The Guide to Choosing the Best Press Brake in 2025 - krrass

Businesses around the world are faced with the choice of which press brake to use every day. It's a tough decision, but it's one you have to make. With so many options on the market, how do you know which press brake is right for you? Thankfully, we're here to help. This blog post will break down the different types of press brakes and help you decide which is right for your business in .

Link to HAVEN

What is a press brake, and what can it do?

Press brakes generally use a CNC system and are equipped with a die (universal or special tooling) to bend the cold sheet metal into various geometric cross-sectional shapes of the workpiece.

Press brake axes have been developed from a single axis to 12 axes, which the CNC system can automatically realize: change in the running height of the slider; change in the left and right tilt of the slider; change in the front and rear of the rear stop and change to the left and right; change in the tonnage of the pressure and change in the speed of the slider, etc.

These functions can make the bending machine convenient to achieve: sliding down, pointing, continuous, pressure, return and stop in the middle of the constant action, feeding to complete the same angle or different angles of many elbow bending.

What are the main types of press brakes?

There are three main types of press brakes: manual, hydraulic, and pneumatic. Here's a quick breakdown of each:

Manual Press Brakes:

Manual press brakes are operated by hand. They are usually smaller and less expensive than hydraulic or pneumatic pressure brakes.

However, they are also less precise and can be more dangerous to operate on.

If you are interested in manual press brakes, we recommend that you consult a professional before making your sale.

Hydraulic Press Brakes:

Hydraulic press brakes are operated by hydraulic fluid. They are more expensive than manual press brakes but also more precise and can handle larger projects.

If you are considering hydraulic pressure brakes, be sure to factor the cost of hydraulic fluid into your budget.

Most modern hydraulic bending machine systems come with a built-in energy-saving time and pump mechanism, which allows hydraulic bending machines to save energy and withstand high power very well.

Industries that use bending machines for large sheet metal operations that require more than 250 metric tons of bending pressure will often require significant energy. In such cases, hydraulic presses are usually a better choice for them.

Pneumatic Press Brakes:

Pneumatic pressure brakes are operated by compressed air. They are usually smaller and lighter than hydraulic brakes, making them easier to move around.

They are also usually less expensive than hydraulic brakes. However, they may need assistance with projects as large or complex as their hydraulic counterparts.

Extended reading: Global Top 10 Press Brake Manufacturers ( Updated)

What are the types of brake presses according to the mode of movement?

Up-moving type: This mode of movement is known as "never eliminated", which can bend the workpiece in a wide range and is easy to operate.

Down-moving type: For the limitations caused by the low opening height; it has greatly interfered with the installation of considerable bending or complex workpieces; it is inconvenient to enter and exit the material; the synchronization accuracy is not high; it is difficult to accurately control the depth of the punch into the die; the requirements for workers are high; the die on the workbench runs up with the workpiece, and it is not easy for workers to operate; if workers misoperate, it will easily occur "hit the die", which will easily damage the lower die or the rear material stop finger.

What types of bending machines can be classified according to the synchronization method?

Machine-hydraulic synchronization: products that are already relatively backward and will undoubtedly have less and less demand in the future as time goes by.

Twist axis synchronization: ordinary and semi-automatic CNC products. You can choose standard products such as NC press brake for customers with low requirements.

Electro-hydraulic synchronous: fully automatic CNC products, also in recent years, KRRASS machine main products, simple operation, easy to start, suitable for workpiece accuracy, production efficiency and output requirements of high customers, energy saving and environmental protection, standard products such as CNC press brake.

What is the structure of the hydraulic press brake, and what are its characteristics?

Structural composition of the press brake

Hydraulic press brakes are important production machines for bending and forming workpieces in the sheet metal industry. The function of the machine is to bend all kinds of sheet metal materials into parts of various shapes according to the needs of sheet metal materials and processes.

As shown in the figure below, the press brake frame is mainly composed of left and right columns, workbenches, and beams. The left and right oil cylinders are fixed to the column.

The slider is connected to the piston of the oil cylinder and moves up and down along the guide rail fixed to the column. The lower mold is fixed to the work table. The upper mold is mounted at the lower end of the slider.

The hydraulic system provides power, and the electrical system gives instructions. Under the action of the oil cylinder, the slider drives the upper mold down and the lower mold close to the bending of the sheet metal.

