How Does A Press Brake Work?
what is a press brake
A press brake is a device used in the metalworking industry to bend sheet metal and other materials. It belongs to a versatile machine tool used in industrial and manufacturing workshops for bending sheet metal to the desired Angle and shape. The bending process of the sheet metal is accomplished by applying force to the bending point. On the punch, the sheet metal is placed between the punch and the die. The punch is the upper component, and the mold is the lower component.
A press brake is a machine that clips the workpiece between a matching V-shaped die and punch and applies force to bend the material to the desired Angle. The press works through a combination of mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic power, depending on the specific model and application. The press applies force to the metal sheet through the punch, causing it to bend or deform according to the mold shape. When the punch presses the metal into the mold, the material bends. The forces and bends applied by punches can be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or servo-electric, each with specific use cases and advantages.
The press brake drives punches and dies through different drive sources to bend repeatable metal plates and shaped profiles. Different thicknesses and lengths of materials require different bending forces. Simply put, stamping is a process used to bend and form sheet metal. The bending force, in tons, is the force applied by the brake of the press. The tonnage determines the load limit of the press brake. If the stamping brake has a higher tonnage, it can bend thicker, longer sheets of metal. Different types of press brakes produce tonnage in different ways. Hydraulic press brake is suitable for large tonnage bending, and the driving source is generally divided into mechanical, hydraulic, electric, pneumatic. The name of the press brake is determined by the drive method. For example, a pneumatic press drives the slide through air pressure, while a servo electric press brake uses a servo motor to drive the slide. Servo electric press brakes offer very high accuracy and speed.
How does the press brake work
The working principle of the press brake is relatively simple. When the operator places the workpiece between the die and the punch, the plunger of the machine descends to apply force to the material. The force causes the material to bend along the bending line, and the final Angle is determined by how deep the plunger enters the mold. The back stop on the machine helps align the workpiece for precise bending, and the operator can control the force and speed of the plunger using the machine's control device.
Modern common press brake types can be mainly divided into mechanical and hydraulic press brakes. At present, modern press brakes have been developed into advanced computer numerical control (CNC) hydraulic press brakes. The CNC press brake can handle all kinds of complex and large quantities of workpiece forming tasks.
The bending Angle is adjusted by adjusting the movement of the ram through the control system. There are basically three bending methods: air bending, bottom bending, and embossed bending. The choice of bending method has a great relationship with the thickness of the plate. Air bending is the most commonly used bending method, and the workpiece is not in complete contact with the bottom die. It can be carried out at relatively small tonnage. Bottom-bending and embossing methods can also be used as needed. During bending, the hydraulic cylinder drives the movement of the ram, which in turn drives the upper die to exert pressure on the lower die on the workbench. The sheet metal in the middle is extruded by the mold to form a specific Angle, and after repeated bending, the final profile is obtained. The Angle and shape of the metal plate is determined by the shape of the punch and die and the movement of the ram. CNC press brakes offer flexible numerical control and programming features that make them user-friendly to operate.
How to set the press brake
Setting up and using the bender effectively requires proper training and knowledge of the machine's functions. Before operating the bender, the operator must ensure that the workpiece is firmly sandwiched between the die and the punch and that the rear stop is positioned correctly for accurate bending. The operator must also adjust the machine's Settings, such as bending Angle, bending radius and material thickness, to achieve the desired effect. When using a bender, appropriate safety precautions must be taken, such as wearing protective equipment and following safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
First, it is crucial to understand the stretching of a bent workpiece. Determine the material, length and thickness of the workpiece, as well as the bending Angle, bending radius, flange size and tolerance of the workpiece. Secondly, choose the appropriate bending method and mold. Select the appropriate bending method according to the relationship between the bending radius and the metal thickness, such as air bending, bottom bending or compression. Select presses and modules that match the material of the bending workpiece. Third, determine the tonnage according to the tonnage table. Refer to the corresponding tonnage estimate provided by the manufacturer. If it is air bending, you can refer to the tonnage map to determine the tonnage. The tonnage of the bottom bend is 4 to 6 times that of the gas bend, and the tonnage of the pressure coin is 8 to 10 times that of the gas bend.
