Press brake

Weldcom is a leading reputable distributor today of press brake machines/sheet metal bending machines from Yawei and Kruman. Since 2015, Weldcom has partnered and become the official exclusive distributor of Yawei – Top 10 CNC machine manufacturers in the world in the Vietnamese market. Yawei and Kruman bending machines have been trusted by many businesses for their superior accuracy in bending angles, bending speed, stability, high automation functions, and are highly appreciated worldwide.

1. What is a press brake machine?

• Press brake machines (English: Press Brake Machine or Bending Machine) or other types of press brake machines are devices involved in the product shaping stage, helping to bend metal blanks into metal sheets with desired shapes and angles.
• Metal bending machines operate based on the principle of applying strong compressive force from the punch (bending blade) down to the die (bending mold), plastically deforming the metal sheet according to the mold's profile. As a result, the metal sheet is shaped into details such as right angles, boxes, frames, or curved profiles with high precision.
• In actual production, the press brake machine is considered the core equipment of the sheet metal processing line, often used in parallel with cutting machines, punching machines, and folding machines to complete products.
• This is indispensable equipment involved in the metal shaping process in the production of kitchen equipment, electrical cabinet shells, elevators, automobile and motorcycle parts, shipbuilding, construction...
• The equipment has several other names: Press brake machine, sheet metal bending machine, press machine, sheet metal bending machine, forming press machine.

2. Outstanding advantages of press brake machines

Press brake machines are considered the main equipment in sheet metal processing, bringing many clear advantages in productivity, precision, and material handling capability compared to manual methods. Below are the outstanding advantages of current press brake machines.

2.1. Processing various types of materials

• Press brake machines have the flexibility to handle most metal materials, from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum to high-strength steel.
• Thick, hard materials that are difficult to bend by hand can also be neatly and precisely bent thanks to strong compressive force and suitable bending molds.

2.2. Superior productivity, cost-optimized production

• Press brake machines allow mass processing of metal details at high speed and stable repeatability, significantly shortening production cycle time.
• As a result, labor costs and product prices are minimized, enhancing economic efficiency for the factory.

2.3. High precision, uniformity among details

• The entire process is controlled by a CNC system, ensuring bending angles, travel, and compressive force are always accurate to a fraction of a millimeter.
• Even small details and complex profiles are stably performed by metal bending machines, with no deviation between processing times.

2.4. Flexible and easy to program

• Modern CNC press brake machines allow storing and recalling automatic bending programs, easily adjusting bending angles, compressive force, and operation sequences for different types of details.
• This is particularly useful when producing a variety of products or frequently changing orders.

2.5. Press brake machines ensure safety and product aesthetics

• Thanks to the use of specialized molds and precise control, press brake machines help the metal surface not to be scratched or cracked during bending, while ensuring safety for the operator.

Thanks to these advantages, CNC press brake machines have become indispensable equipment in modern sheet processing lines – where high speed, precision, and flexibility are required.

3. Classification of press brake machines 

Based on the drive mechanism and control system, press brake machines are divided into 5 main types. Each type has its characteristics, advantages, and application range, suitable for different production scales and technical requirements.

3.1. Mechanical press brake machines

• Mechanical press brake machines (also known as manual press brake machines, mechanical press brake machines) were once popular many years ago.
• The equipment operates based on the rotational movement of the flywheel, transmitting mechanical force to press the metal sheet according to the mold's profile, and the operator controls it manually.

Advantages of mechanical press brake machines:

• Simple structure, low investment cost.
• Mechanical press brake machines are easy to repair, suitable for small mechanical workshops.
• Currently, this type of machine is outdated and almost no longer used in modern industrial production.

3.2. Pneumatic press brake machines

• Pneumatic press brake machines operate thanks to pneumatic pressure, which is directed into the air cylinder, helping the machine's upper frame move vertically through the guide rod.

Advantages of pneumatic press brake machines:

• Compact structure, quiet operation.
• Pneumatic press brake machines have a short cycle time, suitable for small, thin products.
• Simple maintenance, low operating cost.

3.3. Hydraulic press brake machines

Hydraulic press brake machines are the most popular type today, using hydraulic oil and a cylinder system to create strong, stable compressive force. There are two main configurations:

• Upward-moving press brake machines: The die (lower mold) moves up, the punch is fixed.
• Downward-moving press brake machines: The die is fixed, the punch moves down.

