What is a CNC Press Brake Machine and How Does it Work?

Release Time: 2025-04-14
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In the field of metal processing, CNC press brake is a bright star, playing a pivotal role. With advanced technology and excellent performance, it provides solid support for manufacturing in many industries. Whether it is the precision components of automobiles, or aerospace high-end parts, CNC press brakes are involved, contributing an indispensable force. Next, let us together to explore the mysteries of CNC press brake.

What is a CNC Press Brake?

CNC press brake is an advanced machinery and equipment in the field of metal processing, it cleverly integrated precision engineering, hydraulic systems and advanced control technology. Its core mission is to accurately bend metal sheets into a variety of shapes and angles to meet the complex production needs of different industries.

 

In the automotive industry, CNC press brake helps to build key parts of the body, such as doors, bonnets, etc., laying the foundation for the safety and beauty of the car; in the aerospace field, it participates in the moulding of the wings and fuselage frames of the aircraft to ensure the stability and safety of the aircraft at high altitude; in the construction industry, it is used in the manufacture of building structural parts, such as steel beams, staircase handrails, etc., adding bricks and bricks to the stability of the building; in the manufacturing industry, it is a powerful tool to Production of various types of industrial equipment shell of the right hand.

HB3 Press Brakes

The Basic Working Principle of the Press Brake

The working principle of the press brake is based on the elastic deformation properties of metal materials. When the pressure is applied to the metal plate, the plate will be in the elastic range of shape change, and the press brake is the use of this feature, the plate will be bent into the desired shape.

 

Sometimes, in order to better achieve the bending effect, the steel plate may be heated to make it more susceptible to elastic deformation. Or through mechanical external force, directly on the steel plate, so that it gradually bending. In practice, the press brake may perform several bending operations according to the design requirements. For example, the manufacture of a metal container with a complex shape may require right-angle bending and then arc bending, and the final change of the complex shape will be achieved by precisely controlling the angle and position of each bending.

 

The amount of pressure and the way it is applied, as well as the shape and accuracy of the tooling, are key factors that affect the bending results. The right pressure can ensure the smooth bending of the plate without breakage or uneven deformation; high-precision moulds can ensure that the bending angle and shape are consistent with the design.

3 Types of CNC Press Brakes

Hydraulic Press Brake

Hydraulic press brake is the most common member of the CNC press brake family. Its distinguishing feature is its ability to provide stable and continuous pressure to ensure high accuracy in the bending process. With its powerful pressure output, it can easily handle heavier metal materials and is ideal for large tonnage bending requirements.

 

In the manufacture of large building structural components, heavy steel beams need to be bent, the hydraulic press brake will be able to rely on its stable pressure to accurately bend the steel beams into the required angle, providing a strong structure for the building.

Mechanical Press Brake

Although the mechanical press brake is not as widely used as the hydraulic press brake today, it still has its place in small-scale production operations. Its advantage lies in the fast running speed, can be completed in a relatively short period of time, multiple bending operations. Moreover, its relatively low cost makes it an affordable option for some small businesses with limited budgets.

 

However, compared to hydraulic press brakes, mechanical press brakes are slightly less flexible and less accurate. In the high precision requirements of automotive parts processing, mechanical press brake may not be able to meet the demand, but in some of the less stringent requirements for precision in the processing of small metal products, its speed and cost advantages can be highlighted.

Electric Press Brake

The electric press brake stands out for its excellent energy efficiency and high precision. During operation, it generates less noise and does not cause too much disturbance to the working environment. At the same time, due to the characteristics of its structure and working principle, the maintenance requirements are relatively low, which saves a lot of maintenance costs and time for enterprises.

 

For those companies that focus on environmental protection and energy saving, electric press brakes are undoubtedly a popular choice. In the electronic equipment manufacturing industry, the parts of the high precision requirements, but also hope that the equipment can be energy-saving and environmentally friendly, electric press brake can well meet these needs.

Hybrid Press Brake

Hybrid press brake cleverly blends the advantages of hydraulic and electric technology, to achieve a comprehensive improvement in performance. It significantly improves efficiency and reduces energy consumption while maintaining high power and accuracy.

 

The advantages of the hybrid press brake are fully utilised in industries with stringent requirements on productivity and energy consumption, such as high-end manufacturing. It can not sacrifice product quality under the premise of fast completion of the bending task, while reducing energy waste, to create greater value for the enterprise.