The brake die of the press plays a crucial role in achieving accurate bending. Press brake mold installation and adjustment, including checking the thickness and proportion of the upper and lower molds, adjusting the travel of the ram, adjusting the upper limit point of the mold to retain the retention position of the ram, and setting the appropriate gap between the upper and lower molds. Execute the programming program of the press brake, be familiar with the function of the CNC controller, off-line programming, and use the scrap board for bending test. If there is a problem with bending the workpiece, check and correct the program and operate the press brake accordingly. These steps can save costs and increase efficiency.
Cases and Applications
1. Automobile industry
Stamping brakes are widely used in the automotive industry to manufacture various automotive components such as brackets, chassis, body panels, exhaust systems, etc. Their high precision and consistency guarantee the quality and safety of these parts. For example, press brakes can precisely bend metal sheets to meet the strict specifications of car manufacturers, resulting in high-quality vehicles.
2. Aerospace industry
In the aerospace industry, press brakes are used to produce critical components such as aircraft frames, wing components and engine covers. Given the high precision and reliability required for aerospace components, stamping brakes ensure the structural integrity and functionality of these components. For example, stamping brakes can precisely bend aluminum and titanium alloys to meet the stringent requirements of aircraft and satellites.
3. Home appliance industry
Press brakes are used in the home appliance industry to produce refrigerator panels, washing machine housings and air conditioning components. Their high precision and flexibility allow manufacturers to meet the specific design requirements of each appliance. For example, press brakes can precisely bend metal plates to produce electrical housings and internal components that meet design specifications.
4. Construction industry
In the construction industry, punch brakes are used to manufacture structural components, beams and other metal components used in construction and infrastructure projects. For example, press brakes can bend metal plates to produce structural components such as I-beams and metal decks that meet architectural design requirements.
5. Furniture manufacturing
Stamping brakes are used in furniture manufacturing to produce metal frames, brackets and decorative metal parts. For example, press brakes can bend metal plates to create complex shapes and angles that meet furniture design requirements, thus enhancing the beauty and functionality of furniture.
6. Medical equipment
In the medical device manufacturing industry, press brakes are used to produce high-precision, high-performance metal components. For example, press brakes can bend metal plates to produce parts that meet the strict specifications of medical devices, improving production efficiency and product quality.
7. Electronic and electrical equipment
Press brakes are used in the electronic and electrical equipment manufacturing industry to produce precision metal housings and components. For example, press brakes can bend metal sheets to create housings and brackets that meet the design requirements of electronic devices, ensuring their functionality and safety.
8. Defense industry
In the defense industry, press brakes are used to manufacture high-strength metal plates and alloy components such as ammunition storage containers, armored vehicles and armor plates. For example, press brakes can bend metal plates to produce components that meet the strict requirements of military equipment, enhancing the durability and safety of equipment.
Press Brake Common Faults and Solutions
Despite the importance of press brakes in the metalworking industry, press brakes can experience common failures and problems that can affect their performance. Some common problems include inaccurate bending angles, material slippage, and uneven bending lines. To solve these problems, the operator can first check the machine's Settings and make adjustments as needed. They can also check molds and punches for damage or wear and replace them if necessary. In addition, regular maintenance and cleaning of the machine helps to prevent problems and ensure smooth operation.
Conclusion
There are many kinds of press brake, such as mechanical press brake, CNC press brake, hydraulic brake and so on. No matter how advanced the technology of the stamping brake is, its basic working principle is similar. The modern CNC press brake is more advanced than the previous press brake technology, and the bending accuracy and efficiency have been greatly improved. The press brake is a versatile and essential tool for bending sheet metal and other materials in the metalworking industry. It operates through a combination of mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic power, and its working principle involves clamping the workpiece between the die and the punch to apply force and bend the material to the desired Angle. Setting up and using the press effectively requires proper training and knowledge of the machine's functions, as well as adherence to safety guidelines. Overall, understanding the operation and maintenance of the press is essential to maximize the efficiency and productivity of the metalworking operation.
After knowing this, you can visit our website, if you need to learn more about press brake knowledge or buy a machine, you can also consult our sales staff, they can recommend you the best press brake or CNC machine for you.