Advantages of hydraulic press brake machines:

• Large, stable compressive force, suitable for thick sheets or large details.
• Hydraulic press brake machines have high durability, stable operation, easy control.
• Reasonable price, hydraulic press brake machines are widely used in medium and large industrial workshops.

3.4. Servo electric press brake machines

• This type of press brake machine uses dual servo motors at both ends of the machine frame to control the up-down movement of the press bar.
• The closed-loop control mechanism helps the motor respond quickly, accurately, and synchronously according to commands from the PLC controller.

Advantages of servo electric press brake machines:

• Extremely high precision, almost no deviation between bending times.
• Servo electric press brake machines save energy, operate quietly and cleanly (no oil used).
• High speed, fast response time, suitable for automated production.
• Simple maintenance, servo electric press brake machines have fewer breakdowns than hydraulic machines.

3.5. CNC press brake machines

• CNC (Computer Numerical Control) press brake machines are the most modern and advanced version today, perfectly integrated with electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and CNC control systems.

Advantages of CNC press brake machines:

• Automatically program the entire bending process, store hundreds of working programs.
• Accuracy ±0.01 mm, high speed, and stable operation.
• Optimize energy, reduce mold wear, limit operational errors.
• CNC press brake machines are easily integrated with feeding robots, loading and unloading robots, forming an automated bending line.

Depending on the scale and type of material processing, businesses can choose the appropriate machine line. The current trend is to invest in CNC press brake machines and servo press brake machines – two technologies representing the modern, precise, durable, and energy-saving generation of press brake machines.

4. Applications of press brake machines in production

Press brake machines are the central equipment in sheet metal processing lines, responsible for bending, folding, and shaping products according to design. Thanks to their flexible working capability with various materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized sheet, machines are widely applied in most mechanical – industrial fields. Below are some typical applications of press brake machines in actual production:

4.1. Press brake machines in the electrical – electronics industry

• Processing electrical cabinet shells, control cabinets, CNC machine cabinets, UPS cabinets, cable trays, and electrical equipment shells.
• Require high precision in bending angles and dimensions, often using CNC press brake machines or servo press brake machines to ensure absolute repeatability.

4.2. Metal bending machines in the HVAC and construction industry

• Producing air ducts, gutters, door frames, sunshades, insulation panels.
• Combine hydraulic press brake machines and sheet folding machines to achieve tightness, standard bending angles, and aesthetic surfaces.

4.3. Applications of press brake machines in the metal furniture industry

• Shaping tables, chairs, filing cabinets, supermarket shelves, stainless steel kitchen cabinets, decorative frames.
• Require precise bending and scratch-free surfaces – suitable for modern servo or CNC press brake machines.

4.4. Metal bending machines in the automotive – motorcycle industry

• Bending car body shells, chassis, brackets, component holders.
• Use high-capacity hydraulic press brake machines to ensure compressive force and mechanical durability.

4.5. Press brake machines in the steel structure and heavy industry

• Processing box beams, brackets, connecting details, reinforcement strips in the production of steel frame workshops, wind power towers, industrial tanks.
• Require large bending force and high precision, suitable for 2-axis hydraulic press brake machines or high-capacity CNC press brake machines.

5. Experience in choosing suitable press brake machines.

Join Weldcom to go through the important factors to consider before investing in press brake machines, helping businesses ensure performance, precision, and equipment longevity during operation.

5.1. Working table length (L) and base size

The working table length (L) determines the maximum length of material that can be bent. 

However, you need to note:

• The distance between the two machine walls (between the two main axes) is smaller than the overall length of the machine, limiting the actual size of the product that can be bent.
• The throat depth of the press brake machine also affects the ability to fold edges.
• Choose a machine with a table length ≥ the largest length of the product, and consider cases where multiple edges need to be bent simultaneously to avoid having to change tools/molds multiple times.

Example: A metal bending machine 3100 mm long, the distance between two machine walls 2600 mm, throat depth 400 mm → if the product has an edge >400 mm, you will not be able to bend the full length of 3100 mm, only able to bend within the limit <2600 mm.

5.2. Bending force of the press brake machine (F)

The bending force represents the ability to bend – fold materials and depends on factors:

• Type of material (aluminum requires less force than steel or stainless steel).
• Thickness of the sheet and length to be bent.
• Die opening (V): The smaller the V, the greater the bending force.
• Bending shape (edge folding requires higher force than right-angle bending).

