This is a machine tool used for bending and forming of sheet metal and plate material. Markings are made on the material to be bent and pressed by the machine using a matching die.
Press Brake for General Industrial Applications
The main application of the brake press is in bending of sheet metal. Other applications include the production of metal brackets, making of cabinets, cutting of sheet metal to make plates and even cutting of plastic material.
Different types of equipments are classified based on the mode of force application.
- Hydraulic presses use a hydraulic fluid system to apply force on the material. The user is able to regulate the speed of the piston stroke as may be required. Hydraulic presses have various advantages such as ;
- Higher operation capacity
- They are vibration free
- They are efficient in their operation
- Produce better products
- Lower energy consumption
- They are much safer to use
- Pneumatic presses use compressed air for their operation. Compressed air is forced into a cylinder with a piston attached to the pressing tool. Once the compression stroke is finished, air is evacuated from the cylinder while the shaft is attached with return springs which return it back to resting position. The main advantage of pneumatic systems is their speed of operation. This also enhances their output.
- Mechanical press brakes are motor driven. They have a clutch system that engages the fly wheel and powers a set of gears to move the ram vertically. They are credited for accuracy and speed.
Sheet Metal Forming With the Press Brake
Products made through the forming process include metallic desks, filing cabinets, vehicle bodies and even beverage cans. The best material to use is the low carbon steel, titanium or even aluminum.
While undertaking the forming process, it is always important to consider the formability of the sheet metal. This is the ability of the metal to withstand change of shape without tearing.
Types of dies for press brake and output
With the correct die design, it can be used for various sheet metal jobs;
- The V die is made to different widths for different bending angles, and used for a wide variety of materials.
- The rotary twisting die is cylindrical in shape and has an 88 degree notch on its axis. It serves as the anvil over which the sheets are bent.
- Offset dies bend double angles in one stroke creating a Z shape.
- Hemming dies are also commonly used to make specialized shapes.
Conclusion
The press brake is a machine tool that has gained high popularity in the manufacturing sector due to its applications. It is mainly used in sheet metal bending and formation. There are various types of systems such as the hydraulic, the pneumatic system and even mechanical. The difference between them is based on the system used to power the vertical ram.
Various types of output are available from the systems depending on the type of die that is being used. Types of dies include the v die, the rotary twisting die, offset dies, and even the hemming dies.
