Cold bending of sheet metal makes it possible to manufacture complex three-dimensional structural workpieces whose surfaces are located at different angles to each other without the use of welding and other methods of joining metal parts. This technique is characterized by rapid production, almost complete waste-free production, and lower energy consumption compared to welding and hot stamping.
In addition, this bending technique produces a curved workpiece structure that is stronger than the welded workpiece structure because there are no seams in them and they are not susceptible to corrosion. Typical examples of such products are the linear and rotating parts of box-shaped pipes, as well as electrical cabinets and bus housings.
On the hydraulic press brake, you can freely bend the metal plate at different angles without changing any tools. This hydraulic press brake is equipped with a numerical control system and an automatic electric crowning system, which can automatically correct the bending process according to the deformation of the table and slider. The system controls the linear axes of several stops, and at the same time measures the workpiece and determines precise bending parameters when bending.
CNC press brake types of equipment
Since the mainstream sheet metal press brakes on the market have similar designs and the same main components and layout, the typical structure of such hydraulic press brakes mainly includes the following components:
- A portal body frame made of thick metal plates. It consists of a very thick support base and two wider C-shaped columns with side openings at the top, connected by fixed beams.
- A long press brake die is installed on the table. An automatic electric crowning system is attached to one end of the table.
- The design of the slider (activity) is similar to the lower beam. It moves up and down along the guide rails at both ends of the rack. The lower end of the slider is fitted with an upper die of the bending machine.
- The driver is located on top of the fuselage frame, which is able to transmit controlled motion to the slider.
- The backgauge is located behind the table, which can accurately position the workpiece before the sheet metal is bent. Usually, it is made in the form of a slide bar parallel to the table.
In addition to the press brake of the upper slider, there is also a press brake that fixes the upper beam. This press brake is moved from bottom to top by the lower beam with the workbench and the lower die.
The drive of this press brake is located at the bottom of the fuselage. It can effectively increase the stability of the machine, but it also leads to the rising action of the workbench and the lower die under the press brake, which is very inconvenient for bending operations.
There are several common different types of drives for sheet metal press brakes. The pneumatic drive for moving the slider is now rarely used and only used on low-power machines; the drive method of the crank structure that was more common before is now rarely used, and instead uses the power hydraulic cylinder drive, which is also the most popular press brake drive method at present.
However, in terms of bending accuracy, cost performance and ease of operation, the most promising drive mode for CNC press brake is electromechanical drive, which is achieved by controlling the ball screw. However, due to the high cost and complexity of implementing this method on large equipment, this method has not yet been fully popularized.
One of the most critical components of all hydraulic press brake is the compensation system that prevents the deformation of the machine beam, which affects the accuracy and shape of the bending. Traditionally, the most common method is to align the beam with a wedge; of course, we can also use a compensation system with numerical control. In machines with this system, the slider uses double-powered hydraulic cylinders, and the lower beam uses special hydraulic and electromechanical devices for compensation and correction.
Selection criteria for hydraulic press brakes
The choice of the press brake model depends on what sheet metal workpiece it will be used to produce, and also according to technical, production, operational and economic indicators. The first is based on the design characteristics, dimensions and material thickness of the parts to be manufactured on the equipment. According to these indicators, some dimensional parameters during press brake machining are first determined, consisting of the following process characteristics:
- Press brake table length;
- The width between the racks;
- The lifting height of the slider;
- The height of the upper and lower die openings;
- Depth of lower die;
- Backgauge travels on the Z-axis.
Another decisive technical parameter is the nominal pressure of the press brake, the thickness of the press brake processing material, the processing quality and the production efficiency of the press brake will be affected by it.
Production indicators are developed according to the expected press brake scheme (single or batch production) and the requirements for the standard processing time of sheet metal parts. The latter includes specifications from preparation to completion, auxiliary and basic times, minimized by mechanization and numerical control systems.
These production indicators are directly affected by the following operating speeds:
- Transportation and removal of workpieces in the processing area;
- Process adjustment of the upper and lower die;
- Replace the upper and lower die;
- Adjust the backgauge;
- Movement of the workpiece in the machining area;
- The stroke of the workpiece in supply, diversion and bending.
The economic indicators for selecting cnc press brakes are mainly based on the standard equipment payback period, where the main factors include the cost of delivery, installation, commissioning and operator training, as well as operating and production costs, in addition to the price of the machine itself.
The performance indicators of the CNC bending machine are usually related to the bending area of the sheet required for production, power supply and maintenance.
Overview of Popular Press Brake Machines
Presented below, CNC hydraulic press brakes with CNC systems have approximately the same dimensions as the machining area and pressing forces, but differ in the degree of mechanization and automation.
KRRASS Press Brake 3-4 Axis with DA-53T&DA-58T Controller
- Bending Pressure: 500 ~ 5000 KN;
- Bending Length: 1600 ~ 6000 mm;
- Slider Stroke: 160 ~ 300 mm;
- X-axis Max.Distance: 600 mm;
- Main Motor: 4 ~ 30 KW;
KRRASS CNC Press Brake 6-8 Axis with DA-66T&DA-69T Controller
- Bending Pressure: 500 ~ 5000 KN;
- Bending Length: 1600 ~ 6000 mm;
- Slider Stroke: 160 ~ 300 mm;
- X-axis Max.Distance: 600 mm;
- Main Motor: 4 ~ 30 KW;
KRRASS Main Motor Servo PBS CNC Press Brake at All Level
- Bending Pressure: 500 ~ 5000 KN;
- Bending Length: 1600 ~ 6000 mm;
- Slider Stroke: 160 ~ 300 mm;
- X-axis Max.Distance: 600 mm;
- Main Motor: 4 ~ 30 KW;
KRRASS: The Best Choice For All Sheet Metal Manufacturer
When considering the overall costs of purchasing, maintaining, and operating a sheet metal equipment setup, a sheet metal fabrication service: a press brake machine, is the best option. KRRASS has a tremendous reputation in the market due to its focus on consistency and quality at the most competitive price.
Whether it's press brake or any other application, our team of experts has the right combination of industry knowledge and the latest tool to provide you with the best products and services on the market. Moreover, we set ourselves apart with our advanced system that is completely online. Just let us know what your product needs, request a quote, and start the process.
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