Hydraulic Press Brake vs Electric Press Brake: Which Is ...

I. Introduction

If you work in the sheet metal bending industry, you are likely familiar with press brake machines. A press brake is an important tool capable of bending, shaping, and cutting metal plates into various forms and sizes.

With competitive prices and timely delivery, HAVEN sincerely hopes to be your supplier and partner.

As technology advances, press brake machines have evolved from manual to electric systems. Currently, the main types of press brake machines are hydraulic, electric, and hybrid press brakes. Among these, hydraulic and electric press brakes are the most widely used.

This article discusses the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of these two press brake types to help you make a more informed decision. The following video compares hydraulic press brakes and electric press brakes:

II. What Are Hydraulic Press Brakes?

Hydraulic press brakes have dominated the sheet metal bending field since their inception. Powered by a hydraulic cylinder, these machines use the cylinder's force to bend metal plates.

A traditional hydraulic press brake features a hydraulic system that pumps hydraulic oil into the cylinder to generate force. This pressure acts on the crossbeam or ram, pushing down against the metal plate for bending.

This hydraulic system provides high tonnage, making hydraulic press brakes suitable for heavy-duty bending. It also allows for precise and consistent control of the ram's movement.

The hydraulic press brake machine can also include a mechanical, hydraulic hybrid system, or an electric hydraulic system. Each type of hydraulic press brake offers unique functions and advantages.

Many hydraulic press brakes come with advanced features, such as CNC control or automatic tooling change systems. The CNC hydraulic press brake has a wide tonnage range and is ideal for bending thicker materials, including aluminum and stainless steel. With proper use and maintenance, the hydraulic press brake can have an extended service life.

III. How Does A Hydraulic Press Brake Work?

The hydraulic press brake utilizes a motor-driven hydraulic pump to transfer hydraulic oil to the valve, which guides pressurized oil to the cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder pushes the ram downward, exerting pressure on the metal sheet to achieve bending.

The operator positions the metal sheet on the workbench, and the back gauge secures the material to prevent movement during bending. The back gauge can be adjusted manually or automatically via a CNC controller.

Upon pressing the pedal or activating the hydraulic system via the controller, hydraulic oil fills the cylinder. The resulting pressure causes the ram to bend the metal plate.

The bending force and length can be set according to the required workpiece size. After bending is complete, the hydraulic system releases pressure, allowing the ram to return to its original position.

IV. What Are Electric Press Brakes?

Electric press brakes are also used for metal bending and forming; however, they rely on electric motors instead of hydraulic oil, eliminating concerns about oil leakage and waste disposal, making them more environmentally friendly.

The electric motor drives mechanisms such as ball screws or belts to move the ram and apply pressure to the metal plate. Electric press brakes generally offer higher precision than hydraulic press brakes, resulting in accurately completed workpieces through consistent and repeated bending.

Electric press brakes operate more quietly than hydraulic models since they do not utilize hydraulic oils. Additionally, power consumption only occurs during ram movement, leading to significant energy savings.

For instance, a 100-ton press brake operating for 8 hours a day may consume approximately 12 kWh/day for a fully servo electric press brake. In contrast, a hydraulic system may require around 60 kWh/day. Thus, the fully electric servo press brake can save about 80% in energy.

The design of electric press brakes is simpler, with fewer components, leading to easier maintenance. They come in fully electric and hybrid electric variations. The fully electric press brake operates solely on an electric motor, while the hybrid model may utilize both electric and hydraulic systems.

Electric press brakes can also be programmed for automatic bending, making them suitable for automated and large-scale production.

V. How Does An Electric Press Brake Machine Work?

The electric press brake's working principles are similar to those of hydraulic press brakes, with the key difference being the power source. Electric press brake machines use electric motors to drive the ram downward, applying pressure to the metal sheet for bending.

After each bending step, the motor releases pressure, and the ram returns to its starting position. The hybrid electric press brake combines powered electric motors and hydraulic systems.

VI. Electric Press Brake vs. Hydraulic Press Brake: Which is Better?

The hydraulic press brake is widely recognized for its power and versatility. Electric press brakes, a newer technology, have gained popularity for their energy efficiency and automation capabilities.

Both hydraulic and servo electric press brakes have unique characteristics with significant differences in structure, working principles, and performance. The right choice depends on your application's requirements, budget, and production volume. Below is a detailed comparison of electric and hydraulic press brakes.

1. Structural Differences

The hydraulic press brake mainly consists of a workbench, hydraulic system, control system, and frame. The hydraulic system includes components like the main oil cylinder, oil tank, oil pump, and directional valve. It uses hydraulic oil to create pressure, enabling the ram's up and down movement for bending.

