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When it comes to bending sheet metal, two commonly used machines are the finger brake and the press brake. While both are used for bending operations, they have distinct differences in terms of design, capabilities, and applications. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the variances between these two machines to help you understand which one might be best suited for your specific bending needs.
What Is the Finger Brake?
The Finger Brake only to bend thin metal sheet, the maximum bending thickness up to 2 mm.
As it are often used to make Pan and Box, they are also called Pan and Box Brake.
Finger Brake bend the sheet edges, which are shaped by turning the lower table and allowing the sheet to be squeezed by the upper die.
The bending length is usually 1300mm long, 1500mm long, 2500mm long and up to 3000mm long.During the folding process of the Finger brake, the tool and the workpiece do not make relative motion and impact, so that the surface of the workpiece is smoother.
What Is the Press Brake?
Press Brake providing bend capacity for sheet metal forming.
Press Brake manufacturing is developed, which is controlled by numerical control instead of manual control, and closed-loop control is formed by controller, proportional valve and grating ruler. Therefore, the modern CNC press brake is more dynamic and sensitive.
Press Brake according to different sheet’s features and complex shapes, combination with 2D or 3D programming and simulation.
Key Differences Between Them
Design and Structure:
Finger Brake: Also known as a box and pan brake, the finger brake consists of a stationary bed with fingers (or bars) that can be adjusted to various positions. These fingers are used to hold the workpiece in place during bending. The bending force is applied manually by pulling down a handle or lever, causing the bending leaf to descend and fold the metal over the fingers.
Press Brake: A press brake, on the other hand, is a hydraulic or mechanical machine that uses a ram to apply force to a workpiece, forcing it against a die to create a bend. The press brake typically has a flat bed with a movable upper beam (or ram) that descends vertically to perform the bending operation. The die is mounted on the bed, and the workpiece is positioned between the die and the ram.
Bending Capacity:
Finger Brake: Finger brakes are best suited for bending light to medium gauge sheet metal. They are ideal for forming boxes, trays, and other complex shapes that require bends at various angles.
Press Brake: Press brakes are capable of bending a wide range of sheet metal thicknesses, from thin gauge to thick plate. They have higher tonnage capacities compared to finger brakes, allowing them to handle heavier and more demanding bending applications.
Accuracy and Precision:
Finger Brake: Finger brakes offer good accuracy for basic bending tasks and simple shapes. However, achieving consistent bend angles can be more challenging with finger brakes, especially for complex or precise bends.
Press Brake: Press brakes are known for their high precision and repeatability. They can achieve precise bend angles with tight tolerances, making them suitable for applications that require accurate and consistent bending results.
Versatility:
Finger Brake: Finger brakes are versatile machines that excel at bending sheet metal into boxes, pans, channels, and other customized shapes. They are particularly useful for forming intricate bends and flanges.
Press Brake: Press brakes offer versatility in terms of bending capability and tooling options. They can accommodate a wide range of bending applications, including air bending, coining, and bottoming, and can be equipped with various tooling configurations to achieve different bending profiles.
Setup and Operation:
Finger Brake: Finger brakes are relatively simple to set up and operate, making them suitable for small shops or hobbyists. They require manual adjustment of the bending fingers and rely on the operator’s skill to achieve accurate bends.
Press Brake: Press brakes may require more extensive setup and programming, especially for complex bending sequences or precision bending tasks. However, once set up, they can be operated efficiently with minimal manual intervention, thanks to features such as CNC control and automated backgauges.
Cost:
Finger Brake: Finger brakes are generally more affordable than press brakes, making them a cost-effective option for small-scale bending operations or occasional use.
Press Brake: Press brakes represent a larger investment due to their advanced features, higher tonnage capacities, and greater versatility. However, they offer excellent value for high-volume production and demanding bending applications.
Which Is Better: Press Brake vs Finger Brake
In general, the press brake has more advantages than the finger press brake, mainly affecting the following aspects:
The press brake has multi-axes can accurately calculate the angle and size of the metal sheet, so the bending angle and size is more accurate; finger brake is the edge of the plate is the most benchmark, by the plate’s own factors have a large impact, the bending results of the some error.
The press brake can automatically select the mold library and adjust the parameters to complete to bend specific shapes faster; the finger brake needs manual adjustment and multiple verification, and the bending efficiency is lower.
The press brake is equipped with an advanced control system, which can simulate the bending before bending, and analyse the collision situation between the tools to ensure the stability of the bending action; the finger brake is more controlled according to experience.
The press brake can be equipped with more optional devices, such as laser protection, limit switches, etc., to maximise the safety of the machine and worker operation; Finger brake have simple devices and the safety needs to be improved.
However, the investment cost and operation level of the press brake is higher than that of the finger brake, so the selection of a sheet metal bending machine should be considered from various aspects, combined with the actual production situation, to choose the most ideal machine.
Conclusion:
In summary, the choice between a finger brake and a press brake depends on factors such as the complexity of the bending tasks, the thickness of the material being bent, the required accuracy and precision, and the available budget. Finger brakes are suitable for smaller-scale projects and simpler bending operations, while press brakes offer greater versatility, precision, and bending capacity for more demanding applications. Ultimately, selecting the right machine involves evaluating your specific bending requirements and choosing the option that best meets your needs.
