The bending of sheet metal is done with a machine called a Press Brake. The metal is clamped between a bottom die and a matching top tool in order to create bends that are determined by a project or job specification. The sides of the press brake are formed by two C-frames that are connected to a table on the bottom and a beam on the top. Basic parameters may be used to describe a brake, for example the working length and a tonnage or force. Stroke length, distance to the back gauge and the working height are also some parameters that may be used. The speed of the upper beam is usually 1 to 15 mm/s. Many types of press brakes are available such as the hybrid and electric, nut-stop hydraulic, and the syncho hydraulic brake.
A hydraulic press is operated by two hydraulic cylinders that move in synchronicity on the C-frames in turn moving the upper beam. Servo-electric brakes make use of servo-motors to drive belt drives or ball screws in order for tonnage to be exerted on the ram. Mechanical brakes were the most popular until the 1950s because of their accuracy and speed. But in more modern times the most popular is the hydraulic press. The press brakes we use today are controlled by one of two different types of control; Computer Numeric Control (CNC) or Numeric Control (NC). Numeric Control is basic whereas Computer Numeric Control is more extensive, although CNC is more extensive, it can be more effective as well as economically superior for your business in the long run. Hydraulic brakes are reliable, safer, more accurate and use less energy.
For applications that use less tonnage, servo-electric and pneumatic machines are preferable. Dies are the tools used in order to create specific bends and patterns or shapes.