Dec. 16, 2024
Press brakes are essential pieces of equipment that help fabricators create formed parts such as brackets, channels, structural forms, enclosures, ductwork, and custom projects. These machines are found in every fabrication job shop and many machine shops. Their versatility allows for various applications, especially in forming. They assist fabricators and operators in bending sheet metals to create items of different shapes and forms. Before delving into the benefits of press brakes, let’s clarify what they are.
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Press brakes are fabrication tools used to bend sheet or plate metals. In a previous document titled "Introduction to Press Brakes", we discussed them in detail. To summarize, press brakes bend sheet metal by placing it on a die and lowering a punch onto it. A defined tonnage force then bends the material into the die, achieving the desired shape or angle. The press brake controller or operator must also account for springback in the material to ensure the correct angle once pressure is released and the ram retracts.
There are several types of press brakes, classified by the method used to generate force:
By sourcing formed parts internally, facilities can leverage press brakes designed for ultimate accuracy, leading to the production of high-quality products. This reduces rejection rates and customer returns.
Unlike other machines that waste a lot of material while curving items, press brakes enhance precision, resulting in less material wastage.
Press brakes can be fitted with individual punch sets or complete die sets to create accurate rows of holes with a single stroke. They can utilize up to 70% of their overall bending tonnage for punching applications.
Hemming involves folding a small portion of a sheet over to create a thicker, more durable edge, essential for the manufacture of boxes, covers, and panels. This operation can be completed using custom tool sets or simple flat hemming dies.
Press brakes offer unmatched flexibility for forming complicated multi-angle parts using segmented punch and die sets, acute tooling, and advanced controls.
CNC controls allow press brakes to repeat actions efficiently, whether the flanges are similar or vary in angle and length.
Press brakes enable simple setups and tooling, making them essential for prototype bending and forming applications without complex tools.
Modern press brakes can be automated to increase productivity, accuracy, and reduce labor costs, with options for material handling robotics to assist operators.
Press brakes can bend a wide variety of materials and thicknesses, offering a broad range of capabilities for shops.
Newer CNC-controlled press brakes provide detailed cycle time and material blank size information, simplifying job programming and simulation.
At Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc., we specialize in press brakes and metal forming. Contact us today to discuss your forming challenges or visit our website for more information.
To learn more, please visit our website High Precision Hydraulic Press Brake.
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