Press break machine

Types of press break machines

Before going into the types of the press break machine, it might help to describe what the machine does. When bending or curving metal into a specified shape, a metal bender or press break is used. Typically, this is achieved through the use of a flat die that presses the metal into a shape against a mold or bending die. The pressure applied to the metal to be bent is usually measured in tons.

• Mechanical Press Break: It is a dated method that uses cam-driven mechanisms to control the ram's movement. It works by gradually increasing the force and then decreasing it. A mechanical press brake machine converts electrical energy into mechanical energy with the help of motors, gears, and shafts. They are often chosen for their relative affordability and simplicity, but they're probably less accurate than other machines. Depending on the skill set of the people working at the facility, faster production times could also be an issue with mechanical press brakes.
• Hydraulic Press Brake: It controls ram movement by using hydraulic fluids that are pressured within cylinders. This press utilizes a system that helps with bending metal precisely and uniformly. Press brakes controlled by hydraulics are well-known for their balanced mix of accuracy, strength, and versatility. They can manage a variety of metal thicknesses and are appropriate for both heavy-duty and average-duty work. Machine operators can have an easy time using this machine and achieving consistently accurate. This is also great for achieving precision in tasks as fine as 0.1mm. A loss of accuracy would only apply to thicker sheets of metal. Overall, the hydraulic press breaks are easy to maintain and use. It's really no surprise that they are often the preferred choice for factories and other commercial settings.
• Eurisko CNC Press Brake: This option utilizes a computer numerical control (CNC) system for the precise control and automation of bending operations. It features a back gauge system with adjustable stops for multiple bends and exact repetition. Ergonomic controls and speed make this option very easy and safe to use. It is also one of the more expensive options. This is ideal for use where high capacity and more precise repeats are required, but it may not always be the most cost-effective option for businesses depending on the volume of how oftentimes the machine is used and the kind of sheet metal rigidity and thickness one usually works with.

Specifications and maintenance of press break machines

The specifications of a press brake vary with each machine, the manufacturer, and the intended application. However, here are some common specifications one might expect to see on a typical press brake machine.

• Length Capacity: This indicates the length of the metal sheet the machine can accommodate for bending. It typically ranges from 4ft for small machines to 20ft or more for large industrial-grade machines.
• Bending Capacity: This indicates the maximum thickness of metal that the press brake machine can handle. It is given in inches mm and can range from 0.5mm to 25mm or more, depending on the size of the machine.
• Control System: A press brake machine's control system can be manual, CNC, or hybrid. CNC is the most common control system for modern press brake machines. The CNC system can be single-axis, multi-axis, or robot-integrated, depending on the level of automation the machine has.
• Power: Hydraulic press brakes are powerful machines that produce high-force levels to bend metals. The power is usually measured in tons, with machines ranging from 1-ton down to 200 tons and more.
• Die Types: The die shapes and setups determine how the press brake machine bends the material. Some of the most common die shapes include V-dies, U-dies, air-bend dies, and coining die, to mention but a few. The die shapes affect the angle and accuracy of the bends.

Like most equipment, regular maintenance ensures the press brake machine parts are in great condition and work efficiently. Businesses can carry out the following maintenance practices to keep their machines in excellent condition:

• General Cleaning: Use an industrial-grade cleaner to wipe the surfaces and prep for any upcoming maintenance tasks. Doing this helps eliminate debris and contaminants that can affect the workings of the machine.
• Lubrication: Help the machines work better and more fluidly by applying any manufacturer-recommended oils or greases to the machine’s moving parts. Regular lubrication reduces friction and wear.
• Blade/Die Maintenance: Machines at this level tend to ding, bend, and warp over time. They typically get gouged and scratched if the material is abrasive. To keep the machine in tiptop condition, die and blade maintenance is crucial. Regular inspection helps identify the damages early enough and allows for quick repairs.
• Calibrations: Regular calibrations help the machine maintain its accuracy and precision levels. This helps ensure the bends have uniform consistency with the required angles.

Scenarios

Industrial brake presses are mainly used in industries that handle heavy metals, and this primarily includes the construction, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.

