Hydraulic vs. Electric Press Brakes

The development of press brakes has greatly evolved over the years. In the past, operators required advanced skillsets to determine K-Factors, Bend Sequence & Tool Setup, Shimming/Deflection Compensation, to name just a few.? Today’s Labor force does not have much of this generational press brake fabrication experience.? With advancing technologies, in CNC Control, Software, Tool Clamping & Indication, CNC Crowning, much of this knowledge is now IN the machine! There are also multiple?options in drive technology, and machine features?on the market today that can suit your needs. Here, we will compare two of these choices: hydraulic and electric press brakes and provide insights as to the benefits of each.?

Hydraulic Press Brakes

Shop owners have the option to purchase a hydraulic press brake, which enables workers to input their specifications with the help of a CNC controller. Mac-Tech offers top-of-the-line hydraulic press brakes from leading brands like, Ermaksan. One notable model is the Power-Bend Falcon, equipped with a?Universal (American or European Tang)?fast tool clamping system that improves efficiency?of, and?reduction in setup time. Additionally, it features a movable foot pedal?and adjustable sheet supports on a linear rail, to help both improve operation ergonomics and reduce operator fatigue. Such machines, like the Power-Bend Falcon, possess great versatility due to their ability to easily adjust angles, dimensions, and other characteristics in the program. This makes them an ideal choice for fabrication shops dealing with heavy workloads.

Electric Press Brakes?

In addition to the option of purchasing electric press brakes for their fabrication requirements, managers can benefit from their energy efficiency, and significantly reduce the maintenance interval, and cost of operation. Unlike hydraulic press brakes, which must remain on constantly, workers can easily switch off electric machines once they have completed their tasks. However, it should be noted that electric press brakes may not be as versatile as hydraulic ones. Hence, they are more ideal for smaller fabrication shops that only require repetitive bending rather than a wide range of bending capabilities. Due to their limited flexibility, electric press brakes are a more suitable choice for smaller?part, and high-tolerance requirements.? Mac-Tech offers the ERMAKSAN GreenPress-FX Fully-Electric Servo-Motor Belt Drive Design Press Brakes, that offer superior performance, production and financial justification.

Large establishments dealing with thicker sheet metal should look at Mac-Tech's selection of hydraulic press brakes for sale. Shop owners must evaluate the pros and cons of hydraulic versus electric press brakes. Regardless of what you choose, hydraulic or electric, our products are some of the best on the market and are proven to increase your productivity.?

Don’t forget – with 40 years of expertise in the Metal Fabrication Industry, Mac-Tech is your go-to source for all your needs. Our dedicated team is always ready to assist with any questions and support your organization in enhancing efficiency and productivity. We'd love to hear from you—contact us today!