What is an 8 axis press brake: Why It’s the best investment for complex bends

Francis Pan

Introduction: What is an 8 axis press brake?

Definition of 8 axis press brake

The 8 axis press brake has eight independently controllable axes, among which Y1/Y2 axes can control the left and right movement of the slider, X1/X2 can control the forward and backward movement of the back gauge, R1/R2 can control the up and down movement of the back gauge, and Z1/Z2 can control the left and right movement of the back gauge. Due to the linkage of multiple axes and closed-loop control, the 8 axis press brake can achieve bending of complex contours and irregular hole positions after one clamping. Some workpieces can be processed by increasing the number of axes of the press brake to reduce fixture changes, thereby improving the success rate of workpiece forming.

Core differences between 3/4/6 axis press brake

The difference between an 8 axis press brake and a 3/4/6-axis press brake is that they can handle more complex workpieces, and the precision of workpiece repetition is relatively high.

  • Complex process capability: 8 axis press brake independent height control through R1 and R2 axes, independent front and rear control through X1 and X2 axes, segmented positioning through Z1 and Z2 axes, achieving fast multi angle segmented bending and asymmetric part positioning operations; In contrast, the 3/4 axis press brake can only complete basic workpiece positioning and synchronization work, while the 6 axis press brake can achieve partial segmentation and height changes, but it is slightly insufficient in the processing flexibility of irregular parts, multi line and hole sensitive parts.
  • Repetitive accuracy: Due to the independent control of Y1 and Y2 and their ability to cooperate with automatic deflection compensation, the bending angles of long and thin plates can have higher consistency than those of axes 3, 4, and 6, and the multi axis backrest can reduce manual intervention.
  • Backed positioning flexibility: The X1 and X2 axes in the 8 axis press brake can independently move forward and backward, the R1 and R2 axes can independently move up and down, and the Z1/Z2 axes can move horizontally and be positioned in sections. In addition, the 8 axis press brake can support multiple displacement movements within the same fixture, thereby reducing the time required for workpiece changeover.
135 160 ton x 10 foot 8 axis hybrid hydraulic sheet metal press brake for shop press
135 160 ton x 10 foot 8 axis hybrid hydraulic sheet metal press brake for shop press

Basic principles and analysis of the role of axes

What does “axis” mean? What is its role in the bending process?

Definition: “Axis” refers to the positioning of the backrest that can be independently controlled by a CNC system in one degree of freedom. The press brake axis can not only control the movement of the slider, but also the forward, backward, left, right, and up and down movement of the backrest. The more axes there are, the higher the programmable degrees of freedom.

Function: To achieve the positioning of the bent sheet metal relative to the tool through the positioning of each axis. Control the bending angle, adjust the backrest position and vertical height, and compensate for possible deflection and rebound to achieve the bending angle and dimensional accuracy of the bent workpiece.

What axes are typically included in an 8 axis CNC press brake? What function is each axis responsible for?

The eight axes are Y1/Y2, X1/X2, R1/R2, Z1/Z2, with the V axis serving as the compensation axis, which is usually an optional axis.

  • Y1 / Y2: The Y1/Y2 axis mainly controls the oil cylinders on both sides of the press brake, allowing the slider to move up and down synchronously. The Y1/Y2 axis is usually used to ensure the consistency of the bending angle and the symmetry of the pressure borne by the left and right sides of the workpiece, in order to ensure the uniformity of each bending angle.
  • X1 / X2: The X1/X2 axis is located on the left and right sides of the backrest/backrest, used to control the longitudinal (front and rear) alignment and fine-tuning tasks of the sheet metal workpiece, and to accurately compensate for the front and rear positioning differences caused by uneven thickness of the sheet metal.
  • R1 / R2: The R1/R2 axis is an independent adjustment axis for the backrest height or center height, which can achieve theoretical height consistency in different thickness areas of the board and assist in offsetting the alignment challenges caused by changes in board thickness.
  • Z1 / Z2: The Z1/Z2 axis is used for lateral positioning and segmented positioning against the back, and is generally used to quickly switch the position of workpieces on long workpieces/multi line workpieces. It can not only avoid the hole position or incision of the workpiece, but also reduce bending errors by segmenting the workpiece positioning.
  • Supplement: V axis：The V-axis is usually used for servo or drive deflection compensation, which is used to control the slight movement of the workpiece in the vertical or oblique direction, and to fine tune the workpiece for extremely small angle errors or special geometries.
RAYMAX 75 100 ton x 36 Inch 8 Axis Ironworker Automated Press Brake For Sale
RAYMAX 75 100 ton x 36 Inch 8 Axis Ironworker Automated Press Brake For Sale

Key advantages of 8 axis press brake

High precision and high efficiency

The 8 axis CNC press brake can achieve multi-stage bending and reduce the angle impact caused by rebound through closed-loop angle control and deflection compensation of Y1 and Y2 axes. The angle repeatability and accuracy are high, and usually the first piece can meet the standard, greatly improving production efficiency.

Multi-station and flexibility

Due to the ability of the 8 axis CNC press brakee to achieve multi station backing, segmented bending, and joint operation with different flange heights, it can quickly transition between processing asymmetric workpieces, densely spaced holes, and opposite workpieces, significantly reducing the time for workpiece changeover. It is very suitable for small batch and multi variety production to improve workpiece flexibility.

Production Consistency

Due to the closed-loop control of the 8 axis CNC press brake and the unified process library, it can not only reduce bending errors caused by manual experience, but also ensure the consistency of bending on the production line for different shifts and operators.

Multi functional bending capability

The 8 axis CNC press brake can support bending of irregular/complex contours/dense lines, and can also be combined with specific tools to achieve composite sheet metal pressing process such as line pressing, folding, and embossing.

User friendly interface

8 axis CNC press brakes are usually equipped with state-of-the-art CNC controllers such as ESA S875, which have more intuitive workpiece bending settings and support offline programming and simulated collision detection, making it easy for operators to get started.

Automation level

The 8 axis press brake can be docked with robotic arms, trusses, and AGVs to achieve automatic loading and unloading as well as plate positioning. Not only that, the interface protocol of the 8 axis press brake can receive data from MES/APS/ERP and can assign tasks to the machine.

Durability

The 8 axis press brake has a high rigidity frame, high-quality guide rails, and high-precision technology, which can improve the stability and durability of the machine, thereby maintaining high production of the equipment.

Higher flexibility

The supporting equipment of the 8 axis press brake can support rapid tool replacement, quick modification of various bending process parameters, and adaptive adjustment for different metal thicknesses, making it more suitable for multi variety bending production operations.

Quality traceability and digital connection

Due to its ability to interface with enterprise level information, the 8 axis press brake is easy to trace the process. In addition, the 8 axis press brake can optimize production plans and improve data-driven quality.

Multi-fold flange box bent by 8-axis press brake
Multi-fold flange box bent by 8-axis press brake

Application scenarios of 8 axis cNC press brake

Typical Industries

  • Cabinet chassis: Commonly used in the bending process of cabinet chassis with multiple bends, dense hole positions, and different flange heights, high consistency is required for workpiece bending.
  • New energy equipment: Widely used in the bending process of boxes, trays, and various support structures of new energy equipment, these workpieces usually have frequent batch changes during the processing.
  • Automotive & Commercial: Widely used in the processing of components such as dashboard brackets, structural parts of car bodies, and chassis covers, it requires high requirements for bending processes with complex contours and high consistency.
  • Household appliance: The 8 axis press brake is also commonly used in the processing of thin stainless steel and galvanized sheet shells for household appliances. This type of workpiece bending process requires high surface quality and stability of the bending angle of the formed sheet metal.
  • Construction machinery: Widely used in engineering machinery components such as control panel shells, body guards, brackets, etc., the bending process of such workpieces requires both high strength and complex bending.
  • Architecture & Elevators: Widely used in the processing of elevator shaft components, handrails, control boxes, etc., it requires high stability and durability of the workpiece.
  • Ventilation and air conditioning: The 8 axis press brake is also widely used in the bending process of air conditioning ducts, box structures, etc., to achieve multi-stage bending of such workpieces and multi station backing sections.

Typical workpieces

  • Multi folded flange box body: The machining process of multi fold flange box requires achieving multi section bending with one clamp and multiple workstations, accurately aligning different flange heights, and avoiding various hole positions. The 8 axis CNC press brake is the best choice for processing such workpieces.
  • Step bending parts: Step bending parts require extremely high step height and parallelism, and are easily affected by deflection and rebound. The 8 axis press brake can achieve a perfect bending process of multiple steps in one machine through different heights of the R axis on both sides.
  • Multi segment bending of long pieces: Long piece multi segment bending refers to the segmented bending process of longer workpieces, which require high straightness, linearity, and consistent alignment from end to end. The 8 axis press brake can complete this operation requirement through the segmented back of the z-axis and the deflection compensation strategy in the middle.
  • Hole sensitive components: Hole sensitive parts refer to workpieces with punched/slotted holes in the positioning area. The processing of such workpieces emphasizes segmented backing to avoid hole displacement and ensure consistent hole spacing. Therefore, the z-axis segmented backing of the 8 axis press brake is still used to achieve this.