Left and right columns, workbenches, and sliders (hereinafter referred to as the three main parts) are the key parts of the press brake. The total weight of the three main parts accounts for 70% to 80% of the total weight of a press brake.

Its strength and rigidity directly determine the running accuracy of the machine tool, the service life, and the accuracy of the workpiece.

1. Slider part: Hydraulic transmission is used, and the slider part is composed of the slider, oil cylinder, and mechanical stop fine-tuning structure. The left and right oil cylinders are fixed to the frame, the piston (rod) drives the slider up and down through hydraulic pressure, and the mechanical stop is controlled and adjusted by the numerical control system.
2. Workbench part: It is operated by the button box so that the motor drives the baffle to move back and forth, and the moving distance is controlled by the numerical control system, and the minimum reading is 0.01 mm (the front and rear positions are limited by the travel switch);
3. Synchronization system: The hydraulic press brake machine is a mechanical synchronization mechanism composed of a torsional shaft, swing arm, joint bearing, etc., with a simple structure, stable and reliable performance, and high synchronization accuracy. The mechanical stop is adjusted by the motor, and the numerical control system controls the value.
4. Material holding mechanism: The material blocking adopts a motor drive, which drives the two screw rods to move synchronously through chain operation, and the numerical control system controls the size of the material blocking.

Structural characteristics of press brakes

1. Adopt all-steel welded structure with sufficient strength and rigidity;
2. Hydraulic transmission, the cylinders at both ends of the machine tool are placed on the slider to directly drive the sliding work;
3. The slider synchronization mechanism adopts the torsional axis to force synchronization;
4. The mechanical block structure is adopted, which is stable and reliable.
5. The slider stroke is motorized and quickly adjusted, and manually fine-tuned, and the counter is displayed.

What are the parameters that affect the cnc press brakes?

Before choosing a suitable press brake, you must first understand the type of sheet metal material you want to bend (such as stainless steel, aluminum plate, etc.).

Secondly, you also need to determine the special parameters to consider when calculating the bending of a metal sheet part. These parameters may include:

1. Tensile strength
2. Thickness and length of metal
3. Press brake folding or bending length
4. V-shaped groove width
5. The inner radius of bending
6. Tonnage pressure

Once you have determined the above parameters, you need to calculate the tonnage of pressure required for the bending operation.

The pressure tonnage of the press brake determines the pressure value that the press brake can exert on the sheet metal material during bending operation.

• High tonnage allows bending of thick and hard metals
• Low tonnage is suitable for thin metals.

Note: The wrong tonnage pressure value (too high or too low) is likely to damage your press brake or the metal sheet part you are bending.

What are the bending types of press brake?

Air bending

In air bending, the end of the upper die and the 2 edges of the V slot of the lower die can complete the sheet metal bending operation.

However, this type of bending will have a rebound effect due to the characteristics of the sheet metal material.

When the tonnage pressure of the bending is weak and the upper die returns, the sheet metal material will bounce up as if it has elasticity.

Therefore, you must adjust the bending angle according to the rebound coefficient of the sheet metal material, and also calculate the margin.

Therefore, for a 90° bending operation, the bending angle must be reduced to 85°.

Other factors that may affect the data should also be considered when calculating this margin, such as: the thickness of the upper die, the bending length, and the width of the V-slot of the lower die, etc.

This type of bending is most commonly used in sheet metal processing because it is suitable for machines with low tonnage pressure, unlike bottom bending that requires more tonnage pressure.

Bottom bending

In bottom bending, the upper die of the press brake bends the sheet metal material with a higher tonnage pressure (3 to 5 times greater than air bending), thereby reducing or preventing the springback effect that often occurs when air is bent.

The company is the world’s best CNC Hydraulic Press Brake Machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

The process starts in the air bending state and continues down to the bottom of the V slot of the lower die for cold forging. This bending method can provide higher angular accuracy. It is suitable for sheet metal materials with a thickness of more than 2mm.

What should I pay attention to when maintaining and servicing my bending machine?

Before machine tool maintenance or cleaning, the upper mold should be aligned with the lower mold and then lowered and closed until the work is completed. If you need to start up or do other operations, the mode should be selected manually to ensure safety. The maintenance contents are as follows:

1. Hydraulic oil circuit

1. Check the fuel tank oil level every week. If the hydraulic system is repaired, it should also be checked. If the oil level is lower than the oil window, hydraulic oil should be added.
2. The hydraulic oil used in this machine is ISO HM46 or MOBIL DTE25;
3. The oil should be changed after the new machine has worked for hours, and the oil should be changed after every to hours of work in the future, and the oil tank should be cleaned at every oil change;
4. The oil temperature of the hydraulic system should be kept between 35°C and 60°C and should not exceed 70°C. If it is too high, it will cause deterioration and damage to the oil and accessories.