How Does A Press Brake Work?
what is a press brake
A press brake is a device used in the metalworking industry to bend sheet metal and other materials. It belongs to a versatile machine tool used in industrial and manufacturing workshops for bending sheet metal to the desired Angle and shape. The bending process of the sheet metal is accomplished by applying force to the bending point. On the punch, the sheet metal is placed between the punch and the die. The punch is the upper component, and the mold is the lower component.
A press brake is a machine that clips the workpiece between a matching V-shaped die and punch and applies force to bend the material to the desired Angle. The press works through a combination of mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic power, depending on the specific model and application. The press applies force to the metal sheet through the punch, causing it to bend or deform according to the mold shape. When the punch presses the metal into the mold, the material bends. The forces and bends applied by punches can be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or servo-electric, each with specific use cases and advantages.
The press brake drives punches and dies through different drive sources to bend repeatable metal plates and shaped profiles. Different thicknesses and lengths of materials require different bending forces. Simply put, stamping is a process used to bend and form sheet metal. The bending force, in tons, is the force applied by the brake of the press. The tonnage determines the load limit of the press brake. If the stamping brake has a higher tonnage, it can bend thicker, longer sheets of metal. Different types of press brakes produce tonnage in different ways. Hydraulic press brake is suitable for large tonnage bending, and the driving source is generally divided into mechanical, hydraulic, electric, pneumatic. The name of the press brake is determined by the drive method. For example, a pneumatic press drives the slide through air pressure, while a servo electric press brake uses a servo motor to drive the slide. Servo electric press brakes offer very high accuracy and speed.
How does the press brake work
The working principle of the press brake is relatively simple. When the operator places the workpiece between the die and the punch, the plunger of the machine descends to apply force to the material. The force causes the material to bend along the bending line, and the final Angle is determined by how deep the plunger enters the mold. The back stop on the machine helps align the workpiece for precise bending, and the operator can control the force and speed of the plunger using the machine's control device.
Modern common press brake types can be mainly divided into mechanical and hydraulic press brakes. At present, modern press brakes have been developed into advanced computer numerical control (CNC) hydraulic press brakes. The CNC press brake can handle all kinds of complex and large quantities of workpiece forming tasks.
The bending Angle is adjusted by adjusting the movement of the ram through the control system. There are basically three bending methods: air bending, bottom bending, and embossed bending. The choice of bending method has a great relationship with the thickness of the plate. Air bending is the most commonly used bending method, and the workpiece is not in complete contact with the bottom die. It can be carried out at relatively small tonnage. Bottom-bending and embossing methods can also be used as needed. During bending, the hydraulic cylinder drives the movement of the ram, which in turn drives the upper die to exert pressure on the lower die on the workbench. The sheet metal in the middle is extruded by the mold to form a specific Angle, and after repeated bending, the final profile is obtained. The Angle and shape of the metal plate is determined by the shape of the punch and die and the movement of the ram. CNC press brakes offer flexible numerical control and programming features that make them user-friendly to operate.
How to set the press brake
Setting up and using the bender effectively requires proper training and knowledge of the machine's functions. Before operating the bender, the operator must ensure that the workpiece is firmly sandwiched between the die and the punch and that the rear stop is positioned correctly for accurate bending. The operator must also adjust the machine's Settings, such as bending Angle, bending radius and material thickness, to achieve the desired effect. When using a bender, appropriate safety precautions must be taken, such as wearing protective equipment and following safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
First, it is crucial to understand the stretching of a bent workpiece. Determine the material, length and thickness of the workpiece, as well as the bending Angle, bending radius, flange size and tolerance of the workpiece. Secondly, choose the appropriate bending method and mold. Select the appropriate bending method according to the relationship between the bending radius and the metal thickness, such as air bending, bottom bending or compression. Select presses and modules that match the material of the bending workpiece. Third, determine the tonnage according to the tonnage table. Refer to the corresponding tonnage estimate provided by the manufacturer. If it is air bending, you can refer to the tonnage map to determine the tonnage. The tonnage of the bottom bend is 4 to 6 times that of the gas bend, and the tonnage of the pressure coin is 8 to 10 times that of the gas bend.
