What Is a Press Brake Used For? 16 Industry Applications and 8 Types of Bends

Introduction

The application of press brakes, in our daily life, can process plates into various shapes, with the continuous development of the manufacturing industry, more and more industries are using press brakes.

This article will tell you what the press brake is used for, and give a detailed introduction to the application fields of the press brake and the processing materials, so that you can really understand what is a press brake used for, and you can better understand the brake press.

The basic definition and working principle of press brake

What is a press brake?

The press brake mainly generates pressure through the upper die, and then bends the sheet metal through the pressure, so that it can be bent into a specific shape.

The frame of the press brake is usually made of high-strength steel to ensure the stability of the bending. The press brake tool is composed of the upper die (punch) and the lower die, and different press brake tools can be bent into different shapes.

Generally, there are manual control systems and CNC control systems, among which the CNC control system, the accuracy of bending will be higher than that of manual, and complex bending can also be realized.

Hydraulic press brakes are widely used because of their high pressure and can be used for heavy metal bending, while electric press brakes are suitable for complex high-precision machining due to their precision and efficiency.

How does a brake press work?

First, according to the requirements of the plate, install the appropriate upper and lower dies, and then use the backstop material to accurately position the metal sheet to keep it stable during the bending process.

Secondly, through the input parameters of the control system, the 3D drawing is simulated, and then the control system is started, so that the slider moves upwards, increases the pressure, and the metal sheet forms a bend between the upper die and the lower die, so that the material is deformed, and when the set angle and depth are reached, a bend is formed.

If the first turn is unsuccessful, a second bend is required to achieve the forming of the workpiece.

what is a press brake used for？

It is a kind of equipment used for metal bending processing, it is mainly to bend and shape the metal sheet according to a specific design, which plays a vital role in various fields of industry, and is widely used in aerospace, construction and other industries, it can complete simple bending to complex bending.

What is the role of a brake press?

What types of bends can be created by press brakes

Press brakes are suitable for bending various types of plates, so they can meet the diverse needs of various industries, and the following are the most common types of sheet metal pressing process in press brakes.

Air bending

Press brake air bending In the process of bending, the upper die is not completely pressed into the notch of the lower die, the metal sheet is not completely fitted with the bottom of the lower film, it relies on the angle of the press brake tool to adjust the required bending angle, which is generally used in rapid production and small batch production.

Advantages and disadvantages: The advantage is that the mold can be flexibly switched, and the same set of molds can be used to achieve a variety of bends, which is suitable for diversified production, but the plate is easy to rebound, so that the angle of the final bend may be different from what is expected.

Bottom bending

It is to completely press the upper die into the lower die, so that the plate and the lower die are completely fitted, and the bending angle is determined by the notch of the lower die, and this method requires more pressure than air bending, which can eliminate the rebound of the plate part. The application range is relatively narrow, and it is generally suitable for large-volume, standardized production, or processes with high bending angles.

Advantages and disadvantages: It can ensure that the bending angle is more accurate and the rebound is smaller, but it needs to change the press brake tool, and different angles should correspond to different press brake tools.

Imprint process

The imprinting process is to completely press the metal into the press brake tool through extreme pressure, which can usually be used to manufacture special-shaped or complex geometries, generally suitable for aerospace, or internal high-precision components.

Advantages and disadvantages: extremely high bending accuracy and strength can be obtained, the rebound is minimal, and the size is relatively stable. However, the equipment investment is large, the production cycle is very long, and the types of materials are limited, and more pressure is required, so that the wear of the press brake tool will be fast and the maintenance cost is relatively high.

Crimping edges

Curling is to fold the edge of the metal plate into the inner corner, and then flatten it completely to form a double-layer tight shape. It is generally used in metal edging of mechanical shells, automobile bodies, and furniture, which can prevent scratches and improve the durability of products.

Advantages and disadvantages: It can enhance the strength of the product, so that its edges are not easy to deform, there are no sharp edges, improve the stability of the structure, and the appearance will be more beautiful. However, the press brake tool needs to be replaced multiple times, which is more complex and has higher requirements for the mold.

Offset bending

Offset bending exerts pressure at a specific position, so that on the same workpiece, two parallel and dislocated angles are formed, so that the metal plate is bent at a certain angle from the original direction, and the bending can be completed at one time through professional offset press brake tools, which is generally used in combined workpieces, metal hooks, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages: High flexibility, suitable for various special shape plates, can save bending steps, improve positioning and accuracy, but it has high requirements for the accuracy and pressure of press brake tool processing, and thicker plates are not easy to bend.

Multi-radius bending

Multi-radius bending refers to different parts of the same plate, through different radii to carry out different bends, can form complex shapes, require different press brake tools, in different parts, apply different pressures and angles, can form different bending radii, generally suitable for the production of complex structures.

Advantages and disadvantages: To achieve complex design, it can be uninterrupted bending in multiple sections, which can meet the design with high requirements for appearance, but its disassembly and debugging are very complex, so the cost is relatively high, and the production efficiency is lower than that of single radius bending.