Materials and Thickness

8 axis press brakes are commonly used in the bending process of metal sheets such as stainless steel, cold-rolled plates, and aluminum. Among them:

  • For thin plates of 0.6-1.5mm, deflection compensation and rebound control are relied upon to prevent indentation and control slight rebound;
  • For medium and thin plates with a thickness of 1.5-3.0mm, higher press brake tonnage and rigid support are required;
  • For the bending operation of 3-6/8mm medium thick metal sheets, stronger clamping force, long machine rigidity, dynamic compensation, and tonnage reserve are required.

Why choose an 8 axis cNC press brake?

Differences in Process Capability Caused by Differences in Axis Count

The more axis a press brake has, the higher the degree of freedom of the backrest and slider, and the stronger its adaptive ability to handle workpieces with anisotropy/asymmetry/dense hole positions. Therefore, an 8 axis CNC press brake is particularly suitable for bending complex workpieces.

Comparison of applicable scenarios

For the processing of complex boxes, dense lines, and irregular hole spacing, the 8 axis press brake has significant advantages. Conventional straight line bending and single flange workpieces can be processed by press brakes with 6 or fewer axes.

Comparison of return on investment cycles

Although the initial unit price of an 8 axis press brake is relatively high, it can significantly reduce the long-term total cost of the machine by reducing workpiece changes, improving yield, and reducing labor dependence. Therefore, it can achieve a shorter payback period in medium to high complexity processing environments.

When should you upgrade to 8 axes?

When your factory experiences at least two situations, you need to consider configuring an 8 axis press brake:

  • When multiple positioning requirements need to be completed in the same workpiece processing;
  • When it is necessary to complete the bending process of different flange heights or stepped structures;
  • When your factory is frequently processing small batches of multi variety workpiece products;
  • When your product has hole sensitive components that require segmented positioning;
  • When the consistency of the bending angle of your long workpiece is no longer guaranteed.

Please do not hesitate, immediately equip with an 8 axis press brake to perfectly solve your bending problems and put them into the fast processing assembly line.

Customers choose 8-axis press brake at the exhibition
Customers choose 8-axis press brake at the exhibition

Purchase Guide: How to Choose an 8 axis CNC press brake

Purchase key indicators

  • Nominal pressure/tonnage and maximum bending length: Based on the thickness/bending coefficient/V-groove of the processed material and the length of the workpiece, calculate the required tonnage of the press brake with a certain margin, and ensure that the length of the press brake tool and the opening height of the fixture can process the maximum workpiece.
  • Repeatability and synchronization accuracy (Y1/Y2): According to the manufacturer’s statement, check the machine’s repeatability accuracy (such as ± 0.005~0.01 mm level) and bending angle consistency data.
  • Backed Speed and Positioning Accuracy (X/R/Z): The speed and positioning accuracy of the backrest mainly rely on the X/R/Z axis collaborative operation of the 8 axis press brake. If the speed of the backrest is faster, the rhythm of the bending operation will be faster, and the positioning accuracy of the machine will affect the consistency of the flange size.
  • CNC system and human-machine interface, offline programming capabilities: Before purchasing an 8 axis CNC press brake, we need to know whether the CNC control system of the 8 axis CNC press brake supports 3D programming/collision detection/automatic bending sequence and whether there is a material library, in order to choose a suitable 8 axis press brake based on these configurations. It is recommended to choose a CNC control system with offline programming to reduce machine downtime.
  • Reference option: As the 8 axis press brake is a high-end configuration in the press brake series, mainstream merchants usually provide ESA series CNC controllers such as ESA S875 3D Graphic CNC System.
  • tool compatibility and fast clamping：Firstly, it is necessary to confirm whether the 8 axis CNC press brake is compatible with European or American tools, and whether the 8 axis press brake can use pneumatic or hydraulic quick clamps to improve the efficiency of workpiece changeover.
  • Deflection compensation type, angle measurement optional：When your workpiece requires deflection compensation, it is recommended to choose a model equipped with mechanical/hydraulic/servo deflection compensation systems; In addition, attention should be paid to whether the model has optional services such as laser and contact angle measurement to ensure closed-loop adjustment of the workpiece angle in the future.
  • Automated scaling： Check if the model has automated extension functions, including but not limited to robot interfaces, feeding positioning fixtures, visual hole positioning, etc. These automated extension programs can improve the processing efficiency of your machine.