2. Filter

1. Each time the oil is changed, the filter should be replaced or thoroughly cleaned.
2. The machine tool has relevant alarms or other abnormal filters such as unclean oil quality, which should be replaced;
3. The air filter on the hydraulic fluid tank should be inspected and cleaned every 3 months, and it is best to replace the air filter directly with a new one for more than a year.

3. Hydraulic components

1. Clean hydraulic components (substrates, valves, motors, pumps, YouTube, etc.) every month to prevent dirt from entering the system, and cleaners cannot be used;
2. After the new machine has been in use for a month, check to see if there is any deformation in the bending of each YouTube video. If there is any abnormality, it should be replaced. After two months of use, the connections of all accessories should be tightened. When this work is done, the machine should be shut down, and the system has no pressure.

Choose the best Press Brake for your business

Now that you know the different types of press brakes available on the market, it's time to choose the best press brake for your business. To do this, there are three main factors you need to consider: cost, accuracy, and project size.

Cost

As with any major purchase for your business, you need to consider cost when choosing the best press brake.

How much can you afford to spend on a new CNC press brake machine?

How will the cost of maintenance and repairs affect your budget?

And don't forget to factor in the cost of any necessary accessories or accessories—such as dies or jigs—that you'll need to purchase separately.

Precision

Another important factor to consider is the accuracy of the press brakes. Depending on your project requirements, you may need a machine that offers high levels of accuracy and repeatability.

If that's the case, then you'll need to factor precision into your decision-making process.

Project Size

Finally, you need to consider the project size when choosing the best press brake. What types of projects will you use it for?

Will it handle small parts or large sheets?

How thick will the material be?

Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose the right press brake for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the best press brake is an important decision for any business owner or operator in . With so many options on the market for press brakes, it can be difficult to know which machine is right for your needs.

However, by taking into account factors such as cost, precision, and project size, you can narrow down your options and choose the perfect machine for your business. Thanks for reading !

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.

Make a request and Get Started Today

Get Instant Quote

NC and CNC press brakes are machines used for bending processes controlled by a numerical control system. NC stands for Numerical Control, which means these machines can be controlled and perform bending operations using computer programs or preset parameters without the need for manual operation. CNC, on the other hand, uses Computer Numerical Control technology to control and execute bending operations. With CNC systems, operators can program various bending parameters for the work piece using the controller. The controller can then set all the parameters, enabling precise and efficient execution of repetitive bends. Compared to traditional manual or semi-automatic bending machines, CNC press brakes offer higher levels of automation and precision. A single machine can complete the entire process without the need for workers or another machine to feed in metal sheets or wires, reducing labor costs. NC press brakes are a type of CNC press brake. How should businesses choose the right bending machine to ensure production efficiency, quality, and cost control?

NC press brakes use a mechanical synchronization method with a Y-axis and a rear gauge X-axis for pressure movement. They consist of a worktable, a hydraulic system, clamps, and a rear gauge. NC press brakes employ a mechanical forced synchronization method, and the parallelism of the slide cannot be self-calibrated and adjusted. The stroke of the slide can be manually adjusted, and a wedge-type clamp compensates for higher bending precision. In the case of CNC press brakes, two linear encoders are installed on both sides of the machine, and the CNC controller analyzes the synchronization of the slide based on feedback from these two linear encoders. If any errors occur, the controller makes adjustments through proportional valves to maintain slide synchronization. The CNC controller, hydraulic system, and linear encoders together form a closed-loop control system.

First, it is essential to prepare for the task, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring a clean and organized work area. Prepare the necessary metal materials, tools, and workpieces, and securely clamp the workpiece to the machine's worktable to ensure stability.

Next, select the right cutting tools and bending dies and install them on the CNC bending machine. Proceed by inputting the parameters of the workpiece through CNC programming, including bending angles, positions, and bending forces, so the machine knows how to operate. Start the CNC machine, load the CNC program, and enter the relevant parameters through the controller interface. The machine will then execute the bending operations based on the G-code or CAM instructions, and you can monitor the machine's operation through the controller interface.