Forming of boxes and trays

Cooperative composite molding refers to the use of a variety of press brake tool combinations, through multiple continuous bends, to create a closed shape, so as to form a three-dimensional structure, generally used in boxes, drawers, shells, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages: can make complex three-dimensional shapes, and can be flexibly processed, all kinds of closed or semi-closed parts, but for mass production, press brake tool replacement is more frequent, and there are more processes, which will affect work efficiency.

Z-shaped bending

Special-shaped bending refers to bending the metal sheet into a Z-shape, usually completed by one offset press brake tool, or two standard turns, generally composed of 3 straight segments, the angle and length of each section need to be set separately, through the corresponding bending to complete the final shape, generally widely used in brackets, heavy mechanical parts, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages: It is suitable for a variety of more complex parts, and can achieve good structural strength and flexibility, and can simplify the structure of assembly, but it will be constrained by the press brake tool, the hardness of the press brake tool is relatively high, and the processing time is also very long, and multiple different press brake tools are required for precise control.

press brake application

Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, press brakes are generally used to manufacture car bodies, chassis, bumpers, etc., and the materials are mostly used for high-strength steel and aluminum alloys, and in the manufacturing process, it is necessary to ensure that the angle and size of the bending meet the standards of automobiles.

Aerospace

In the aerospace field, it can be used to manufacture fuselage shells, aircraft components, its materials are usually aluminum alloy, titanium alloy and other light materials, and press brakes need high precision, automation, not only but also need to meet strict tolerance requirements to ensure that the spacecraft can also operate stably in extreme weather.

Construction industry

In the construction industry, press brakes are generally used to manufacture metal railings, door frames, etc., and the materials required need to consider the corrosion resistance of the material, generally steel or stainless steel.

Metal furniture

In the metal furniture industry, it is generally used to make metal frames such as desks, chairs, cabinets, etc., and the material required is carbon steel or stainless steel to ensure the stability and load of the product.

Home appliance industry

In the home appliance industry, it is widely used in the manufacture of metal components such as shells and chassis, and is generally used in household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners. He mainly requires high requirements for sealing and corrosion resistance, usually galvanized sheet and aluminum alloy.

Shipbuilding

The brake press can be used to make the shell and deck of the ship, and the material used is generally corrosion-resistant steel, which is to be able to resist wind and waves.

Rail transit

It is usually used in high-speed rail, subway, chassis, seat brackets, etc., the materials used need to be corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy and steel, and the brake press needs to meet the tolerance requirements to ensure safe and stable operation in the application field.

Pharmaceutical and food processing

In the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors, press brakes can be used to manufacture the shells of aseptic equipment, but they need to meet hygiene standards, generally stainless steel, or food-grade materials, and the surface of the equipment needs to be kept clean and free of contamination.

Decoration materials

Generally used to manufacture decorative metal products, such as fences, door frames, etc., not only need to be beautiful, but also very fine, in line with indoor jacket decoration standards, the materials are generally used in stainless steel and aluminum.

Energy sector

The shell of components used to manufacture wind, solar and other equipment also needs to have a good structure, which can ensure that wind energy or solar energy is relatively stable, and generally uses durable steel or aluminum materials.

Model and Prototyping

Models or prototypes for automotive products can be manufactured with high precision and speed, and the materials need to be diversified, generally using stainless steel, aluminum or plastic plates.

Stainless steel products

It is commonly used to manufacture kitchen equipment, architectural decoration, and bathing equipment. The requirements for materials need to be corrosion-resistant, and the processing details need to be exquisite. It needs to meet food hygiene standards and is generally used for stainless steel plates with large material thickness variations.

Metal processing industry

Generally used in industrial accessories, connectors, etc., the production of various metal parts, through the thickness of different materials, can also be adjusted accordingly, and various metal parts need to meet the application standards.

General Machinery

In the field of general machinery, press brakes are generally used in boxes, frames, pallets, etc., and it is necessary to ensure the strength and stability of the equipment.

Mechanical and electrical engineering

Housings and brackets used to make electromechanical equipment need to meet the design requirements to ensure the stability of the equipment.

Heavy machinery industry

The frames, shrouds, etc. used in large machinery need to meet the standards of electromechanical applications, and the materials also need to be diversified, generally using high-strength materials such as aluminum and stainless steel.

Types of materials that can be processed by press brakes

Common materials

The brake press can efficiently process metal sheets, so it is commonly used to bend steel, copper, aluminum, stainless steel and other metals, by understanding different material properties, can complete the bending with higher precision, of which aluminum is relatively light, corrosion resistant, so it is used in air transportation, construction and other industries;

In addition, copper has good thermal conductivity, so it is often used in electronic equipment, water pipes, etc., but harder steel is easy to break during the bending process.

Relationship between material thickness and bending ability

If the plate is thicker, the corresponding tonnage and pressure of the brake press will also be higher, and if the thicker material is bent, the required press brake radius will be smaller, and more pressure is required to achieve the desired bending angle. By reasonably selecting the thickness of the material, the damage to the press brake tool can be effectively avoided, so as to achieve the quality of production.

Summary

From the above, it can be seen that the press brake is widely used in the field of sheet metal processing due to its versatility and high precision, and the efficiency of production can be improved by choosing the right press brake. If you don’t know, how to choose the right press brake for you, you can consult through our website raymaxtech.com, we will answer your questions, and finally let you choose the right press brake, we look forward to hearing from you!