The brake die of the press plays a crucial role in achieving accurate bending. Press brake mold installation and adjustment, including checking the thickness and proportion of the upper and lower molds, adjusting the travel of the ram, adjusting the upper limit point of the mold to retain the retention position of the ram, and setting the appropriate gap between the upper and lower molds. Execute the programming program of the press brake, be familiar with the function of the CNC controller, off-line programming, and use the scrap board for bending test. If there is a problem with bending the workpiece, check and correct the program and operate the press brake accordingly. These steps can save costs and increase efficiency.
Cases and Applications
1. Automobile industry
Stamping brakes are widely used in the automotive industry to manufacture various automotive components such as brackets, chassis, body panels, exhaust systems, etc. Their high precision and consistency guarantee the quality and safety of these parts. For example, press brakes can precisely bend metal sheets to meet the strict specifications of car manufacturers, resulting in high-quality vehicles.
2. Aerospace industry
In the aerospace industry, press brakes are used to produce critical components such as aircraft frames, wing components and engine covers. Given the high precision and reliability required for aerospace components, stamping brakes ensure the structural integrity and functionality of these components. For example, stamping brakes can precisely bend aluminum and titanium alloys to meet the stringent requirements of aircraft and satellites.
3. Home appliance industry
Press brakes are used in the home appliance industry to produce refrigerator panels, washing machine housings and air conditioning components. Their high precision and flexibility allow manufacturers to meet the specific design requirements of each appliance. For example, press brakes can precisely bend metal plates to produce electrical housings and internal components that meet design specifications.
4. Construction industry
In the construction industry, punch brakes are used to manufacture structural components, beams and other metal components used in construction and infrastructure projects. For example, press brakes can bend metal plates to produce structural components such as I-beams and metal decks that meet architectural design requirements.
5. Furniture manufacturing
Stamping brakes are used in furniture manufacturing to produce metal frames, brackets and decorative metal parts. For example, press brakes can bend metal plates to create complex shapes and angles that meet furniture design requirements, thus enhancing the beauty and functionality of furniture.
6. Medical equipment
In the medical device manufacturing industry, press brakes are used to produce high-precision, high-performance metal components. For example, press brakes can bend metal plates to produce parts that meet the strict specifications of medical devices, improving production efficiency and product quality.
7. Electronic and electrical equipment
Press brakes are used in the electronic and electrical equipment manufacturing industry to produce precision metal housings and components. For example, press brakes can bend metal sheets to create housings and brackets that meet the design requirements of electronic devices, ensuring their functionality and safety.
8. Defense industry
In the defense industry, press brakes are used to manufacture high-strength metal plates and alloy components such as ammunition storage containers, armored vehicles and armor plates. For example, press brakes can bend metal plates to produce components that meet the strict requirements of military equipment, enhancing the durability and safety of equipment.
Press Brake Common Faults and Solutions
Despite the importance of press brakes in the metalworking industry, press brakes can experience common failures and problems that can affect their performance. Some common problems include inaccurate bending angles, material slippage, and uneven bending lines. To solve these problems, the operator can first check the machine's Settings and make adjustments as needed. They can also check molds and punches for damage or wear and replace them if necessary. In addition, regular maintenance and cleaning of the machine helps to prevent problems and ensure smooth operation.
Conclusion
There are many kinds of press brake, such as mechanical press brake, CNC press brake, hydraulic brake and so on. No matter how advanced the technology of the stamping brake is, its basic working principle is similar. The modern CNC press brake is more advanced than the previous press brake technology, and the bending accuracy and efficiency have been greatly improved. The press brake is a versatile and essential tool for bending sheet metal and other materials in the metalworking industry. It operates through a combination of mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic power, and its working principle involves clamping the workpiece between the die and the punch to apply force and bend the material to the desired Angle. Setting up and using the press effectively requires proper training and knowledge of the machine's functions, as well as adherence to safety guidelines. Overall, understanding the operation and maintenance of the press is essential to maximize the efficiency and productivity of the metalworking operation.
After knowing this, you can visit our website, if you need to learn more about press brake knowledge or buy a machine, you can also consult our sales staff, they can recommend you the best press brake or CNC machine for you.