Press Brake

Description

Press brakes are press-type machines used for cold-working sheet metals. Bending is the process of placing a sheet between a punch and a die and subjecting it to force, so that the sheet bends with a constant radius. With bending, we add rigidity to the part and achieve three-dimensional geometry while avoiding welding.

The thickness of the sheets to be bent usually ranges from 0.5 to 20 mm and their length from a few centimetres to several metres.

Air Bending

This bending method is characterised by the punch not taking the sheet to the bottom of the die, leaving a bending angle. It is generally used for sheets with thicknesses greater than 2 mm.

Bottom Bending

In this method, the punch takes the sheet to the bottom of the die. It is used for sheets with thicknesses less than 2 mm.

Working methodology

1. Place the part resting on the rear stops, in the bending zone
2. Activate the control system (pedal, bar, button)
3. Hold the part, accompanying it in its elevation movement during bending
4. Extract the bent part

Main Elements

1. The Frame: the physical structure of the machine.
2. The Bed or cross plate: a casting on which the machine rests, containing the work table.
3. The Ram or upper beam: generally the moving part where bending punches are housed.
4. The Lower beam: a metal plate, generally fixed, on which the bending die rests.
5. The Transmission: the mechanism of gears and belts that produces movement of the ram.
6. The Controls: pedal, bar or push buttons for machine operation.

Accessories and Tooling

• Stroke adjustment stops
• Rear material positioning stops
• Retractable consoles and stops
• Safety devices
• Setting limiters
• Operating mode selector

Hydraulic Operation

Operation is performed in two stages:

1. Approach phase: rapid closing of the ram
2. Working phase: actual bending at low speed

In addition to the basic work mentioned, these machines can also be used for forming and punching operations.