When your company needs to replace an old press brake in its manufacturing operations, it can be challenging to decide which new press brake to purchase. The confusion stems from the varying technological advancements in press brakes available today. Currently, there are electric, hybrid, and conventional hydraulic press brakes, each with its own set of pros and cons. Conducting thorough research can help you find a press brake that perfectly suits your needs.

Electric and Hydraulic Press Brakes

1. Power Consumption and Efficiency: Electric Press Brakes generally consume about half the power of hydraulic press brakes when producing the same tonnage. Hydraulic press brakes have motors, pumps, and oil systems that continue to run even when idling, making electric press brakes more efficient. The motor in an electric press brake only operates during the bending process and is off when the machine is idle, reducing overall electricity consumption.

2. Cost: Maintenance of hydraulic press brakes, including oil and filter changes, seal repairs, and leak fixes, can be expensive. Additionally, the varying viscosity of hydraulic oil can result in inconsistent angles, leading to more scrap and trial runs. The gear pump in a hydraulic press brake also consumes energy during idle periods, increasing costs. To mitigate this, some operators install energy-saving enhancements like timers and variable displacement pumps, which stop the main motor during idle times. These are important considerations when purchasing hydraulic brakes.

3. Speed: Hydraulic presses have a faster approach speed compared to electric presses, but the use of a hydraulic motor slows down the acceleration and deceleration positioning speed. Consequently, electric presses can bend and output faster.

4. Environmental Pollution: Hydraulic pumps continue to operate even when the machine is idle, making them less fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Additionally, hydraulic presses generate noise throughout the day and can cause oil leaks, adversely affecting local communities. In contrast, electric presses are quieter and only produce noise when the ball screw is spinning during operation. Their lower electricity consumption and reduced environmental impact make electric press brakes a more eco-friendly option.

5. Accuracy: Electric press brakes offer higher precision compared to hydraulic bending machines. Electric press brakes can achieve an accuracy of up to 0.000079 inches (1 micron), while hydraulic press brakes typically reach an accuracy of 0.0004 inches (10.16 microns).

Electro-hydraulic CNC Sheet Metal Press Brakes

Hybrid press brakes combine hydraulic systems with servo-electric drives to control the flow to the cylinder, eliminating the need for a gear pump. In electric press brakes, the motor moves the punch through a belt or gear mechanism that drives a ball screw. Typically, hybrid and electric press brakes are 20 to 30 percent more energy-efficient than traditional hydraulic press brakes. Although electric motors provide high bending speeds, they do not approach or retract as quickly as hydraulic machines. Hybrids offer a middle ground, achieving accuracy up to 4 microns, and balancing the benefits of both electric and hydraulic systems.