NC vs CNC Press Brake: Key Differences, Selection Guide, and Industry Applications

1. Introduction

Press brake is a powerful machine tool that can process and shape metal sheets. As the manufacturing industry continues to increase its requirements for production products, press brake technology is also developing. From the earliest manual operation, it has developed two operating modes: numerical control (NC) system and computer numerical control (CNC) system.
For customers, it is important to compare NC and CNC press brakes and understand the difference between the two types of press brakes, which helps customers make a wise choice based on their needs.
Next, this article will focus on the differences between CNC and NC press brakes, explain how to operate these two types of press brakes, and help you in the process of choosing these two types of press brakes!

2. What is NC Press Brake

2.1 Definition

A numerically controlled NC press brake is a semi-automatic machine tool for metal processing, which is controlled by a numerical control system.
An NC press brake consists of an NC controller, a back gauge press, a punch, and a die. The operator manually edits the program to adjust the position of the back sheet movement and slide placement, and the press brake starts bending according to the edited program.
To ensure the accuracy of bending, the operator is also required to manually adjust the mold clamping force and align the materials when the mold is bent.

2.2 Features

The NC brake press controls the bending of the machine through simple program coding, and is assisted by humans to adjust the machine and operate it.
The NC brake press is simple to operate, low cost, high production efficiency, and is suitable for small and medium batch production of workpieces. But it is not suitable for production that requires high flexibility.

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3. What is CNC Press Brake

3.1 Definition

CNC press brake is an automated brake press that uses digital instructions to perform bending operations and process materials.
It consists of CNC controller, back gauge, punch, punch and mold. This type of brake press reads instructions from the CNC controller to guide the machine to bend automatically.
The CNC control system automatically detects the bending data and automatically corrects it if there is a problem.

3.2 Features

The biggest feature of the CNC press brake is the digital control of the bending process. The CNC system can directly import CAD/CAM files, making the programming and switching of the brake press faster.
In addition, the touch screen of the system is more intuitive, making the operation process visual.
The characteristics of the CNC press brake make it suitable for complex, high-precision material processing and can be used for multi-batch production.

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4. The main differences between NC and CNC press brakes

4.1 Control system

The functions and accuracy of the control systems of CNC press brakes and NC brake presses are different.
NC press brakes are press brakes controlled by numerical control systems. They can usually only perform two-axis control, which can control the X-axis and Y-axis.
CNC brake presses are brake presses controlled by computer control systems, which can perform multi-axis control. It can support up to 12-axis control to bend more complex products.

4.2 Degree of automation

The automation level of these two press brakes is also very different.
NC press brakes are only partially automated, and cannot feedback errors in operation at any time, nor can they automatically adjust the bending process. Operators are required to monitor and adjust the press brake.
The entire production process of CNC press brakes can be automated. It supports angle compensation and precise control of molds.

4.3 Flexibility and versatility

The high flexibility of CNC brake presses enables them to handle complex processing projects. Not only that, it also has an excellent performance in the process of customizing materials, and it can easily handle bending tasks.
In addition, CNC brake presses can also perform automatic tool change, saving more time for bending operations.

Compared with CNC press brakes, the flexibility of NC press brakes is slightly inferior. Although it has a certain level of automation, it requires manual operation by operators, and the control options are also limited, so that it can only perform single and repetitive production.

In addition, the programmability and versatility of NC press brakes are also limited, and the tool change process must also be manually adjusted.

4.4 Cost considerations

Compared with CNC brake presses, NC brake presses have a lower purchase price, usually between US$35,700 and US$85,000, while CNC prices are usually between US$16,500 and US$95,000 or even higher.
In addition, the operating cost of CNC press brakes is also high, and the electrical and hydraulic systems of the press brakes need to be maintained frequently. And the operation of CNC brake presses is also difficult, requiring operators to have excellent operating skills. However, CNC brake presses can reduce labor costs and increase the output of brake presses.
In short, for enterprises with limited budgets and mainly performing simple bending operations, NC brake presses are a good choice.
But for enterprises that need to perform complex operations and have a certain amount of asset accumulation, CNC press brakes are an excellent choice.

4.5 Running speed

The running speed of CNC system and NC system mainly depends on the descending and returning speed of the slide, the running speed of the rear gauge, and the ratio of hydraulic cylinders in the hydraulic system. Considering these factors that affect the speed, the CNC system performance in terms of running speed is more superior.

4.6 Operation efficiency and precision

CNC press brake has fully automated performance, which enables it to have the ability to operate quickly, shorten the production time of equipment, improve production efficiency, and produce high precision products.
However, NC press brake requires manual operation during operation, which makes it slower in efficiency and lower in precision.

4.7 Applicable scenarios

NC brake press is suitable for small batch production, simple operation, and repeated operations, while CNC brake press is suitable for mass production of complex materials.

5. When to choose NC Press Brake and when to choose CNC Press Brake?

If your budget is limited and the factory usually produces some simple and highly repetitive products, NC press brake is enough to cope with production.

If your budget is sufficient, the company has high requirements for the automation and precision of the brake press, and the products produced are diversified, then I recommend you to choose CNC press brake.

In addition, you should also pay attention to their maintenance costs. CNC press brakes need to be updated frequently, and their maintenance and operation costs are higher. NC press brakes require operators to have high technical content. Please consider these factors comprehensively and choose a brake press that is more suitable for you.

6. Conclusion

Both CNC brake presses and NC brake presses have their advantages and disadvantages. Although CNC press brakes have a high level of automation and can perform complex operations, they are very expensive.

Although NC brake presses are affordable, their production has limitations and the precision of the products produced is not as high as that of CNC press brakes.

Choosing equipment according to your own needs will help companies have a good arrangement of capital budgets. If you want to know more about these two press brakes,welcome to consult Raymax. We will provide you with 7* 24-hour free technical support services and offer you the most accurate and suitable advice.

7. FAQ