• Manufacturing Industries

  Press brakes are widely used in various manufacturing, such as general manufacturing, template-making, appliance-making, automotive, construction, and aerospace industries. In these industries, press brakes are often were used for the following:

  - Bending metal components to create structural frames, supports, and reinforcements for machinery and vehicles.

  - Bending metal housings, brackets, and other components for household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.

  - Fabricating automotive parts, including chassis components, body panels, and interior structural elements.

  - Creating assembly fixtures, tooling, and other specialized equipment used in aerospace manufacturing.

• Construction

  Press brakes are commonly used in the construction industry to bend and shape metal parts.

  They are used to make structural components, metal frameworks, roofing components, and decorative metalwork. In specific terms, press brakes are used to:

  - Bend and shape metal sheets, such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and copper.

  - Create structural elements like columns, beams, trusses, and frames that provide support and stability to buildings and structures.

• Transportation

  A transportation industry consists mainly of automobile, aerospace, rail, and ship production and assembly. A press brake machine is a vital equipment for bending large metal sheets into different parts and components of various aerospace and automobile machinery.

• Heavy Industry

  The heavy industry includes segments like shipbuilding, automotive, rail, and aerospace, as already noted above. The press brake machine breaks heavy, thick metal sheets. It is the only machinery that can create bends and shapes in large-scale sheets used in all these heavy industries.

• Trade and Metal Fabrication

  In the trade and metal fabrication industry, custom-made parts and components are made. For example, precious metal products like jewelry are made using small and intricate metal sheets and scales.

  Here the CNC press brakes are widely used, as they allow for rapid production and the creation of precise parts, such as brackets, ducts, enclosures, and.Customization and flexibility are key features of press brakes in the trade and metal fabrication industry.

How to choose a press break machine

When selecting a press brake for sale, buyers should start by determining their application needs. The material type and thickness, as well as the part geometry and dimensions, are all factors that will influence the type of press brake a buyer will need.

Next, buyers should consider the control system of the press brake. Manual controls are more straightforward and less costly, but machines with CNC controls will offer more automation and better precision. If buying a press brake with CNC controls, check the software capabilities and look for a machine that will easy programming and diverse bending functions.

Buyers should also consider the machine's size and capacity. Make sure the machine can handle the maximum size of materials that will be used in the shop. Also, ensure that it has enough tonnage and bending length to cope with the needs of the job.

Evaluating the machine's accuracy and repeatability is essential. Look for advanced features that will improve accuracy, like digital angle display, back gauges, and auto CAD programming systems. Hydraulic press brakes generally have better accuracy than machine types.

Depending on the materials being worked on, a buyer may need to choose a machine with a certain type of die. Custom dies will add to the cost of the machine and the overall expense of production, while standard V-dies will work well with most applications.

Buyers need to consider the ease of operation and safety of the press break machine. Is it easy to load and position the material? Is there a risk of operator injury? A machine with a sturdy frame and good safety features will be more reliable in the long run.

Finally, check the machine's hydraulic system. A fully hydraulic machine will have more power and capacity for heavy-duty work, while semi-hydraulic systems will be more affordable and work sufficiently well for light to moderate use.

Press break machine Q&A

Q1: How does a CNC press brake work?

A1: CNC press brakes use numerical control to provide a guiding system for bending the metal with high precision. The programming of the angle and position of the ram is controlled by a computer. This brings automated control and high repeatability to the machine.

Q2: What are the main differences between a press brake and a shear?

A2: The main difference between a brake press and a shear is in the cutting process. A brake press folds metal sheets. It exerts force on the sheet by a ram and forms it into the desired shape. No metal is removed in this process. On the other hand, a shear machine cuts through a metal sheet to obtain the desired size and shape.

Q3: What are the main features one should look for when buying a press brake?

A3: The features of a press brake depend on the specific types of machines. Some of the features include capacities and sizes, control options, tooling and attachments, backgauges and stops, as well as safety features. Customers can see the features of each machine on the specs provided by sellers.