Fast forward, modern press brakes have evolved into high-tech machines that use computer technology and hydraulic system principles. These technologies allow press brakes to bend sheet and metal plates efficiently. If you’ve used traditional press brakes before, you should learn how modern systems operate.
How Do Press Brakes Work?
The main functional parts of the press brake include the following:
- The punch – it is the tool that bends sheet metals and other workpieces. It punches workpieces into a die.
- Die – it is a molded tool that bends workpieces.
- Workpiece – this is the surface, primarily sheet metal, being worked on.
Press brakes bend sheet metals or other workpieces by pressing them using the punch against the die. The die is set at specific angles to cut or bend metals into desired shapes. Generally, press brakes rely on force or tonnage. The force used determines the pressure applied to the punch while operational.
Thick materials require high tonnage to bend and vice versa. Apart from tonnage, operators should also consider the bending length, which is the maximum length the metal can bend. For instance, machines with a 14’ bending length can only process sheet metals not larger than 14’.
Press Brake Tooling
Operators should check tool tolerance every time they select a punch and die. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that the press brake tooling fits the manufacturers’ specifications and recommended adjustments. Common types of dies to choose from include:
- V-die – used to create V-shaped bends
- Seaming die – used to create seems in tubes and sheets
- Rocker-type die – they bend the workpiece through side-to-side and up-and-down movements
- Multiple bend die – can produce multiple shapes or several bends simultaneously
- Gooseneck die – perfect for clearing rims, and uneven workpiece surfaces called flanges
- Acute-angle die – used for creating right, acute, and obtuse angles
- Offset die – creates Z-shaped angles
- Curling die – used to coil or curl sheet edges
Press Brake Bending Methods
Operating press brakes requires that you understand the various bending methods. They include:
- Air bending – here, the workpiece only touches the tip of the punch and the edge of the die. The punch extends slightly past the top of the chosen die. In the case of the V-shaped die, it crosses the top of the V-shape but doesn’t reach the bottom. The shape of the V opening determines the radius of the bend.
- Bottom bending – in this bending method, the die angle should match the intended workpiece angle. Unlike air bending, the workpiece is bottomed by the punch against the die.
- Coining – this involves stamping sheet metal between the die and punch. With the right pressure, the punch tip penetrates and flows the workpiece. It is an accurate process that can only be achieved with old machines.
Types of Press Brakes
The following are types of press brakes that suit different operations:
1. Mechanical Press Brakes
Mechanical press brakes are widely used because of their simple operation. They use a motor to power the flywheel. Because it doesn’t have many moving parts, operating and maintaining press brakes is effortless. Mechanical press brakes are also powerful enough to handle three times their basic rating. However, on the downside, the ram should complete the cycle once it’s been initiated.
2. Hydraulic Press Brakes
These brakes substitute motor power with hydraulic pressure. Hydraulic press brakes have several cylinders, allowing operators to control metal sheet bends. This results in precise and highly customizable bends. However, these machines can’t exceed the rated tonnage.
3. CNC Press Brakes
CNC press brakes use modern computer technology to improve accuracy and efficiency. However, they should be controlled by trained operators, who can adjust specific measurements, such as the plate thickness, bending width, and angle.
Conclusion
Press brakes are widely applied in the automotive, marine engineering, furniture, aerospace, and metal artwork industries. They are excellent tools for bending plate and sheet metals at precise angles and lengths. If you are looking for the best press brakes, order from Metal Ready Machinery.