Software and hardware ecology

It is recommended to choose an 8 axis press brake equipped with a software and hardware ecosystem to ensure the security of equipment data and manage user permissions for the press brake. The typical software and hardware ecosystem includes CAD/CAM suites, remote diagnostic/logging capabilities, open interfaces, and standard communication protocols that can communicate with MES/APS/ERP.

Service and Delivery

The service and delivery of 8 axis press brakes are very important! Before purchasing a machine, be sure to inquire about the press brake manufacturer‘s installation and debugging cycle, whether there is on-site training in programming/process/maintenance, whether there are warranty terms, whether there are spare parts and responsive SLA, and whether there is remote support capability. These aspects are also essential criteria for selecting a suitable 8 axis press brake.

TCO and ROI evaluation

Usually, when purchasing a press brake, not only should the initial cost of the machine be considered, but also the operating cost. Manufacturers need to evaluate the TCO and ROI of an 8 axis CNC press brake. Usually, a press brake is considered comprehensively from several aspects, including the purchase price of equipment, the price of tools and fixtures, the energy consumption of the machine, maintenance and warranty, and the price of vulnerable parts.

If you choose the 8 axis press brake correctly, it can shorten the manual and changeover time, thereby improving OEE and workpiece yield. In addition, the one-time clamping of complex parts can also reduce the risk for operators in your factory. Moreover, the 8 axis press brake can be linked with a digital system, which can bring visualization to press brake operators and improve the plan achievement rate of workpieces.

Conclusion

Through the above introduction, I believe you have a certain understanding of the 8 axis CNC press brake. We know that the 8 axis press brake has great advantages in handling high complexity, multi-stage bending, and small batch and multi variety production. Although the initial cost of the machine is relatively high, the 8 axis press brake can not only reduce the tool changing time, but also improve the yield rate of workpieces. If we look at the long-term return rate, the 8 axis press brake is worth having.

If you are interested in our 8 axis CNC press brake or have any other questions about it, you can consult through our website raymaxtech.com. We will use our professional knowledge to answer your questions. Looking forward to hearing from you!

FAQ

The 8 axis press brake is a metal processing bending equipment with 8 independent servo axes, commonly including Y1/Y2, X1/X2, R1/R2, Z1/Z2 axes. These axes can work together with deflection compensation, angle measurement, etc. to achieve multi station, segmented backing, complex bending lines, and unequal hole spacing bending.

The 6 axis press brake is a metal processing and bending equipment with six independent servo axes, usually Y1/Y2, X, R, Z1/Z2. It can complete most conventional linear bending, but its flexibility for bending asymmetric workpieces, different flanges, and complex workpieces is lower than that of an 8 axis press brake.

The 8 axis press brake includes eight axes Y1/Y2, X1/X2, R1/R2, Z1/Z2, and optional V-axis and angle measurement axis/module. The V-axis is used for servo deflection compensation of the machine.

If your factory mainly uses conventional straight bending and does not change types frequently, with symmetrical workpieces and insensitive hole positions, it is recommended that you choose a 6-axis press brake. However, if your processed products are multi variety, irregular workpieces/hole positions sensitive, and require high consistency and one-time clamping completion, it is recommended that you choose an 8 axis press brake.

The price range of 8 axis press brakes is relatively large, usually ranging from $50000 to $120000 for small entry-level 8 axis press brakes, and $150000 to $50000 for large/high-end machines. The price of an 8 axis press brake is usually related to the machine’s price/tonnage, the bending length of the workpiece, the CNC control system, angle measurement/servo V-port/robot interface, etc. The common price range for 8 axis press brakes in the industry ranges from standard configurations for small and medium-sized tonnages to high-end configurations for large tonnages. It is recommended that you obtain pricing based on the workpiece being processed and the pace, while also conducting a comprehensive evaluation of TCO and ROI.

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One response to “What is an 8 axis press brake: Why It’s the best investment for complex bends”

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    asansör perdesi

    Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites

Hello, Customers!

Francis

Author introduction

My name is Francis Pan, and I am the foreign trade manager of RAYMAX. I have been engaged in the fields of metal manufacturing and CNC machinery for over 10 years. Welcome to visit our official website, I am more than happy to provide you with the best service and products.

Email：   [email protected]  | Wechat：  13645551070

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