Electric press brakes comprise an electric motor, transmission mechanisms, cantilever devices, electronic control systems, and more. Their transmission method is motor-driven, which allows the ram and workbench to move vertically through gears and reducers.

2. Working Principles Differences

The hydraulic press brake operates by pumping hydraulic oil into the cylinder, causing the piston to move upwards, pushing the ram downwards and the workbench upwards for the bending process.

The electric press brake operates via an electric motor that drives the ram and workbench up and down to perform the bending task. In terms of reliability and stability, hydraulic press brakes have an edge.

3. Performance Differences

Hydraulic press brakes demonstrate:

• High bending force: Powerful and able to handle thicker metal sheets.
• Fast bending speed: With adjustable speed that supports large production volumes.
• Good stability: The hydraulic system can adjust pressure for precise bending angles and accuracy.

Electric press brakes show:

• Simple operation: Easy for non-specialists to use with relatively low investment costs.
• Automation: Ability to automatically perform multiple bends, reducing labor needs.
• Low noise: Quieter operation than hydraulic presses due to the absence of hydraulic systems.
• Minimal maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean easier upkeep than hydraulic machines.
• Energy efficiency: Lower energy consumption compared to hydraulic press brakes, only using power during operation.
• Cost: Electric press brakes are generally less expensive compared to hydraulic models for small-scale production.
• High transmission accuracy: Typically using servo motors to drive ball screws or belts, achieving precise movement control and reducing errors.

4. Material Compatibility

Thick Materials: Hydraulic press brakes excel in bending thick or high-strength materials commonly used in construction, shipbuilding, and heavy manufacturing.

Thin Materials: Electric press brakes are perfect for thin materials like sheet metal, providing precision and repeatability for intricate bends and tight tolerances.

VII. Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Technology

A. Hydraulic Press Brakes

Advantages

High Force Capacity: Capable of generating substantial forces for processing thick metals essential in various industries.

Versatility: Suitable for multiple materials and thicknesses, able to perform complex bends in various applications.

Durable: Designed for longevity, reliably supporting high-demand tasks.

Cost-Effective for Mass Production: Efficient in large-scale production with high precision, minimizing material waste.

Advanced Safety Features: Modern systems include multiple safety mechanisms to protect operators.

Disadvantages

Higher Energy Consumption: Continuous operation leads to increased energy use compared to electric models.

Maintenance Downtime: Frequent maintenance requirements can disrupt operation and increase costs.

Slower Cycle Times: Generally slower than electric models, which can be a disadvantage in high-volume production.

Environmental Concerns: Risk of fluid leaks contributing to contamination and sustainability issues.

Space Requirements: Requires significant operational space and handling areas.

B. Electric Press Brakes

Advantages

Superior Precision: Achieve high accuracy and repeatability, perfect for industries requiring precise work.

Faster Cycle Times: Increased productivity due to quicker operational speeds.

Energy Efficiency: Substantial energy savings as electric systems use power only during bending.

Quiet Operation: More discreet operation compared to hydraulic models, suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

Ease of Maintenance: Fewer moving parts simplify maintenance procedures.

Adaptability: Programmable bending sequences enhance flexibility and reduce setup times.

Disadvantages

Limited Force Capacity: Not as powerful as hydraulic systems, making them unsuitable for thick materials.

Higher Initial Costs: Upfront costs may be a barrier for small to medium businesses.

Complex Maintenance: Repairs may require specialized expertise due to sophisticated components.

Application Limitations: Best suited for precision bending of lighter materials.

Electrical Hazards: Risk of faults necessitate adherence to safety protocols.

VIII. FAQs

1. Which press brake type is more energy-efficient?

Electric press brakes are more energy-efficient as they consume power solely during the bending process, unlike hydraulic press brakes that require continuous operation to maintain pressure.

2. What are the maintenance costs associated with hydraulic and electric press brakes?

Hydraulic press brakes incur higher maintenance costs due to complex systems requiring regular upkeep. In contrast, electric press brakes, with their simpler designs, offer lower maintenance expenses.

3. What are the environmental impacts of hydraulic press brakes compared to electric ones?

Electric press brakes present a lower environmental impact by being more energy-efficient and devoid of hydraulic fluid leak risks, contributing to sustainability efforts.

IX. Conclusion

When selecting the appropriate press brake for your operations, consider your specific needs, production capacity, and energy efficiency goals. For heavier materials needing higher tonnage, a hydraulic press brake is preferable.

If energy consumption, automation, and noise levels are significant factors, then an electric press brake may be the right choice.

Although hydraulic press brakes have a higher initial cost, they can be more economical in the long run with proper maintenance extending their lifespan.

As a manufacturer of professional press brakes, laser cutting machines, shearing machines, and more, we have over 20 years of experience in the industry. If you are interested in purchasing a press brake, please browse our official website or contact our sales team.