How to Choose a Press Brake Control System? Function, Brand & Buying Guide (Including Delem/ESA)

1. Introduction

1.1 Application of press brakes in modern manufacturing

Press brakes are key equipment for bending metal sheets according to predetermined angles and shape accuracy. They are now widely used in modern manufacturing fields such as automobile manufacturing, home appliances, aerospace, and sheet metal processing.

1.2 The core position and role of the control system in the press brake

The control system of the press brake not only affects the processing accuracy and speed, but also directly determines the convenience of star replacement, operational safety, and networking capabilities with information systems such as MES.

2. Definition of press brake control system

2.1 Press brake control system

Press brake control system is an important component of controlling the coordinated movement of the hydraulic system, including sliders, back gauges and other related components.

2.2 The influence of control system on bending accuracy, automation and efficiency

Press brake control system can greatly improve the processing accuracy, and it supports batch automatic bending, multi-step program one-time input and automatic completion. These factors can make it play an important role in improving automation and While improving efficiency, it also reduces labor costs and errors.

2.3 History of control system development

Early press brakes used mechanical limiters to adjust the dials, and then gradually entered the servo drive and PLC logic, until now it has evolved into CNC and graphical intelligent control systems, such as supporting 2D/3D simulation and automatic programming.

3. Main functions of press brake control systems

3.1 Programming function

Press brake controllers are usually equipped with programming functions that allow operators to create Create and store bending programs. The offline programming function can optimize the work process and productivity because it can create or adjust the bending program in the ongoing production without interruption.

3.2 Control interface

Modern controllers are usually equipped with an intuitive touch screen, which is where the operator interacts with the machine. The user-friendly interface makes navigation and parameter input simpler and more intuitive, and the operator can adjust it according to his own preferences, which also improves the usage rate and Efficiency.

3.3 Basic safety mechanism

Safety is the first factor in any metal processing process. The safety functions of the press brake controller include emergency stop button, light curtain and safety interlock. The emergency stop button can immediately stop the machine in an emergency; the light curtain stops the machine when the light beam is blocked to prevent accidents; the safety interlock ensures that all safety doors are closed before the machine runs, which can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.

3.4 Real-time monitoring

Modern bending The machine controller usually provides real-time monitoring and feedback so that the operator can observe the bending process and make timely adjustments as needed.

3.5 Accuracy and repeatability

The main function of the press brake controller is to operate the bending operation with high accuracy and repeatability, so parts that meet strict requirements and meet production quality standards are crucial factors.

4. Types of press brake control systems

4.1 Manual controller

The manual controller is the most basic and simplest type of press brake control . These controllers are usually cheaper than automated systems, simpler to operate, and easy to use, suitable for simple, small-batch bending tasks. However, manual adjustment is slow, and manual settings are prone to human error, resulting in inconsistent bending processes and low precision, so their accuracy is low and production efficiency will also decrease.

4.2 NC controllers

NC controllers mark the transition from manual operation to partial automation. These systems use electronic circuits and simple adjustable Programming logic to control the coordinate axes, the most common of which are the slider (Y axis) and the back stopper (X axis). It can store a limited number of bending programs for common parts. Compared with manual control, it has higher accuracy and repeatability, suitable for small and medium batch production, and can improve production efficiency while shortening installation time. However, its programming ability and flexibility will be affected to a certain extent, and its adaptability to complex shapes or variable production situations is poor.

4.3 CNC controllers

CNC controllers are the most advanced control solutions for modern press brakes. They use computer processors and advanced software to support more complex operations with their own flexibility, high precision and automation functions. However, their initial cost and maintenance cost are higher than manual controllers, and operators need to be trained, which increases the complexity of the initial investment to a certain extent.

4.4 NC VS CNC control system

Both NC and CNC control systems are used to ensure the positioning accuracy of high-quality press brake molds and back gauges. However, the programs of NC systems are usually fixed and cannot be modified in time, while CNC systems simplify the operation process through a graphical interface, allowing users to edit and modify programs at any time to achieve the goals of high precision and efficiency, and achieve more humanization while improving production efficiency.

5. Introduction to mainstream brands and models

5.1 Delem (Netherlands)

Delem (Netherlands) CNC System was established in 1978. Its press brake control systems include DA-Retrofit solution, DA-40 series, DA-50 series, and DA-60 series.

This is the experience video of our company (RAYMAX) using the Delem DA69T control system:

5.2 ESA (Italy)

ESA (Italy) CNC System was established in 1962 and is a global leading expert in the field of integrated CNC systems. ESA’s products mainly include 600 series and 800 series, and the commonly used ones are S660, S640, S630, S830, S840, S850, etc.

This is the WF67K-110/3200 CNC press brake equipped of our company (RAYMAX) with the ESA 875 CNC controller

5.3 Cybelec (Switzerland)

Cybelec (Switzerland) CNC System was established in 1970. Its popular products include CybTouch 8PS and 12PS.

This is the experience video of our company (RAYMAX) using the Cybelec TP10S control system:

Note: All of our press brakes are equipped with the above three well-known control system brands. For more detailed brand model parameter comparison, please refer to the following page: Press Brake Control System

5.4 Common brands in China

Common brands in China include ESTUN, Huazhong CNC, Inovance, JFY, etc. They all provide solutions that are cost-effective, have Chinese interfaces, and have strong local support, and are gradually favored by domestic and Asian customers.

6. How to choose a press brake control system that suits you

6.1 Clarify the bending process requirements

First, you must clarify your own process requirements, including the number of sheet metal parts to be bent, the complexity of the bending, and the production batch. Among them, if the bending form is too complex, you need to choose a control system with advanced programming functions; for relatively standard bending operations, you can choose a basic model.

6.2 Interface friendliness and ease of use

Intuitive user interface, easy-to-use and simple programming functions can greatly reduce the probability of operator errors and improve operation production efficiency.

6.3 System compatibility and later upgrade support

In order to cope with the possible development needs of bending process in the future, it is recommended to choose a control system that is compatible with existing equipment and can provide upgrade support services.

6.4 After-sales and technical services

Good after-sales service can help operators get timely technical support. Try to choose a brand with perfect after-sales service to reduce the delay of production operations caused by unskilled controller operation technology and improper problem solving, which affects productivity.

Conclusion

The correct and appropriate control system selection can control our purchase budget while maximizing its functional integrity, stability, ease of use and safety in our bending operations, greatly improving work efficiency and ultimately achieving excellent bending productivity. After reading the above content, I believe you have a certain understanding of the press brake control systems and selection methods on the market. If you still don’t know how to choose, you can also directly contact our technicians online. We are online 7*24h to provide you with free help!