Choosing the right tools and machines is crucial in modern industry, where process optimisation and production efficiency are top priorities. One of the most important machines in metalworking are press brakes, which enable precise sheet metal bending. There are two main types of press brakes: hydraulic press brakes and electric press brakes.

What are the differences between them? Which should you choose to achieve the best results? In this article, we take a closer look at both types of machines, discussing how they work, where they are used, and what advantages they offer.

Introduction to Press Brakes

Press brakes are essential tools in the steel fabrication industry. They are used for precise bending of sheet metal into various shapes and forms. The main task of these machines is to ensure accuracy and repeatability in production processes.

Both hydraulic press brakes and electric press brakes use numerical control (CNC), which allows automation and increased efficiency.

Press brakes are key in manufacturing a wide range of structural components – from simple panels to complex, custom-shaped parts. They make it possible to produce high-quality components with minimal dimensional tolerances, which is essential in industries such as automotive, aerospace and construction.

CNC machines enable programming of complex bending sequences, greatly speeding up production and minimising scrap. In addition, advanced numerical control systems allow quick adjustment of bending parameters for different materials, increasing production flexibility.

As a result, press brakes are a foundation of modern production processes, combining high precision with excellent efficiency and throughput.

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How Hydraulic Press Brakes Work

Hydraulic press brakes use hydraulic fluid to generate the force needed to bend sheet metal. Their main advantage is high pressing force, which allows processing thicker and harder materials such as steel.

Thanks to CNC control, it is possible to set process parameters precisely, improving overall optimisation. Hydraulic press brakes are also known for their robustness and durability, allowing long-term use without frequent repairs or component replacements. They are able to maintain stability and repeatability of the bending process even under intensive, continuous operation.

In a hydraulic press brake, the pressing force is generated by a hydraulic cylinder controlled by pumps and valves. This makes it possible to achieve very high pressures, which are necessary when processing large and thick steel sheets.

Numerical control enables precise programming of bending sequences, which is crucial for complex operations. Furthermore, modern hydraulic systems are equipped with advanced monitoring technologies that allow real-time tracking of machine parameters and quick adjustment of settings to maintain optimal performance.

This gives operators better control over the process, minimising the risk of errors and improving the quality of final products.

How Electric Press Brakes Work

Electric press brakes use electric servomotors to generate the force required for sheet metal bending. Their main advantage is precision and fast response to changes in settings.

CNC control in these machines is extremely accurate, enabling very high efficiency and minimising waste. Electric press brakes are also known for being easy to operate, which shortens training time for operators and reduces training costs. Advanced user interfaces and automatic calibration systems further increase convenience and efficiency.

Unlike hydraulic press brakes, electric press brakes do not require hydraulic fluids, which lowers operating and maintenance costs. Electric drives are also quieter and more energy-efficient, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs.

Numerical control in electric press brakes allows very precise control of bending parameters, which is essential in the production of high-precision components. Additionally, the technologies used in these machines make it easy to integrate them into wider production systems, increasing automation potential across the process.

This enables companies to respond more quickly to changes in market demand and adapt production to new requirements without major investment in additional machines.

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Comparing Hydraulic and Electric Press Brakes

Although both hydraulic and electric press brakes have clear advantages, they differ in their typical applications and capabilities.

  • Hydraulic press brakes are ideal for heavy-duty tasks where high pressing force is required.

  • Electric press brakes perform better in applications where precision and speed are critical.

Hydraulic press brakes are more versatile when processing thicker and harder materials such as steel. Electric press brakes, on the other hand, offer higher precision and process optimisation thanks to faster response to setting changes and lower running costs.

Additionally, electric press brakes generate less noise during operation, which can be important in production plants located near residential areas. They are also more environmentally friendly, as there is no need for hydraulic fluids that can be difficult and costly to dispose of.

Electric press brakes generally require less maintenance, which translates into shorter downtimes and higher line productivity.

  • For high-volume production, where precision and speed are key, electric press brakes can deliver better results.

  • For processing heavy and thick parts, where high force is essential, hydraulic press brakes are usually the better choice.

The right choice depends on the specific needs and requirements of a given production process and should be carefully analysed before making an investment decision.

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Advantages of Hydraulic Press Brakes

High pressing force — ideal for thick and hard materials

Hydraulic press brakes offer very high pressing forces thanks to the use of hydraulic fluid. This design allows effective bending of thicker sheets and harder materials such as steel.

The force generated by the hydraulic cylinder is stable and evenly distributed, ensuring high bending quality. As a result, it is possible to carry out demanding tasks that require high force without sacrificing precision.

Versatility — suitable for a wide range of materials

Hydraulic press brakes are highly versatile, making them an excellent choice for varied production processes. They can work with a wide range of materials, from soft metals to hard steel alloys.

This universality allows their use in many industries, from automotive to construction. One machine can often be used for multiple tasks, improving overall production optimisation.

Numerical control — precise setting of process parameters

Thanks to numerical control (CNC), hydraulic press brakes offer very precise parameter settings. CNC control allows exact programming of bending sequences, ensuring repeatability and high quality of every part.

Options to save and recall bending programs make the process fast and efficient, minimising the risk of errors. This is crucial in series production, where every piece must meet the same high quality standards.

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Advantages of Electric Press Brakes

Precision — accurate bending thanks to CNC control

Electric press brakes are characterised by exceptional precision, made possible by advanced numerical control. Electric servomotors provide instantaneous response to setting changes, allowing sheet metal to be bent with minimal tolerances.

CNC control enables programming of very complex bending sequences, which is essential in the production of precision components. Each part is manufactured exactly to specification, reducing material waste and increasing overall efficiency.

Energy efficiency — lower energy consumption

Electric press brakes are significantly more energy-efficient than their hydraulic counterparts. Electric drives consume less power during operation, translating into lower operating costs.

The absence of hydraulic systems also reduces the need for maintenance and repair. Lower energy consumption is beneficial from an environmental perspective as well, which is increasingly important in modern industry.

Lower operating costs — no hydraulic fluids

Operating electric press brakes is cheaper because they do not require hydraulic fluids, which are costly to buy, maintain and dispose of. Electric drives are less prone to wear and failure, reducing maintenance frequency and cost.

The lack of hydraulic fluids also eliminates the risk of leaks, which can cause additional costs and unplanned downtime. All this makes electric press brakes more economical in the long term.

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Summary

The choice between hydraulic press brakes and electric press brakes depends on the specific requirements of your production processes:

  • Hydraulic press brakes offer greater pressing force and versatility, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.

  • Electric press brakes, thanks to their precision and energy efficiency, are an excellent choice where high accuracy and cost optimisation are priorities.

In both cases, the use of numerical control (CNC) enables automation and increased efficiency of the sheet metal bending process.

Selecting the right machine is crucial for achieving the best results in processing steel and other materials.