During operation, regularly inspect the quality of the workpieces by using measuring instruments to check dimensions and angles to ensure they meet design requirements. If necessary, adjust the tools or reprogram the machine.

Finally, once all workpieces are produced, stop the machine's operation, remove the workpieces, clean and mark them (if required), and shut down the CNC bending machine. Perform necessary maintenance to ensure the machine's proper operation and longevity.

CNC bending machine programming is the process of translating a design into a series of instructions that the machine can understand and execute. Here are the steps:

Begin by creating or importing the CAD design of the workpiece, making sure it includes necessary dimensions, bending angles, and position information.

Next, convert this design into machine-readable G-code. G-code contains detailed instructions for machine movements and bending operations. This step can be automated using specialized CAM software or done manually by writing G-code.

Before programming, select the appropriate materials and cutting tools, as they will impact bending parameters and forces. Specify bending angles, bend locations, tool positions, and required bending forces during programming.

Once the G-code is generated, upload it to the CNC bending machine's controller. This typically involves storing the G-code file on a USB drive or uploading it through a network.

Set up the workpiece and tools on the CNC bending machine before executing the program. Ensure the workpiece is securely clamped and correctly positioned on the machine's worktable, and that the tools are properly installed.

Start the CNC bending machine, load the G-code program, and follow the instructions displayed on the controller interface. The machine will execute movements and operations based on your programming.

Monitor the bending process to ensure everything is running smoothly. Adjustments can be made during the operation if necessary. Use the controller interface to check the quality and dimensions of the workpieces.

Finally, when all workpieces are completed, stop the machine, remove the workpieces, clean and mark them as needed, and shut down the CNC bending machine.

CNC bending machine programming requires skill and experience to ensure high-quality and precise bending operations. Proper programming can improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with design requirements.

CNC controllers enable 2D and 3D simulations, ensuring complex bend shapes are thoroughly considered and providing optimized programming solutions, significantly enhancing production efficiency and work piece quality. CNC press brakes employ powerful algorithms in the control system to analyze the machine's operating state, allowing for precise adjustment of various parameters, and leaving room for improvement in the press brake's performance. Continuous innovations in numerical control system technology have led to widespread applications of CNC press brakes, such as in bending cell centers that can work in conjunction with robots. Advanced CNC systems also provide safety features, laser protection, light curtains, angle checks, laser checks, and material following devices, and offer multiple language options and highly intelligent DXF file inputs. These features play a crucial role in practical bending work, genuinely assisting in sheet metal bending operations. CNC press brakes' CNC systems allow for multiple programming and have storage capabilities. The larger the system's storage capacity, the more programs the machine can store. If manufacturers need to bend various specifications or complex work pieces, it's better to choose a CNC system to complete batch production efficiently. NC systems have no storage function.

When compared to NC press brakes, the slide opening height of NC press brakes is fixed, and it needs to move from the highest point to the lowest point each time it opens, which might lead to efficiency issues. The descent speed of the slide in NC press brakes is approximately 80mm/s, and the rear gauge movement speed is around 100mm/s. In contrast, CNC press brakes offer greater flexibility. The CNC controller allows precise control of the slide opening height using digital control, eliminating the need to return to the highest point each time and saving time, thereby improving processing efficiency. The slide descent speed can reach up to 200mm/s in CNC press brakes, with smooth movement even at variable points. The rear gauge speed can reach 400mm/s. Additionally, in terms of hydraulic cylinders, NC press brakes typically use 6:1 or 8:1 cylinders, while CNC press brakes use 13:1 or 15:1 cylinders. As a result, CNC press brakes have much faster idle and return speeds compared to NC press brakes.

In reality, if the machine capacity is less than 200 tons, CNC press brakes can be priced at more than twice the cost of NC press brakes. However, if the bending machine capacity exceeds 200 tons, CNC press brakes can be priced lower by up to half the cost of NC press brakes. Therefore, if the press brake has a higher production capacity, opting for a CNC press brake is often the better choice. Overall, CNC press brakes are typically priced higher than NC press brakes due to their advanced control systems, higher levels of automation, and improved performance. The specific price difference depends on the machine's model, specifications, and features, as well as market competition and supply-demand conditions. When purchasing a press brake, it's essential to balance price and performance according to your budget and production requirements.

For more information, please visit CNC Plate Bending Machine.