Hydraulic Press Brake Cylinder

There are two methods that press brakes can bend steel. The first, or bottom bending, is when the ram presses metal to the bottom. Bottom bending can produce precise bends and is less dependent on the press brake. The problem is that each tool is designed for a specific type of bend. You will need to purchase a brand new tool for each angle. Air bending creates an air pocket between the die's bottom and the ram. This allows the operator flexibility in accommodating any spring back provided by the material. These types are only necessary to be replaced if the material is too thick. The drawback of air bending is its inability to accurately bend the material. This means that the ram will need to be changed accordingly.

Hydraulic press brakes apply pressure via hydraulics to force the ram down, instead of relying solely on mechanics. They may have more than one cylinder and give the operator more precise control over the bend. The result is a highly accurate and customizable bend. Like mechanical press brakes, hydraulic press brakes do have some specific disadvantages. Primarily, they cannot exceed the range of their rated tonnage. If your project requires flexibility, mechanical press brakes may be preferred.

Mechanical press brakes operate via a motor inside the device. This motor spins a large flywheel at high speeds. The machine operator controls the flywheel through a clutch, which then sets the rest of the parts into motion to bend the metal. The mechanical press brake is much more straightforward, especially regarding its electronics, making maintenance and operation easy. They can also handle tonnages two to three times higher than their inherent rating, due to the nature of the mechanisms. The primary disadvantage of using mechanical press brakes is that the ram inside the machine must complete a full cycle when engaged and cannot be reversed. This creates some safety concerns if the operator makes a mistake and sets some limitations on the machine. One possible hazard is the potential for the press brake to become locked if the ram travels too far.

Before you choose your press brake, it is important to know what type of metal you are going to be bending (stainless steel or 16 gauge mild steel).

Air bending allows sheet metal to bend by using the edges of the V and the end of the punch. This type of bending creates a spring back effect on the work piece. The bending force of the sheet is less so the metal sheet will spring backwards when the punch is removed.

Air bending uses the punch's end and the V's edges to allow sheet metal to bent. This type bending also has a springback effect. Because the bending forces are weaker, the sheet of metal will bounce backwards much like an elastic once the punch has been removed.