Large parts need large brakes to bend them

New solutions help solve the age-old challenge of eliminating die marks on metal materials when using a press brake

Midland Metals has expanded its capabilities to control the chaos.

They’re the monsters of the press brake world. But they operate like their smaller cousins, with a little help to handle the big work.

Folding machines are evolving by adding degrees of automation, one feature at a time. But there is a lot more to it than just replacing manual handling. From CAD drawing to finished parts, the most advanced folders can run lights-out, producing top-level accuracy on some very difficult jobs.

Setup time kills productivity, especially when production runs are short. Here’s how a top press brake builder helps customers decide how to minimize lost time.

There’s more to effective press brake automation than robots and programs. You have to start with a tool concept that doesn’t require a human to adjust and compensate for the limitations of a mindless machine.

Friction stir welding provides a critical edge of performance for a spacecraft that will fly to Mars.

One operator, two machines, one workpiece – or a thousand. Like machining cells, the Flex-Cell allows one-part changeover or efficient production. But the press brake/folding machine combination is unique, as far as we know, in fabricating.

Automatic adjusting of press brake tools is a fast way to adapt to varying materials, thickness, and bend radii, without physical tool changing.

Applying technology to safely bend thick and high-strength materials.

The vetted technology is being used in a range of small to large tonnage press brakes.

Springback is the bane of air bending, and it gets worse as workpiece materials become stronger. Here’s an update on how major press brake builders are coping with it.

A Hypertherm expert can offer objective advice about this subject, because – a surprise to some -- they make everything but the machines. Here is a complete rundown on choosing one.

Head-to-head, point-by-point, here are the relative capabilities and advantages of press brakes versus panel benders – from a company that builds both

When bending high strength steel, troubles start with the fact that you’re bending it with high strength steel.