Press Brake Buyers Guide: Expert Tips to Select, Compare, and Buy with Confidence

1. Introduction

There are various types of press brakes on the market, and additional configurations need to be added according to customer needs. Therefore, when purchasing a brake press, you need to pay attention to some key considerations and common misconceptions. We will provide you with some suggestions to facilitate your better selection of suitable press brakes.

2. Why buy a press brake machine ?

2.1 Improving Processing to Enhance Accuracy and Efficiency

Press brakes can improve machining accuracy and efficiency. CNC press brakes can achieve high-precision repetitive positioning through CNC systems, reducing material waste and manual adjustment, thereby improving the quality of finished workpieces and machining efficiency.

2.2 Achieving precise bending and diversified mass production

The press brake can adapt to diverse workpiece requirements, and by changing the press brake tool, the workpiece can be bent into different angles and shapes. According to the demand, the press brake machine can bend thin or thick plates, and simple or complex bending can be achieved. It can also be mass-produced.

2.3 Long term cost-effectiveness

Although the unit price of brake press machines is higher compared to ordinary equipment, the long-term cost-effectiveness of press brakes is very high. Press brakes are durable and have stable performance. Among them, high-end CNC press brakes and servo press brakes can save energy, reduce labor costs, and achieve efficient production processes.

3. Confirm the actual needs for purchasing a brake press

3.1 Material type and thickness

The required brake press tonnage and tool size vary depending on the type and thickness of the processed materials. For example, thick plates require a larger tonnage, while carbon steel and stainless steel of the same thickness require different bending forces.

Relevant technical guides are recommended to read 1: The Ultimate Guide to Press Brake Metal Thickness: Selection, Tonnage Calculation & Best Practice Chart

Relevant technical guides are recommended to read 2: Press Brake Tonnage Explained: Learn How to Calculate for Optimal Performance

3.2 Maximum size of workpiece material

Understand the dimensions of the workpiece to be processed to ensure that the brake press can process it.

3.3 Bending Type&Accuracy Requirements

If a brake press is used to bend different angles or shapes, such as right angles, arcs, U-shapes, V-shapes, and other complex shapes, it should be equipped with a higher configuration brake press according to the needs. If there is a precision requirement for the workpiece, a CNC system press brake can be selected. If the requirement is not high, a regular control system press brake can be selected, such as a 2-axis NC press brake.

3.4 Daily Production and Automation Level

Choose a brake press based on daily output. If the output is large, automatic tool changing, automatic loading and unloading, CNC system and other automation configurations can be selected.

3.5 Press brake operator skill level

Novice press brake operators can choose press brakes with simpler operations, while professional operators can choose press brake machines with high-end configurations.

3.6 Comparison between initial purchase cost and long-term operating cost

When purchasing a brake press, it is not only necessary to consider the purchase price of the brake press, but also the maintenance cost, energy consumption, labor cost, etc. in the later stage, in order to comprehensively determine the appropriate brake press to reduce costs.

4. How to choose a press brake

4.1 Hydraulic press brake

A hydraulic system should be used to drive the slider, allowing it to bend up and down in order to complete the bending process. Hydraulic press brake machine is suitable for thick plate work, with high bending force and suitable for large tonnage processing, but it consumes a lot of energy and has high maintenance costs.

4.2 Electric/Servo Electric Press Brake

Using servo motors and screw drives to move the slider, electric press brake machines have high precision, energy saving, and noise reduction, and are relatively easy to maintain. However, their tonnage is limited and their cost is higher than hydraulic press brakes.

4.3 Hybrid press brake

A hybrid press brake combines the operation of hydraulic and electric press brake machines. It has the highest accuracy, high bending force, high efficiency, and good ability to process complex workpieces.

4.4 Other options: mechanical, synchronous, pneumatic press brake

Firstly, mechanical press brakes are the most basic type of bending, with a large tonnage capacity and fast speed, but low flexibility. Secondly, synchronous press brakes are two or more press brakes connected in series for processing oversized workpieces, which not only have high costs but also require the tonnage of the press brakes. Finally, the pneumatic press brake has low force and is suitable for processing thin plates with small tonnage.

