It is a interesting question. In fact, press brake a machine used for bending on sheet metal. We also call it sheet metal bending machine.
While the term “press brake” may seem a bit abstract at first, it actually makes sense when you break it down. The “press” part refers to the machine’s ability to exert pressure, typically hydraulic or mechanical, to bend the sheet metal. The “brake” part, as you rightly pointed out, comes from the old English and Dutch word for “to bend” or “to break.” So, when you combine the two, “press brake” essentially means a machine that bends or shapes sheet metal through a pressing action. It’s a practical and descriptive name once you understand its components!
In short, a press brake machine is a piece of industrial equipment used for bending sheet metal and plate material. It consists of a hydraulic or mechanical press that applies force to a workpiece, typically placed between a punch and a die, to bend it to a desired angle or shape.
The machine’s basic components include:
Press Brake Machine Frame
The structure that holds the hydraulic or mechanical components and provides stability during the bending process.
Press Brake Machine Bed
The flat surface on which the lower die is mounted. The bed supports the workpiece during bending.
Ram
The moving part of the press brake that holds the upper die. The ram applies downward force to the workpiece to bend it.
Upper and Lower Die
The tools used to shape the workpiece. The upper die is mounted on the ram, while the lower die is mounted on the bed. They come in various shapes and sizes to produce different bending profiles.
Back Gauge
An adjustable stop that positions the workpiece accurately for consistent bending.
To sum up, press brake machines are essential in metal fabrication industries for creating components used in various products, from automotive parts to household appliances. They offer precise control over the bending process, allowing manufacturers to produce high-quality and accurately shaped parts.