CNC Press Brake Programming Tips: Step-by-Step Guide

Start-up Preparation

Before starting the CNC press brake, first make sure that the power connection is normal. After connecting the power supply, gently press the power switch on the operation panel, at this time, the equipment begins to start the self-test procedure. Subsequently, restart the oil pump, listen carefully, when you hear an even rotation sound from the oil pump, it means that the oil pump is working properly and the equipment is ready.

Stroke Adjustment

Stroke adjustment is a crucial step before bending. During operation, set the stroke parameters precisely by means of the motorised quick-adjustment device. It is important to note that a test is carried out before bending to ensure that when the lower die is lowered to the bottom, a gap equivalent to the thickness of the plate is retained between it and the plate. If this gap is not reserved, the lower die may hit the plate directly during the lowering process, resulting in damage to the die and even affecting the overall performance of the equipment.

Bending Notch Selection

Selecting the appropriate bending notch is the key to ensuring the bending quality. Generally speaking, follow the principle that the width of the groove is 8 times the thickness of the plate to choose the bending groove. For example, when the need to bend 4mm thick plate, according to this principle, should choose 32mm wide groove. This choice can ensure that in the bending process, the plate can be uniform force, so as to obtain the ideal bending effect.

Backstop Adjustment

The backstop adjustment plays a key role in the positioning of the workpiece and bending accuracy. The adjustment of the backstop usually includes electric quick adjustment and manual adjustment, which is similar to the adjustment of the hydraulic shear. By adjusting the position of the backstop, the position of the workpiece during the bending process can be precisely controlled to ensure the accuracy of bending.

Bending Operation

Once everything is ready, the bending operation can be carried out. Press the button switch, the equipment began to work, the slider drives the punch downward movement, applying pressure to the plate to achieve bending. It should be noted that the CNC press brake and hydraulic shearing machine in the operation is different, CNC press brake can always release the button to stop bending, when the button is stepped on again, the slider will continue to slide down for bending, this flexible mode of operation to facilitate the operator to adjust according to the actual situation.

Press Brake Setup & Installation Guide

Choose a Suitable Location

The first step in the installation of CNC press brake is to choose a suitable location. This location needs to be spacious enough to ensure that the operator can move freely around the equipment to avoid inconvenience or safety hazards caused by narrow space during operation.

 

At the same time, the installation area must be equipped with a suitable power supply to meet the electrical needs of the equipment. A good ventilation system is also indispensable, which can promptly discharge the heat and exhaust generated during the operation of the equipment to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and the health of the operators. In addition, use a level to test the ground to ensure that the ground is level, to prevent the equipment from moving during operation, affecting the bending accuracy.

Use of cranes

The CNC press brake is large and heavy, so it is necessary to use the power of the crane in the handling and installation process. The rope of the crane must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the equipment, and at the same time the length should be appropriate to ensure safe lifting.

 

During lifting, the chain is securely fastened to the front lifting hole of the machine, and using a crane with a safety device, the equipment is carefully lifted, loaded onto a transport vehicle and then transported smoothly to the installation site. During the whole lifting process, strictly observe the safety operation regulations to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

Installation of the Machine

Leveling the machine: In order to ensure the bending accuracy of the CNC press brake, regular levelling of the machine is essential. Place the machine on a level surface and use a spirit level to check at positions A1 and A2 respectively, allowing a level deviation of between 1 – 2mm per metre. If the deviation is too large, it is necessary to adjust the levelling bolts at the bottom of the equipment to make the equipment level.

 

Electrical Connection: Electrical connection is an important part of CNC press brake installation, and it is recommended to be operated by professional electrical technicians. Before connecting the power supply, carefully check the electrical wiring of the equipment to ensure that the lines are not broken or short-circuited. When connecting the three-phase power supply, be sure to ensure that the phase is correct and that the direction of the pump rotation drive motor is correct.

 

If the motor is incorrectly steered, it will be necessary to change the phase of the incoming circuit, but never change the internal circuitry of the unit. Before checking the motor steering, make sure the unit is clean and level to ensure accurate test results.

 

Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system of the CNC press brake is one of its core components. In the hydraulic drive system, the AC servo motor drives the slide to move, so that the hydraulic oil and the variable speed pump work together. The drive unit is mounted on the crossbeam and connected to the machine body through the guide rail to ensure smooth movement. The control system precisely controls the up and down movement of the crossbeam by controlling the drive motor.

 

The scales on both sides of the device read the signals in real time and feed them back to the control system to achieve precise position control. The control circuits in the cylinders, the charging valves and the servo valves are independently controlled by the DNC controller. This advanced control method can effectively improve the bending accuracy and reduce energy consumption and cost.

