Sheet Bending & Shaping with Modern Press Brakes

The rapidly developing technology has resulted in introducing lots of modern machines such as press brake that is basically utilized for bending sheet metal and plate materials into various shapes, depending on the die set used. This versatile equipment is commonly used in the metal working industry for numerous metal forming operations like sheet metal bending, cutting and pressing. The applications of press brake include manufacturing metal brackets, cabinets, enclosures, frames, plates, etc. Press brakes are used in many industrial segments such as automobile, fabrication, metal, plastic, rubber, wood, etc.

Press brakes can bend a variety of metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, steel, tin, titanium, etc. into desired shapes. They can be utilized for a wide range of forming operations using the appropriate die design. The different types of dies that can be used in press brakes to create the required shapes from the metal work piece include; the acute angle dies, goose neck dies, hemming dies, offset dies, seaming dies, U-bend dies, V-dies, and many more.

Hydraulic / CNC Electrohydraulic Synchronous Press Brake

Press brakes are generally classified by the means of applying force that includes the hydraulic press brake. They are energized and controlled by the pressure of hydraulic fluids or oils. The pressurized fluid enables the user to set the speed and stroke of the piston as required. It incorporates an integrated hydraulic system and hydraulic elements. Hydraulic press brakes are more flexible and have relatively higher capacity. These robust, vibration free, efficient, and durable machines produce reliable and superior grade products. Other benefits include low energy consumption and lower level of risk.

CNC press brakes are basically computer numerically controlled equipments that have computer based controllers. Here the preset computer instructions help to operate the press brake. Repetitive tasks and mass production under the same specifications for a long time; are now possible with these press brakes by just adjusting the parameters of the computer program. The x axis and y axis can also be easily set and controlled by this computerized system. These smooth and noise free machines are capable of accurately bending large sheets of metal.

The advances in hydraulics and computer controls have assisted in delivering the latest machinery namely the CNC electrohydraulic synchronous press brake. This equipment operates by means of the synchronized hydraulic cylinders on the machine frames that move the upper beam. The improved proportional valve controls the hydraulic cylinders and functions synchronously, repetitively and accurately. These ultra modern press brakes utilize both electric motors and hydraulics in order to attain the required pressure to form the work piece.

The latest electrical and mechanical parts as well as the enhanced hydraulic circuit; has enabled
them to be more powerful. Since these press brakes are computer controlled they can form highly precise components up to the fraction of a millimeter. The bending sequences and bending pressure can be automatically calculated and controlled. Moreover they operate smoothly, and effectively, use relatively less power, and are much safer.

This article is to educate readers on press brake which gives insight detail for applications of various press brakes like CNC press brake, hydraulic press brake and CNC electrohydraulic synchronous press brake