The majority of metal pieces used in manufacturing today started their life as sheet metal, before being formed into the correct shape or dimensions using a forming press, punching press or similar.
Presses have long been the go-to tool for metalworkers seeking to produce pieces to be applied in further manufacturing processes later down the line. But the last century has seen an undeniable shift away from manual presses and towards automated ones.
Specifically, CNC press brake machines have created an environment in which metal pieces can be produced to high-end specifications at rapid speed without excessive input from physical workers, via a separate control panel.
But what exactly is a CNC press brake? How have they improved press processes, and would they be more useful to your business than the presses you currently use?
At Cambridge Dynamics, we’re experts in the world of presses and can advise you on the best presses and press processes to meet your needs. So speak to a member of the team if you’d like more information, or keep reading to learn more.
What is a CNC press brake?
A press brake is a machine that is used to bend materials (most often sheet metal) into specific shapes and dimensions, so these pieces can be used in the manufacture of other products.
There are many different forms of press, some of which punch holes in materials (punch presses), stamp shapes into materials (stamping presses), and many more.
A piece of sheet metal is placed into the press above a robust die. A ram is then applied with force onto the metal, producing the desired effect.
These presses were once exclusively operated by hand, with the operator loading the machine, pulling the ram into the piece and replacing the pressed piece with a fresh one, before repeating the process many times over.
However, thanks to CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and automation technologies, companies can create pressed pieces in record time and with an unbeatably high degree of accuracy, with as limited human input as possible.
CNC helps press operators control variables such as stroke length, applied force, Y-axis positioning and more, all at the touch of a button.
What are the indicators a CNC press brake would be more useful?
If you’re wondering whether a CNC press would be more useful for your business than a manual one, the first statistic you should look at is the expected output.
If your business is expected to produce high volumes of pressed materials per day, and this expectation is increasing, you will always struggle to meet demand if you’re still using manual presses without the addition of impressive motor power and advanced motion technologies provided by CNC.
Because they use automation tools, hydraulic press brakes utilising CNC controls can exponentially increase the number of pressed pieces you produce, bending sheet metal at impressive speed.
You should also focus on the level of accuracy required in the punching or bending process.
If you are challenged with producing highly intricate pieces through your press processes, opting for a manual press won’t be the best way to go.
Why? Because physical workers simply can’t match the degree of high precision provided by CNC technology, which can produce matching punch-pressed pieces within a millimetre of the desired dimensions, eliminating the possibility of human error.
Plus, replacing a manual press with an automated CNC press would help boost profits. Because you won’t need to discard as many incorrectly pressed pieces and will be able to produce quality pieces in far greater quantities at greater speed, you can expect revenue to head in the same direction.
Not only that, but replacing manual processes with more automated alternatives, such as CNC press brakes, will raise the safety standards of your enterprise and lower workplace accidents.
Because press operators do not need to take as much of a ‘hands-on’ approach with CNC press brakes, with many of the actions being fully automated, they will be at less risk of being injured by the high forces involved.
As such, with fewer workplace injuries stalling production, you can expect productivity to continue on an upward trajectory.
Contact Cambridge Dynamics for all your press needs
Whether you’re a business in need of new press machines to optimise manufacture, or you’re seeking a third party to produce pressed pieces on your behalf, Cambridge Dynamics can help.
With decades of combined experience in punch presses, CNC control, sheet metal bending and more, we’re your ideal partner to help you take your press processes to the next level.
Speak with a Cambridge Dynamics press expert today by emailing enquiries@cambridgedynamics.co.uk or give us a call on 01480 459555. We’d love to find out more about your business and your needs.