 

It is vital to keep the hydraulic system clean. When changing the hydraulic oil, carefully wipe the inside of the tank with a soft towel to remove impurities and dirt, then clean the tank with clean petrol to ensure that the inside of the tank is clean and free of impurities. Open the drain valve to discharge the old oil, and finally wipe the stains on the surface of the tank.

 

The temperature of the hydraulic oil also has certain requirements, not too low or too high. If the temperature is below zero degree Celsius or above 70 degree Celsius, it is necessary to install an oil heater or cooler to ensure the normal performance of the hydraulic oil. When refuelling, add it slowly through the air filter, and after refuelling is completed, operate the equipment to discharge the air bubbles in the hydraulic circuit to ensure the normal operation of the system.

 

Press Brake Rear Blocking Material: The back stop of the press brake is mainly used for positioning the workpiece. When positioning the workpiece, the workpiece is placed on the lower die and then pushed into the machine, at which time the stopping fingers of the rear stopper will be docked with the workpiece to achieve accurate positioning.

 

The axes of the backstop are accurately controlled by the control system: the X-axis moves back and forth, the R-axis moves up and down, and the Z-axis moves left and right, each driven by a separate motor. In addition, the Z-axis and R-axis can be manually adjusted from the rear of the machine, providing the operator with additional flexibility.

 

The use of linear guides and ball screws allows the axes of the backstop to move freely and smoothly. When moving in the X-axis direction, the force is limited to within 150N to prevent collision due to excessive force and ensure the safety of the equipment and workpiece.

Press Brake Applications: All Industries that Use Them

Decoration Industry

In the decoration industry, CNC press brake is usually used in conjunction with high-speed shearing machine. High-speed shears will be cut into the required size of stainless steel plate and other materials, and then CNC press brake debut, these plates bent into various shapes for the production of stainless steel decorative strips, shaped door and window frames, etc.. These products processed by CNC press brakes are not only highly accurate, but also beautifully shaped, adding a unique charm to the decorative project.

Electrical and Power Industry

In the electrical and electric power industry, CNC press brake is widely used. The shearing machine first cuts the plates into different sizes, and then the CNC press brake carries out secondary processing of these plates to produce computer chassis, electrical cabinets, refrigerators and air conditioning shells and other products. The high precision and stability of CNC press brakes can meet the industry’s strict requirements for product precision and dimensional consistency, ensuring product quality and performance.

Kitchen and Catering Industry

In the kitchen and catering industry, CNC press brakes are mainly used for secondary processing of stainless steel kitchen utensils of various specifications. For example, bending stainless steel sheets into shapes such as sinks and dining car frames. The precise control of the CNC press brake can ensure that the size of the kitchen utensils is accurate, which facilitates subsequent welding and assembly, and improves production efficiency and product quality.

Wind Power Communication Industry

In the wind power communication industry, CNC press brakes undertake the important task of bending wind power poles, street light poles, communication tower poles, traffic signal light poles, monitoring poles, etc.. The strength and shape accuracy of these poles are directly related to the normal operation and service life of the equipment, CNC press brake with its high precision and strong bending capacity to meet the industry’s strict standards for the poles, to provide solid support for the construction of wind power and communication facilities.

Automotive and Shipbuilding Industry

In the automotive and shipbuilding industries, large-scale CNC hydraulic shears are usually used first to complete the shearing of plates, and then CNC press brakes carry out secondary processing of the sheared plates, such as bending the plates into the shape of automotive body parts, ship structural parts and other shapes, in preparation for the subsequent welding and assembly. CNC press brakes are able to adapt to the needs of mass production in these two industries to ensure product consistency and quality.

Aerospace Industry

Aerospace industry requires high precision of parts, CNC press brake with its excellent precision, become an indispensable equipment for the industry. In the processing of aircraft wings, fuselage parts and other key components, CNC press brake can accurately bend metal sheets into complex shapes to meet the aerospace industry’s high precision and high performance requirements for parts, to provide protection for the safety and performance of the aircraft.

Conclusion

With its unique working principle, diverse types, precise programming control, rigorous installation process and wide range of applications, CNC press brake occupies an important position in the modern metal processing industry. It not only provides efficient and accurate solutions for manufacturing in various industries, but also promotes the continuous progress of metal processing technology.

 

Through an in-depth understanding of CNC press brakes, both practitioners in the metal processing industry and people interested in advanced manufacturing technology can better recognise its value and potential. It is hoped that more people will pay attention to and apply CNC press brake technology, and jointly promote the development and innovation of the metal processing industry.

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