#1. Workpieces

How will you modify or customize your press brake. No one press brake fits all needs. It’s impossible. Depending on your operation and needs, you will need to modify your press brake to get the results you need. This means that you should make sure all the workpieces you’re getting with your press brake purchase fit your needs. While it can be easy to call up salespeople and give them the serial number of your last press brake, this isn’t the end of the conversation. You will need to work with your rep to get the press brake that actually works for you and your needs, including workpieces.

#2. Deflection

How much deflection will occur in your machine? The material that you will be sending through your press brake will determine the amount of deflection you need to account for. Heavier materials like steel will require more workload capacity from your press brake, while lighter materials will not. Know your materials and type of workload you need to accommodate before you start searching and purchasing press brakes.

#3. Radius

What’s the inside radius of your parts? Many production managers purchase based on external radius and do not look internally. This is important due to the thickness or type of material you’re using. Thickness of material can be factor in the radius measurement. Make sure you check this before purchasing your new press brake.

#4. Accuracy

Your bends need to be accurate, but how accurate? Knowing this accuracy measurement before you buy a press brake is going to give you insight on the type of press brake you need to purchase. While most press brakes offer fine tuned bending accuracy, you may need less or more, and that can affect the price. Check accuracy capabilities before purchasing.

#5. Flange

You want to know how wide the flange is in the front of your machine. If you don’t, you may run into complications with material width. While this is a simple change in the ordering process, it can mean the difference between a wasted purchase and a profitable one once the machine is on the floor production. Don’t make the mistake of missing this factor when buying your next press brake.

#6. Tooling

What type of tooling accessories do you need? Don't assume a tooling rack comes with the purchase of your new press brake. Instead, ask about the tooling rack with your sales rep. What’s more, make sure if you have an existing tooling rack that it will fit your press brake. Without the proper tooling rack, you may be putting your workers and operation at risk.

Now that you’re aware of the big six in press brake factors to consider, take a look at some other factors to consider when buying a press brake:

Length

Tonnage

Daylight and stroke

Throat

Tool clamping

Tool adapters

Back gauge

Compensation systems

Energy saving systems

Front support arms and sheet followers

Angle control systems

Optionals and accessories

Keep in mind that press brakes are simple machines that make a complicated process easy. While they are simple, the parts needed to operate properly are many, and you want to make sure they all align with what you need. Going the inexpensive route is not always the best option. While you’re saving money on the upfront cost, you won’t be saving money when you have to repair or even replace the machine.