Choosing a press brake comes down to seven checks: your sheet size and material, the required tonnage, the machine frame, the drive type, the controller, the right model for your material, and after-sales support. Here is how we walk our own customers through each step. When selecting a bending machine, many customers may not know how to choose the model best suited to their needs. Due to a lack of experience, they might purchase a machine that is unsuitable, resulting in lost production time and wasted procurement costs. Therefore, I would like to share some insights today, hoping to provide guidance and assistance to overseas buyers.
Step 1: Know Your Workpiece
Generally, the first step in selecting a press brake bending machine is to provide details about the sheet metal. These details include the following elements: a) maximum sheet length, b) maximum sheet thickness, and c) material type (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum).
Step 2: Calculate the Tonnage
Next, once the aforementioned information is confirmed, we need to calculate the tonnage to determine the bending force required to manufacture the product. Below is a calculation formula; simply plug in the relevant data to obtain the required tonnage.
P = 650 × t² × L / V
Legend: P = bending force (kN), 1 ton ≈ 10 kN; t = plate thickness (mm); L = bending length (m); V = bottom die opening width (mm); 650 = coefficient for Q235 carbon steel. Tonnage T = P / 10.
Correction factors by material: Stainless Steel 304 × 1.7; Aluminum Alloy × 0.5.
Example: bending 3 mm carbon steel, 2 m long, with a 16 mm V-die: P = 650 × 3² × 2 / 16 = 731.25 kN ≈ 73 tons. For the model selection, we are opting directly for the higher-capacity 80-ton unit to ensure the machine does not operate at full load or suffer from insufficient pressure, which could lead to bending deformation.
Step 3: Check the Machine Frame & Components
Once the tonnage is determined, examine the materials and the quality of the components used in the machine itself. A machine frame constructed using integral welding and stress-relief tempering offers a longer service life while ensuring excellent stability and precision. The mainstream material for press brakes is Q235B carbon steel plate, though superior alternatives—such as 45# medium-carbon steel—are also available. Furthermore, the thickness of the side plates serves as an indicator of material quality; substantial material usage results in a heavier, more robust machine frame. Finally, the quality of electrical components is crucial. BEIGEMA primarily utilizes Rexroth hydraulic valves, Schneider electrical components, Siemens main motors, Fagor grating rulers and HIWIN ball screws; these components are selected for their low failure rates and the ease of sourcing replacement parts for overseas after-sales support.
Step 4: Choose the Drive Type: NC or CNC
There are two main series of press brakes: torsion-bar synchronized press brakes and electro-hydraulic servo CNC press brakes. First-time buyers can make their choice based on two key factors: budget and specific bending requirements for the work pieces.
First, for customers with a limited budget, I recommend the torsion-bar synchronized press brake—commonly referred to as an NC press brake (see our WC67K series). It features two-axis control (X-axis for the back gauge and Y-axis for the ram stroke), allowing for automatic control of bending depth and back gauge positioning. It supports simple program storage and is suitable for basic processing tasks such as hardware components and equipment enclosures; it is highly popular among customers due to its affordability and ease of use.
Second, if your work pieces require complex bending sequences or involve irregular shapes, I strongly recommend a multi-axis electro-hydraulic CNC press brake (see our MB8 series). These machines feature multi-axis back gauges (such as X/R/Z1/Z2 configurations) and offer advanced capabilities like automatic blank size calculation, deflection compensation, extensive program storage, multi-language support, and drawing import functions. Representative control systems include Delem, CT, ESA, and KT15. If high precision is a priority, this is the ideal choice.
Step 5: Choose the Controller
The controller decides how much of the machine’s capability you can actually use day to day. Our press brakes are offered with six controller options, from simple to advanced:
- E21 (NC): a simple digital controller for X and Y axes with basic program storage. The most economical choice for straightforward, repetitive bending.
- TP10S / E310P (NC, 2-axis servo): accurate bending with low energy consumption; a practical step up from the E21 for regular production.
