What does it do? How can I use it? Why will it help me?
A press brake is a machine used to make repeatable, precise, and reliable bends in metal sheets. Brakes are classified according to tonnage and bed length. They can be fitted with various types of punches and dies to control the bend of the sheet. Most now come fitted with an automated backgauge that aids in positioning and holding the sheet, greatly increasing repeatability.
A press brake is a fabrication machine that is usually used with metal blanks rather than rods. As such, it is most commonly found in fab shops. Whereas a folding machine is used for light, thin sheets, press brakes can exert hundreds or even thousands of tons of force, leading them to be used for huge steel plates and other heavy-duty bending applications.
Press brakes can produce either small parts or very long pieces with minimal tooling. They are useful in both low and medium production runs.
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Process Description: How does it work?
Most basically, a press brake has three parts: the top tool or ram, the bottom tool, and the mechanism driving the ram. In the animation to the right, the optional back gauge isshown in red.
While the main operation of all press brakes is the same, the mechanism used to exert force on the ram that shapes the part will differ. The smallest press brakes will use electric motors to drive a flywheel that presses the ram down. These are called mechanical presses.
For projects that need more force (such as thicker pieces), hydraulic presses use two paired hydraulic cylinders on either side of the press. These are also usually safer to operate and can be highly programmable.
There are also pneumatic and servo-electric press brakes, but these are much less common.
Several different bending operations can be performed. In the example shown here, we see the most common of these--an air bend. The name refers to the gap between the sheet and the bottom of the V. Air bending never presses the sheet completely flush with the tooling. Other possibilities include coining and bottoming.
Major Press Brake Manufacturers
Amada, Baileigh, Cincinnati, Niagara, Trumpf
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- Advantage Fabricated Metals, "Press Braking Process," http://www.advantagefabricatedmetals.com/press-braking-process.html.