CNC Press Brakes
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What Is a CNC Press Brake? How Computer-Controlled Bending Transforms Your Production
A computer numerical control (CNC) press brake uses a computer numerical control system to automate the bending process by controlling ram movement, back gauge positioning, bending speed, and angle precision.
The CNC system calculates the exact ram stroke, speed, and pressure needed to achieve the desired bend angle without overbending or causing spring back. This eliminates the manual adjustments and operator guesswork that limit throughput and consistency on older numerical control (NC) press brakes and manual press brake machines.
A CNC press brake machine consists of several parts. The main component of a CNC press brake is the CNC controller, which processes coded instructions and converts them into precise mechanical movements. Next is the power component or drive system. This is commonly a hydraulic or servo-electric drive system. To perform the sheet bending in the sheet metal or material, the press brake has punches and die tooling. The system rounds out with a CNC controlled back gauge, which uses independently controlled servo motors to move the back gauge into position.
Capital Machine Technologies carries CNC press brakes across two technology platforms: Accurpress hydraulic and hybrid models (Accell E, U, HT) and SafanDarley electric models (E-Brake Premium, Ultra, Dual Drive). This provides operators access to every drive type under one dealer, service provider, and value-added distributor.
Three CNC Press Brake Drive Types: Hydraulic, Electric, and Hybrid
Hydraulic CNC press brakes, such as the Accurpress Accell E, use an AC motor-driven hydraulic pump to generate bending force. These bending machines can handle the widest tonnage range, with press brakes available from 40 tons to more than 1,000 tons. This makes hydraulic press brakes one of the most versatile for heavy-plate and high-tonnage work, although they require hydraulic press brake oil maintenance.
Electric CNC press brakes, like the SafanDarley E-Brake Series, use servo motors to drive the ram directly delivering up to 50% in energy savings compared with hydraulic press brakes. There is no hydraulic oil to maintain, and the machine operates with reduced noise. This advanced technology features precision of
0.02 mm through its electronic control system. The max tonnage is 300 tons for the SafanDarley Dual Drive.
Hybrid CNC press brakes, such as the Accurpress Accell U with servo pump hydraulics.The servo pump allows for very low power consumption when the machine is idle, while maintaining the tonnage capacity of a full hydraulic press brake system.
CNC Control Systems: ETS3000, Vision, Moses, and E-Control
Capital Machine carries the full lineup of CNC press brake machines, such as Accurpress and SafanDarley, with advanced technology features like Accurpress Vision and Moses Control, user-friendly touchscreen interfaces.
Accurpress Vision comes standard on all Accell models and enables operators to import 3D sheet metal
parts from SolidWorks, Inventor, or Solid Edge into Vision for full 3D programming and bend visualization.
The Accurpress Moses Control is a touchscreen interface that transforms the machine ram into a visual,
3D guidance system.
The Accurpress ETS3000 provides a streamlined alternative with 2D graphical programming via a high resolution 17-inch touch screen and a programming Teach Mode for manual machine position capture. This is a lower-cost option for shops running simpler parts that don’t require 3D simulation or CAD integration.
SafanDarley provides a full touchscreen E-Control system that runs on a PC under Microsoft Windows with a 100 MB Ethernet UTP network connection. The system features Industry 4.0 ready controls that can communicate with external systems.
How to Choose the Right CNC Press Brake for Your Shop
To find the right CNC press brake you should start with your material used and its thickness. Your shop’s tonnage requirements will generally direct what machine is right for you. Shops primarily bending 10-gauge mild steel or lighter can evaluate electric and hydraulic options. For shops regularly forming 1/4" plate and heavier sheet metal, hydraulic press brakes, such as Accurpress Accell E or Accell U, or high-tonnage configurations, such as Accurpress Accell HT, are the right choice.
Operators should also consider production volume and shift count. Single-shift job shops running varied work benefit from the Accurpress Accell E’s versatility and lower entry cost, while 2-3 shift operations prioritizing energy efficiency and throughput should evaluate the SafanDarley E-Brake Ultra or the Accurpress Accell U.
Shops with experienced programmers and complex multi-bend parts benefit from Accurpress Vision’s 3D simulation and CAD import, while shops running simpler repetitive work may find the Accurpress ETS3000’s Teach Mode or SafanDarley E-Control sufficient.
Installation, Training, and Lifetime CNC Press Brake Service
Capital Machine manages the complete CNC press brake installation from pre-delivery site survey and rigging coordination through machine leveling, drive system commissioning, CNC control calibration, and final operator sign-off. This ensures your machine is production-ready from day one.
Every CNC press brake purchase from Capital includes operator training with optional advanced CNC programming training, conducted at one of six regional technology centers. We also offer on-site training at your facility, covering control-specific programming, tooling setup, and maintenance procedures.
Post-installation, Capital Machine has 43-factory-trained field service engineers and a 53-member service department. We provide the largest dedicated press brake service network in the United States across a
22-state territory, backed by more than 40 years of fabrication equipment expertise. We also offer condition-based maintenance programs along with comprehensive service. Contact us today for more information.