ensure things are working smoothly and protect parts from being damaged due to a lack of oil.
• Check for loose wiring or connections, and inspect them for wear and tear. Any issues they notice should be addressed immediately to enhance the equipment's overall use.
• Clean the electrical cabinet and control system with a soft brush. While doing so, they should avoid exposing those parts to water or moisture. They can refer to the manual guidelines and see the specific cleaning methods for the given model.
• Lubricate moving parts with a small amount of high-quality lubricating oil or grease to reduce friction and wear and tear. These parts may include guide rails, racks, and gears, to name a few.
• The hydraulic systems must be inspected for smooth operation and no leaks. The oil levels should be maintained to ensure pressure and functioning are up to par.
• Any loose screws or bolts should be inspected and tightened accordingly.
• The machine's operating parameters should be set correctly to comply with the material being used and the processing requirements.

Scenarios

A CNC metal brake press plays a pivotal role in industries such as automotive, construction, aviation, electronics, furniture, and more.

• Automotive Industry:

  CNC press brakes are used in the automotive industry to manufacture large quantities of car body parts such as frames, doors, hoods, bumpers, and dashboards. The advantages of CNC press brakes, such as rapid production speed and high precision, meet the needs of the automotive industry for large-scale and high-quality production.

• Construction Industry:

  In the construction industry, CNC press brakes can process metal materials into structural components, curtain wall parts, beams, and other complex parts. Besides, the durability, reliability, and precision of CNC press brakes are important to meet the high standards and requirements of the construction industry.

• Aerospace Industry:

  In the aerospace industry, CNC press brakes are used to create complex structural components, fuselage parts, and wing panels from lightweight metal materials. High precision and quality are required to guarantee the safety and reliability of the parts.

• Electronics Industry:

  CNC micro-press brakes specialize in bending parts for electronic products such as housings, brackets, and support frames. The accuracy and quality of these parts directly affect the performance and reliability of electronic equipment.

• Furniture Industry:

  In the furniture industry, CNC press brakes can be used to make metal furniture like tables, chairs, cabinets, and decorative pieces. The machines offer high precision, automated manufacturing processes, and flexibility for various designs, enabling rapid production and meeting customization needs.

How to choose the numerical control press

While choosing a CNC hydraulic press brake machine, several factors need to be examined closely before making a decision.

• Capacity and Size:

  The pressure capacity of the machine has to be determined in tones, along with the bending length. This crucial factor depends on the quantity and thickness of the material that is in use. The dimensions of the machine should also be able to accommodate the metal sheet parts.

• Control System:

  Users can now choose between hydraulic and CNC hydraulic press brakes, each with its benefits and features. A hydromechanical press brake's control system determines what kind of precision can be achieved when bending metal pieces. A CNC control system can provide automated and precise control over bending angles and sequences. Advanced options include touchscreen controls, 3D simulation, and offline programming capabilities. Additionally, different CNC systems have more or less immediate control over the machine's functioning, so this has to be studied in-depth to select the machine most suited to the user's requirements.

• Technical Parameters:

  These include the main parameters of the machines, such as the column quantity and the spacing between columns. Once again, producers of these machines have different kinds of specifications to meet differing industry needs. What is required to make an informed choice is to have a clear idea of the metal pieces to be worked on and their requirements. Another parameter to be considered is the machine bed height. This is crucial when getting the operator accustomed to the machine because it has to match the required working height for optimal and safe usage.

• Construction and Components:

  The machine's overall build quality and crucial components, such as the frame, clamping system, and gearbox, should be sturdy, made from long-lasting materials, and resilient to wear and tear. A Press brake is a long-term investment, and it's essential to choose one that looks durable and reliable.

• Flow Control:

  A hydraulic press brake uses fluid power to function, and how the flow of that power is controlled will determine the machine's capabilities. Flow control in the hydraulic cylinder affects the speed and precision with which metal parts can be bent. This is a crucial element responsible for optimizing production efficiency that should be well understood before making the choice.

• Source:

  Once again, as explained at the beginning of this article, the distance between the cnc hydraulic press brake supplier and the buyer will make a significant impact on the after-sales service and spare part supply. As mentioned earlier, problems arising from this machine will need to be fixed rapidly to keep production lines running smoothly. Hence, it is vital to ensure a reputable and reliable supplier whose credentials are known and whose spare parts are quickly accessible.

Numerical Control Press FAQ

Q1: What is NC in a press brake?

A1: Numerical control in a press brake indicates that the machine is controlled by a computer. It is usually programmed to define and control the machine's speed, angle of the die, and depth of the press, among other things.

Q2: What is the difference between CNC and NC press brakes?

A2: NC press brakes are numerically controlled machines with manual input for daily task settings. On the other hand, CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) press brakes are fully automated and allow for more precise and complex bending operations.

Q3: What are some advantages of a numerical control press?

A3: Some advantages include enhanced precision and accuracy, better control over the machining process, higher efficiency and automation, improved repeatability and consistency, and increased flexibility for handling different materials and shapes.