Hydraulic plate press brake

What this machine is

A hydraulic plate press brake is a pivotal machine in metal fabrication, designed to bend sheet metal with precision using hydraulic force. Renowned for its power, accuracy and versatility, this machine is indispensable in industries such as automotive, aerospace and construction.

Key specifications

• Tonnage capacity: 40 to 1,000 tons, accommodating materials from thin aluminium to thick steel plates
• Bending length: typically 1,500–6,000 mm, with industrial models extending up to 12,000 mm for large-scale projects
• Ram stroke: adjustable stroke length (100–400 mm) to handle varying material thicknesses
• Motor power: 7.5–30 kW, driving the hydraulic pump for consistent force output
• Bending speed: fast approach up to 200 mm/s; bending speed 5–15 mm/s adjustable; return speed 150–250 mm/s
• Material thickness: processes steel plates up to 30 mm thick, depending on tonnage
• Repeat accuracy: ±0.1 mm for high-precision applications
• Back gauge range: X-axis 0–600 mm, R-axis 0–200 mm, Z-axis 0–300 mm

CNC control system

Modern hydraulic press brakes use advanced CNC controllers — Delem DA-66T or Cybelec CybTouch — to automate operations. Key features:

• Multi-axis control: manages Y1/Y2 (ram synchronisation), X, R and Z axes for precise back gauge positioning
• Graphical interface: user-friendly touchscreen for programming bend angles, sequences and tooling setups
• Angle correction: auto-compensation for material springback via real-time feedback
• File compatibility: import DXF files for direct CAD-to-machine workflows
• Multi-step programming: stores complex bending sequences for repeat jobs
• Diagnostic tools: monitors machine health and alerts for maintenance

Core components and their functions

• Frame: heavy-duty welded steel construction (C-type or O-type) ensures rigidity and minimises deflection during bending
• Hydraulic system: dual hydraulic cylinders generate synchronised force to move the ram; gear or piston pump supplies pressurised oil; proportional valves precisely regulate oil flow and pressure for smooth ram movement
• Back gauge: motorised fingers with ball screw drive for accurate, repeatable positioning; multiple axes handle complex part geometries
• Tooling: upper punch and lower die in standard or custom profiles; quick-change clamps reduce setup time
• Safety systems: light curtains, two-hand controls and emergency stops protect operators

Applications

• Automotive: chassis components, body panels and structural parts
• Aerospace: precision brackets and airframe sections
• Construction: structural beams, architectural panels and large flanges
• Energy: tank rings, ducting and pressure vessel components

Maintenance and longevity

Regular maintenance includes hydraulic fluid checks, filter replacements, lubrication of moving parts, calibration of the back gauge and inspection of safety systems. Proper maintenance extends machine life and maintains accuracy over years of production — our hydraulic systems are built with integrated valve blocks and hard piping specifically to make both service and leak-freedom long-term propositions.