What is a 4 Axis Press Brake? Configuration, Advantages and Uses analysis

1. Introduction

A press brake is a machine that achieves precise bending of sheet metal by tightening it between the punch and the die and applying precise force. It is widely used in automobiles, home appliances, machinery, aviation and other fields, the equipment itself is not only stable, but also the products produced are not only accurate and high-quality, but also the core machine of the modern sheet metal industry.

Due to the requirements for higher flexibility and efficiency, the 4 axis press brake came into being, which is a press brake with X, Y, Z, R four axes, which has significant flexibility, stronger processing capacity and wider adaptability than ordinary press brakes

This paper takes the 4 axis press brake as the main body of research, focusing on the definition, common configuration and function, advantages and disadvantages, typical application scenarios, selection and configuration suggestions of 4 axis press brake, etc., aiming to help customers or operators have a deeper understanding of 4 axis press brake and help enterprises produce.

2. What is a 4 axis press brake?

Definition of 4 axis press brake

A 4 axis press brake is equipped with core axes such as X, R, Z, Y, etc., and is used to accurately bend sheet metal.

Positioning difference and value with 3 axis and 6 axis

Compared with 3-axis, 4 axis press brakes are equipped with more accurate positioning systems and clamping shafts, which greatly improves the ability to handle asymmetric bending and parallel multi-station bending, and has higher flexibility and efficiency, but at the same time, the initial investment and daily maintenance costs are also correspondingly higher.

Compared with 6-axis press brakes, 4 axis has a certain workpiece handling capacity without increasing the complexity and cost of machining, especially suitable for scenarios that require a certain degree of flexibility but budget constraints, such as multi-mix and small-batch production.

3. Common shaft configurations and functions of 4 axis press brakes

Common configuration 1: X, R, Z1, Z2

In this configuration, X is used for the press brake back gauge front and rear positioning, which determines the repeatability of the flange length. R is used to control the height of the back gauge and thus the height of the polyline between the die and the workpiece. The Z1 and Z2 axes undertake the left and right positioning of the back gauge, realize the rapid switching and synchronization of the back gauge, improve the bending efficiency of multi-station and the overlap of the holding parts.

Common configuration 2: X, Y1, Y2, R

Y1/Y2 is used for clamping or centering on both sides, maintaining a consistent angle while compensating for twisting. The X-axis for horizontal positioning and the R-axis for controlling the height of the back gauge play an important role in controlling angular consistency and left-right symmetry.

Common configuration 3: X, R, Z, W

On the basis of the conventional X, R, and Z axes, this configuration adds a W-axis for introducing front support and additional positioning, which plays a major role in improving the consistency of angles, reducing deflection, and stabilizing the support plate, and enhances the flexibility and clamping adaptability of station switching.

Why do the terms of “4+1 axis” and “5 axis” appear

Whether Y1/Y2 is counted as two axes:If Y1 and Y2 require independent servo control and coupling motion, some manufacturers will treat them as two axes, resulting in the title of “4+1 axis” or “5 axis”. In practice, the control system provided by the supplier should be used to determine the true number and functional boundary of the press brake axes.

Core function points of each axis

Advice to readers

In the process of procurement communication, the buyer must first clarify the real physical name and control object of the axis, whether each axis has its due function, and secondly, pay attention to whether it has graphical programming, bending database, and automatic rebound control system. Finally, we should also pay attention to core equipment such as tools and V-slots.

4. Advantages and limitations of 4 axis press brakes

Advantages

Limitations

5. Comparison of 4 axis with 3 axis, 6 axis and above

Simple definition

Model Comparison Table

6. Typical applications and industry scenarios of 4 axis press brakes

Chassis/Cabinet

The 4 axis press brake uses the functions of multi-stage bending and multi-station positioning, and accurately controls the bending position through the X, R, and Z axes, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of producing small and medium-sized cabinets or chassis.

Asymmetric bracket/rack

The separate positioning of the Z-axis solves the problem of asymmetrical left and right shape asymmetry of asymmetric workpieces, and can complete different left and right bends in the same clamping, improving the yield of asymmetric brackets or brackets.

Door panels/equipment panels

There are often multi-fold lines and multi-section flange processing requirements in door panels and equipment panels. With the combined control of the R and X axes, the 4 axis press brake can accurately realize the machining of flange lengths and angles, reducing secondary machining and turning situations.

Small and medium-sized batches/multi-variety orders

When there are small batches and many varieties of orders, the 4 axis press brake not only has the function of rapid changeover, but also has flexible programming capabilities and parameter compensation mechanisms to adjust the workpiece parameters in real time to meet the processing needs.

7. Selection and configuration suggestions

Before choosing a suitable 4 axis press brake, customers should pay attention to the following aspects:

8. Conclusion

As an ideal solution for medium to high complexity workpiece machining, the 4 axis press brake has unique advantages in flexibility, accuracy and cost, it is more flexible and adaptable than 3-axis, and can handle asymmetrical and multi-station bending.

Compared with 6 axis, it is more cost-friendly and meets the needs of small and medium-sized batches and multi-variety production. When purchasing, customers should choose according to their own production process needs, combined with machine tool shaft definition, tonnage, table length, control system and tool compatibility.

Raymax provides customized consultation and technical support for our customers, and welcomes customers with purchase needs to come to consult, we aim to help users choose the right 4 axis press brake to achieve flexible production and cost optimization.

9. Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )