Press brakes are essential pieces of equipment that allow fabricators to make formed parts such as channels, brackets, ductwork, structural forms, enclosures, and custom projects. You can find press brakes in every machine and fabrication shop. Over the past decade, press brakes have made great strides, and they’re no longer as time-consuming and dangerous as they once were. Modern press brakes offer versatility, allowing them to be used for many applications, including forming. This article lists the advantages of using a press break.
Enhanced Efficiency
One of the main advantages of using a press break is that it allows companies to produce more bends. In the past, press brakes produced about 600 bends per hour. Today, they can produce about 900 per hour. These machines can run continuously without breaking down until a worker has to change tools for a new design. This can be done via a touch screen system, not manually like before. It’s also worth noting that press brakes generate less material waste. This is mainly due to their ability to curve, bend and cut sheet metal into accurate pieces, maximizing raw material.
Most press brakes are computer numerically controlled (CNC), meaning they’re fully automated, and all their components are programmed to follow a specific procedure. They’re also lighter and simpler to operate, which speeds up options. As a result, little waste is produced, allowing operators to perform their job efficiently and fast.
Smart Technology
The current machines can produce more unique pieces due to the variety of software designs that run through the CNC system. Older press brakes required extensive piping, which was prone to breaking. Modern machines enable the creation of better bends with current technology.
For instance, the automatic dynamic crowning allows uniform angles along the bend. The correct angle was difficult to find in the past because it was through trial and error. The new machines produce the right angle on the first go. Another great benefit is the thickness detection software that analyzes the thickness of the metal throughout the piece to ensure the bend is uniform and accurate.
The mechanical compensation program also considers the weight and temperature effects of the press brake’s hydraulic system. The advanced system makes it easy for designers to perform design tasks effortlessly, as the computer will alert them when their proposed cuts go too close to the bend. Press brakes now come with manual, semi-automated, and fully automated controls, depending on your needs and preferences.
Automation allows faster completion of tasks that were previously done manually. That means companies can speed up processes, shorten lead times and improve overall workplace safety,
Reduced Training Requirements for the Modern Press Brake
In the past, operators were trained and employed only to set up press brakes as the process was too complex and time-consuming. Today, CNC programs can guide employees through a step-by-step process on how to operate. Barcode scanning of the press brake part’s ID lets teams accurately place pieces in the setup without comparing all IDs manually, which helps save time. The 3D graphic representations of the bending procedure help trainees visualize the process and re-program the sequence without physically refitting all the tools.
For more information about the benefits of press brakes, contact Metal Pro Inc today!