Experience in choosing bending force:

• It is advisable to choose a machine with a bending force 20% greater than the theoretical calculation, as the actual material in Vietnam has inconsistent hardness.
• If bending short but thick sheets, choose a larger machine size to avoid ram deformation.

5.3. Tools – dies included with the machine

This is a factor that directly affects the surface quality and bending angle accuracy. Criteria to note:

• Tool – die material: The best type today is 42CrMo – high durability and wear resistance.
• Profile and V opening: depends on the specific product.
• Tool tip radius: affects the fineness and edge curvature of the product.
• Tool tip angle: usually 86° for steel, 82° for stainless steel.
• Tool height: must be compatible with the machine's opening.

5.4. Bending error compensation system

When bending long sheets, the machine's ram may slightly bend, causing bending angle deviation. Therefore, modern machines are equipped with error compensation mechanisms:

• Hydraulic compensation: uses hydraulic cylinders under the machine table, automatically adjusting the bend according to signals from the CNC controller.
• Automatic mechanical compensation: uses two sliders with different slopes, adjusted by a servo motor, helping the machine automatically calculate and balance ram bending.

The compensation system helps maintain stable accuracy, especially when bending long sheets or thick materials. 

5.5. Back Gauge

The back gauge helps accurately position the bending point, ensuring the product size is consistently repeated to standard. Depending on the bending processing requirements, you can choose:

5.6. Advanced options

Additional options with metal press brake machines help increase safety, automation, and operational efficiency:

• Integrate KUKA or ABB robots for automated bending lines.
• Wila hydraulic tool and die clamps for quick mold changes.
• Laser safety lights to protect the operator.
• Automatic sheet lifting devices, reducing manual effort.
• Electrical cabinet air conditioning, ensuring control system stability in hot and humid environments.

Choosing the right press brake machine is not only based on price and brand but also requires a comprehensive consideration of product requirements, material type, productivity, and the potential for future automation expansion.

6. Latest press brake machine price list 

• Currently, high-quality CNC, hydraulic, and servo press brake machines typically have a minimum investment price of over 1 billion VND, especially for machines with large bending force and wide table length.
• The final price also depends on: machine length and bending force, control configuration (CNC/servo), number of back gauge axes, error compensation system, automation options (robots, tool clamps,...).
• Therefore, to know the exact price list of metal press brake machines, hydraulic press brake machines for each need, customers should contact Weldcom directly for a survey and receive a suitable quote.

7. Weldcom - Leading CNC press brake machine supplier in Vietnam

• Weldcom is a leading reputable distributor in Vietnam in the field of sheet metal processing equipment, especially the press brake machine lines of Yawei and Kruman.
• Since 2015, Weldcom has become the official exclusive distributor of the Yawei brand – Top 10 CNC machine manufacturers in the world, affirming its position as a reliable strategic partner in bringing advanced global technology to Vietnamese businesses.

Yawei and Kruman press brake machines are highly appreciated by customers for:

• Superior accuracy in bending angles, speed, and stability during operation.
• Yawei press brake machines have high automation, easy programming, and synchronization in modern production lines.
• Durable equipment lifespan, stable operation in heavy industrial environments.

Typical press brake machine lines distributed by Weldcom:

• Yawei hydraulic press brake machines (PBE, PBC, PBH, PBA) – solid industrial structure, stable machine frame, optimally designed by SMS – Switzerland and Nissinbo – Japan.
• Yawei electric and servo press brake machines – improved from hydraulic lines, optimizing speed, saving energy, and reducing operating costs.
• Kruman press brake machines – targeting medium and small enterprises, flexibly meeting sheet metal bending needs in civil mechanical production.

Outstanding technology:

• Rexroth or Hawe (Germany) hydraulic systems, Voith/Eckerle oil pumps – quiet, precise, and durable operation.
• Delem DA58T, DA66T (Netherlands) controllers – intuitive interface, 3D simulation, quick programming, storing hundreds of automatic bending programs.
• Mechanical or hydraulic compensation tables help completely overcome product sagging, ensuring absolute accurate bending angles.

Thanks to the convergence of superior machine quality – dedicated technical service – and comprehensive solutions, Weldcom has supplied hundreds of Yawei press brake machines to large enterprises nationwide, with an average growth rate of over 20%/year in this product group. 

Weldcom not only sells machines but also provides a comprehensive solution for intelligent press brake technology, helping Vietnamese businesses increase productivity, reduce costs, and gradually move towards automated production. Contact Weldcom now for advice and receive the most suitable press brake machine quote for your factory. Welcome!