What is a CNC press brake?
What is a CNC press brake?
A CNC press brake or some may know as CNC metal benders are tremendous machines that are used for bending sheet metal or its components in numerous designs and profiles. There is no hesitation in admitting that the advancement in the technological sectors has enhanced the progression of industries globally. Heavy industries are now flooded with various machines and tools to foster productivity at an unimaginable rate. The demand increase worldwide requires industries to take big steps in accommodating advanced machines.
A CNC press brake machine is one of those tools that have blessed various industries with its features. Here is a brief understanding of the CNC press brake machine and how it has transformed the manufacturing industry;
CNC Press Brake
By the name, it’s easier to understand that it is a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine and due to this system, the machine acts as an efficient tool in bending metal sheets no matter what the size is of the sheets. However, the CNC press brake machines come in two structures;
– Down Forming
The down-forming structure is designed in such a way that it has a fixed bottom with a v-shaped tool finely attached to it. Moreover, it has a top beam which is also v-shaped; this part is responsible for pressing the metal against the tool.
– Up Forming
The structure of up forming CNC press brake is pretty much the same as the down form, but the main difference is that it has a bottom that is moving instead of being fixed.
When talking about the result of both types, it is pretty much the same. Technological advancement has brought a massive change in the manufacturing work culture. There are many benefits of CNC press brake machines. This step comes after the parts are cut from the sheet stock. You can read more about the advantages of laser cutting for sheet metal fabrication.
Benefits of CNC press Brake
Here are some of the most prominent benefits of CNC press brake;
Better Efficiency
There’s no denying the fact that CNC press brake machines are better when it comes to efficiency. Older machines usually produce 600 bends per hour, but the modern press brake with CNC is known for producing about 900 bends which is tremendous. You turn the machine on, and it will run until you change the tools for a new design. Previously, this was done manually, but now it is done with a touch screen, limiting the hard manual tasks.
To speed up manufacturing, these machines are much easier to install as they are lighter and easy to use. There are a variety of software programs that enable you to produce unique designs in no time. Old machines required extensive piping, which was always vulnerable to breaking down, but the CNC press brake machines do not require this, making them more efficient.
Who doesn’t want an industry with machines that would save their labor cost? In this 21st century, the target is to enhance productivity with minimum investment. When comparing CNC press brake with other machines, it works much faster and thus cuts the cost of extra electricity. Moreover, it is known for producing less waste during operations, which saves much of the cost.
Complex Designs
Numerous industries around the world rely on sheet metal fabrication, such as construction companies, food and beverage, and much more. If we talk about construction companies, they require structural material, which needs to be remarkable for better development. Moreover, the food & beverages companies need metal fabricated parts for creating equipment such as mixers, metal weighing scales, and whatnot.
Older machines were tasked to create very limited designs. However, as CNC press brake machines are introduced in the market, they have paved the path for unique and complex designs. The best part is that the machine comes with many customizable parts and components which you can use to manipulate the operations as you want.
Automation & Safety
One of the key benefits of CNC press brake machines is automation for sure. Automation is known for increased accuracy. As they have decreased labor costs, automation is also credited for faster completion of tasks, boosting overall productivity. They can speed up the fabrication as well as reduce the lead times. Previously, meeting the demands of the customers was ahead, but with the inclusion of CNC press brake machines, demands are met flawlessly, as this century is all about consumerism as this is the age of mass consumption.
As automation comes in, the safety features are certainly enhanced. With a diverse labor force, there was always a fear of incidents in industries due to inevitable human error, but CNC press brake machines have tackled that dilemma. Overall, workplace safety is improved remarkably, as everything is done automatically, and manual work has become minimal, leading to fewer incidents.
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How to choose a CNC press brake machine?
If you are planning to invest in a CNC press brake machine, then it is surely a big investment to do, and this is why you need to consider some tips before choosing one. Before choosing the machine, you need to select the materials you will be bending with the machine, as it will directly affect the function of the machine you will be buying.
Moreover, keep in mind the complexity of designs, do you demand simple designs or the industry requirements are complex and unique? If your demand is complex designs, you need to buy a machine with an extra axis, as it will ensure that the bends don’t have any issues.
When you are done with the material and design, consider the quantity you need. There is no better choice for mass production than CNC press brake machines. Another factor is the size of the machine, it will depend on the size of your workplace, don’t buy a too big machine with little area to use it.