5. Analysis of key parameters

5.1 Press brake tonnage

Choose the appropriate tonnage press brake based on the thickness and material of the material, as different tonnages of press brakes apply different bending forces. Therefore, matching the appropriate tonnage with the appropriate bending force can achieve more effective bending.

5.2 Machine bed length

The workpiece length of the press brake is sometimes too long or too short, so when choosing the press brake length, it should also match the length of the workpiece, and the length of the brake press should be larger than the length of the workpiece.

5.3 Travel and Opening Height

The bending depth varies depending on the stroke of the brake press. The selection of tool size is also influenced by the opening height.

5.4 Precision Control: CNC vs NC press brake

The CNC control system of the press brake can be automatically programmed, with higher accuracy and efficiency. The NC system of the press brake is semi-automatic processing, so the control system is simple and the operation is relatively simple, which can be used for simple processing.

5.5 Selection and compatibility issues of press brake accessories

The accessories of the press brake include upper and lower tools, quick tool change, number of back gauge axes, safety protection devices, etc. Considering compatibility, it is necessary to choose appropriate interfaces and standardized tools.

6. Advanced features&automation options

6.1 Control System: Differences and Recommendations between Manual, CNC, and Automation

Manual operation is simple and cost-effective, suitable for low-cost production needs. The CNC control system supports multi axis linkage, import of graphic programs, automatic compensation, etc., making it suitable for processing high-precision and complex workpieces. Finally, the automated press brake achieves full automation of the process, assisted by robots, and is suitable for factories with high output and quality requirements.

6.2 Back gauge System

Press brake back gauge can achieve precise positioning and support the processing of complex workpieces.

6.3 Automatic loading and unloading/robot arm

The brake press can be equipped with automatic loading and unloading or manipulator for loading, unloading and other operations, and the automatic loading and unloading and robotic arm can be used to carry out large-scale processing and reduce labor costs.

7. Security and Maintenance

7.1 Safety Standards

The press brake must comply with international safety standards such as CE and OSHA.

7.2 Essential Security Configuration

There are some essential safety configurations for the brake press, such as gratings, safety protection devices, dual hand control, emergency stop, etc., to ensure the safety of the operator.

7.3 Maintenance and Support

The daily maintenance of the press brake includes hydraulic system inspection, seal replacement, cleaning and calibration of the rear stop material system, tool inspection and replacement, maintenance of safety devices, etc. At the same time, the manufacturer provides technical support and replacement of accessories.

7.4 Reliability and Brand Suggestions

You can refer to customer reviews and case studies to select products, and also compare brake press brands to choose reliable manufacturers.

8. New vs Second Phone: Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages

8.1 New press brake

The advantage of the new machine is that it can be equipped with the latest configuration, complete warranty, and manufacturer provided training and technical support. It can be customized according to machine size, tonnage, language, and other factors.

The disadvantage is that the unit price of the new brake press is high, and if additional configurations are added, the price will be even more expensive, resulting in a longer return on investment.

8.2 Second hand press brake

The cost of mobile phones is relatively low, and they can be quickly put into use to reduce risks.

The disadvantage is that the control system of the second-hand press brake is easy to eliminate and easy to maintain. More damage to key parts of the fuselage will affect the accuracy and life of the machine. Some even have no reliable warranty, and follow-up after-sales trouble.

9. Selection and Verification Process

9.1 Common pitfalls when purchasing a brake press

9.2 Inquire of the seller

Do you have actual pictures and videos of the press brake, historical maintenance records, operation training, and follow-up after-sales service.

9.3 Test validation

On site testing of the press brake function, inspection of the body, hydraulic testing, controller testing, bending testing, etc.

9.4 Evaluation of Transportation and Installation

10. Summary and action recommendations

To sum up, when choosing a press brake, we must first clarify our actual needs, and we can compare various press brake types and parameters on the market to choose the type and size of press brake we want. Then look at whether additional advanced functional configurations are needed, and also consider the subsequent machine maintenance and upgrade, and finally place an order after on-site verification.

Follow-up suggestions: You can consult the press brake manufacturer for detailed selection, contact the manufacturer to apply for a test machine, pay attention to new products and automation upgrades of press brakes.

11. FAQ