CNC Press Brake and CNC Folding Machine are both used for bending sheet metal, but they have some differences in terms of their operation and capabilities, etc.
What is A CNC Press Brake
A CNC press brake is a large-scale machine utilized for cold forming, employing a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) system to shape sheet metal into desired profiles. These machines are pivotal in precision metal forming processes. With a bending force that can reach up to 4,000 tons and typical widths ranging from 4 to 30 feet, CNC press brakes are robust solutions for a wide array of metal bending needs.
Compared to manual counterparts, CNC press brakes offer notable advantages in speed and efficiency. By virtue of the CNC controller, these machines swiftly calculate the movements of the ram and backgage, while simultaneously conducting error checks, sequencing bends, and facilitating repetitive actions.
This efficiency translates into higher productivity, with modern CNC press brakes achieving bending rates of around 900 bends per hour, a significant improvement over older machines capable of 600 bends per hour.
Moreover, CNC press brakes excel in precision and repeatability. They can achieve positioning accuracies within a few thousandths of an inch, ensuring consistent and accurate bending across various workpieces. This level of precision makes CNC press brakes particularly well-suited for high-volume production tasks with complex bending requirements.
For simpler, lower-volume bending tasks, an NC press brake, lacking the full CNC automation but still offering numerical control, might be a suitable alternative. However, for demanding production environments requiring speed, precision, and efficiency, CNC press brakes stand as the preferred choice.
What is A CNC Folding Machine
Like press brakes, CNC folding machine are also used for the bending of sheet metal. Although all of the forming that these machines perform can be done in a press brake, a folder makes the process much simpler for specific applications like panels, boxes or pans, flashing, etc. The typical application for a folder is most times limited to thinner materials.
The folder clamps or pinches material between an upper nose bar which can either be a solid bar or segmented fingers. Once clamped, the lower “beam” swings upward folding the material along the length of the part being formed.
This process provides for the most accuracy in forming as any blank inaccuracy is formed into the first flange folded and working from one gauged position, the critical dimensions are typically the inside of the box being formed. The material is precisely gauged from a back gauge located within or upon the support table.
The biggest money saving factor when thinking of purchasing a CNC folding machine is the fact that working with light gauge material with the majority of the material being supported at the rear of the machine, a two person press brake operation becomes a one person folder operation.
Materials that can be processed on a folder: Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass
What is the difference between CNC Folding Machine and CNC press Brake
Working Principle
CNC press brakes utilize a punch and die setup to bend the metal. The punch presses the metal against the die, creating the desired angle.
CNC folding machine uses a clamping beam that holds the metal in place while a folding blade moves along the length of the material, bending it to the desired angle.
Versatility
A press brake is undeniably the more versatile machine. If your requirement is to handle a range of bending tasks from thin to thick material, without knowing what might come through the door tomorrow, then a press brake is likely to be the best solution. With the correct tooling, heavier plates can be bent on narrower widths within the tonnage capacity of the machine, while a large number of different tools are available for specific tasks such as hemming, over bending and joggling.
Operation
CNC folders and press brakes are both heavy-duty pieces of machinery. Workers must know how to operate both of these devices before using them. However, the operation of each of these machines is incredibly different. When using a press brake, the worker must hold the sheet material the entire time. Employees must position the sheet metal accurately to the back gauge so that delivery runs smoothly. CNC folders are completely different. Workers place the sheet metal on the worktable of the back gauge, so the material is secure. Operators don’t have to hold the product in place throughout the entire process the way they do when using a press brake.
Efficiency
When comparing CNC folders vs. press brakes, it’s important to note that press brakes are more efficient than CNC folders. CNC folders are limited by their structural capabilities. Since workers aren’t holding the sheet metal when using a CNC folder, they can’t adjust angles as easily. Workers that use a press brake can bend the sheet metal as they see fit. Since they have more diversified bending capabilities, press brakes are more efficient than CNC folders. This way, after they use a press brake, workers don’t have to spend as much time putting on finishing touches.
Conlusion
In summary, CNC Press Brakes are preferred for their versatility, precision, and ability to handle a wide range of bending tasks, while CNC Folding Machines are more suitable for simpler bends, faster setup times, and cost-effective production of large batches of parts with consistent angles. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the application, including the complexity of the parts being produced, production volume, and budget considerations.
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