- DA53TX (CNC, 4+1 axis): touch-screen programming with angle input; suits workshops moving from simple parts to multi-step bends.
- DA66S / DA69S (CNC, up to 8+1 axis): 2D/3D graphical touch-screen programming with 3D machine visualization and offline programming. For complex profiles, tight tolerances and mixed batches.
Rule of thumb: simple boxes and brackets → E21; steady production with varied parts → DA53TX; complex parts, many tools, 3D preview needed → DA66S or DA69S.
Step 6: Match the Machine to Your Material
The choice of a bending machine depends on the material of the customer’s workpieces. In the sheet metal industry, the most common materials are carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. I will briefly introduce the machine models best suited for each of these three materials.
| Processing Material | Recommended Model | Not Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary carbon steel sheet | Torsion-bar CNC press brake | None |
| Thick carbon steel plates and long products | Electro-hydraulic servo press brake | Lightweight torsion-bar machine (machine frame prone to deformation) |
| Various types of stainless steel | Electro-hydraulic servo CNC bending | Simple digital-display torsion-axis machine (poor accuracy, uncontrolled springback) |
| Thin aluminum sheets, decorative aluminum panels | All-electric servo bending machine | High-tonnage hydraulic press (plate tearing via impact force) |
| High-strength, wear-resistant thick steel plate | Heavy-duty electro-hydraulic servo press brake | Any economical, lightweight equipment |
Step 7: After-Sales Service and Export Adaptation
Once you have completed the steps above, you also need to consider whether the machine you are purchasing comes with a comprehensive and responsive after-sales service system. Being overseas and unable to obtain timely technical support when a machine malfunctions is, in my view, a major headache. To avoid such issues, you should verify whether the manufacturer offers the following: an English-language operating interface, English manuals, and an overseas spare parts warehouse; a solid warranty period and remote troubleshooting capabilities; and the ability to supply a full set of molds as well as guidance on equipment installation and commissioning.
Of course, as every client’s products and requirements differ, we recommend the most suitable machine model based on your specific products. At BEIGEMA, we have a professional technical team; simply send us your requirements and product drawings, and we will tailor a solution for you—ensuring that, even from overseas, you can purchase the machine that best fits your needs and guarantees your complete satisfaction. Browse our full range of press brake machines or send us your drawings through our contact page for a tailored recommendation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying exactly the calculated tonnage with no margin — the machine runs at full load and loses accuracy over time. Leave at least 20-30% headroom.
- Choosing on price alone — a lightweight frame deforms under long, thick plate and the savings disappear in rework.
- Ignoring your local power supply — confirm voltage and frequency for your country before ordering.
- Forgetting the tooling — confirm the die opening (V) sizes you need are included, since the V width directly changes the required tonnage.
Before You Send an Inquiry: What to Prepare
You will get an accurate model and quote much faster if your first message includes:
- Material type(s) and the maximum thickness you bend
- Maximum sheet length
- Typical parts (a drawing or photo helps a lot)
- Bends per part and daily output
- Your country and workshop power supply (voltage / frequency)
Sample message: “We bend 3 mm mild steel and 1.5 mm stainless, max length 2.5 m, about 200 parts per day. Power is 380V/50Hz (Vietnam). Please recommend a model and quote with shipping to Haiphong.”
FAQ
Q: What tonnage do I need for 4 mm carbon steel, 3 m long?
A: With a 32 mm V-die: P = 650 × 4² × 3 / 32 = 975 kN ≈ 98 tons — we would recommend a 125-ton model for headroom.
Q: What is the difference between an NC and a CNC press brake?
A: An NC machine controls two axes (back gauge and ram) with a simple digital controller — economical and easy to use. A CNC machine adds multi-axis back gauges, graphical programming and deflection compensation for complex, high-precision parts.
Q: What warranty and support does BEIGEMA provide?
A: 24 months warranty, English interface and manuals, remote troubleshooting, and installation and commissioning guidance for overseas customers.