An NC press brake, also known as a numerically controlled press brake, is a machine tool used in metal fabrication to bend and shape sheet metal. It is equipped with a computer numerical control (CNC) system that allows for precise control over the bending process.
The NC press brake consists of a hydraulic or mechanical ram that moves vertically to apply force on the sheet metal, which is held in place by a set of dies. The CNC system controls the movement of the ram and adjusts the bending parameters such as the bending angle, depth, and position.
Operators program the desired bending sequence and specifications into the CNC system, including the desired angles and dimensions of each bend. The machine then follows these instructions to accurately position the sheet metal and perform the bending operations automatically.
NC press brakes offer several advantages over manual or conventional press brakes. They provide greater precision and repeatability, as the CNC system ensures consistent and accurate bending results. They also allow for complex bending sequences with multiple bends and offer faster setup times, as the operator can program the desired parameters instead of manually adjusting the machine for each bend.
Overall, NC press brakes are essential tools in modern sheet metal fabrication, enabling efficient and precise bending operations in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and construction.