CNC Press Brakes

Choosing a CNC press brake by 4 criteria

A press brake is selected on four values, and all four come from the part you need to bend — not from a catalogue.

Bending force (tonnes). Depends on sheet thickness, bending length, material strength and the V-opening of the lower die. With the same sheet, changing the V die noticeably changes the force required — so choose the V first, then calculate the force.

Table length (mm). Determined by the longest edge you need to bend, not by the size of the blank. A longer table needs a stiffer frame to hold accuracy across the full length.

Control system and number of axes. A 2-axis machine is enough for simple repeat work. A 4+1 axis machine (X, Y1, Y2, R + V) handles multi-step parts, changing backgauge height and crowning within a single program.

Crowning method. Mechanical costs less but is adjusted by hand; electric adjusts from the program — necessary when you bend long plate and change thickness often.

Not sure how much tonnage you need? Use the bending force calculator first, or send us the drawing and we will work it out for you.