Struggling with slow setups, angle errors, and costly rework? Those problems drain uptime and profit. The fix: choose the right press brake—a reliable machine with smart tool sets and a repeatable way to bend parts, day after day.

A press brake is a machine used to bend sheet metal with a punch and die under controlled force. With the correct tool, tonnage, and cnc setup, a press brake forms accurate flanges, boxes, and profiles. The best choice depends on your parts, bending operation, and budget.

What is a press brake and how does it bend sheet metal?

A press brake is a forming machine used to bend sheet metal and plate. The brake clamps a workpiece between a punch and die. Force from two synchronized hydraulic cylinders pushes the top tool (punch) to create a bend angle in the material. The cnc controller and back gauge position the part so every bending operation lines up.

There are several types of press brakes. A hydraulic press brake uses oil pressure for bending force. Electric press brakes (servo) use motors and screws. Hybrid press brakes blend both. Mechanical press brakes and manual press models still exist, but modern shops prefer cnc press brakes for speed, accuracy, and safety.

What are the different types of press brakes?

• Hybrid press brakes

Combine hydraulic power with servo control.

Aim for the accuracy and efficiency of electric with hydraulic power density.

• Electric press brakes

Ball screw or belt-driven axes; fast and energy-efficient.

Lower noise, low idle power, good for small to medium bending applications.

STON PBS Series Electro-Hydraulic Servo Press Brake

Choosing the right press brake means balancing part size, material thickness, accuracy, energy use, and budget.

Why do CNC, back gauge, and control systems matter so much?

A cnc press brake uses a control system to program bending sequence, bend angle, and part positions. The back gauge moves the sheet so each flange is located correctly. Accurate axes, stable rams, and temperature compensation deliver bending accuracy and repeatability.

Better CNC means:

• Fewer trial bends and faster setup
• Stored programs for families of parts
• Angle correction after the first bend
• Optional angle sensors and crown/deflection control for precision bending

A modern press with good cnc and a smooth bending operation lifts quality in any sheet metal fabrication cell.

Safety first: guard the operator and the brake

Safety features make the press brake operation safer and more predictable:

• Light curtains/laser guards with muting for bends
• E-stops and stop buttons within reach
• Two-hand controls for setup
• Ram speed limits, open/close area guarding
• Clear SOPs, lockout/tagout, and operator training

Complete safety is part of quality. A safe cell keeps uptime high and protects your team.

How STON helps you move from interest to action

You want a press brake that makes precise parts and raises OEE without raising hassle.
STON engineers and builds cnc press brakes and integrates them with laser cutters, turret punches, and coil-to-cut lines.
We tailor tooling options, power/climate packages, local codes, offline programming, and safety. We deliver fast commissioning, training, and spares.
Share your drawings, sheet metal specs, bend lists, and required takt. We’ll size the right press brake and provide a clear plan.

FAQ

What is the warranty period for your various sheet metal processing equipment? What does the warranty cover?
All of our standard equipment (flexible bending centers, CNC turret punch presses, press brakes, and punching and shearing machines) comes with a one-year free warranty. For some products with higher system complexity, the warranty period can be extended to 18 months. The warranty covers repair and replacement of quality issues with core components (such as servo motors, CNC systems, and guide rails), as well as free on-site inspections during the warranty period. Please note that equipment failures caused by human error, force majeure (such as floods and earthquakes), or failure to follow the maintenance manual are not covered by the free warranty, but paid repair services are available.

For long-term use, is the warranty extended? How are extended warranty plans formulated?
Extended warranties are available, with coverage ranging from 1 to 3 years. These plans are customized based on the equipment type, frequency of use, and customer needs. A one-year extension for a single device costs approximately 3%-5% of the total price, while bulk extensions for multiple devices or fully automated production lines offer a 20% discount. During the extended warranty period, in addition to core component repairs, customers also receive a free annual comprehensive equipment inspection and maintenance service to help them proactively identify potential faults and extend the life of their equipment.

What payment methods are available for equipment purchases? Do you support international payment terms?
We offer flexible payment options to meet the needs of domestic and international customers: ① Telegraphic Transfer (T/T): 30% prepayment, 70% before equipment leaves the factory; ② Letter of Credit (L/C): We accept irrevocable letters of credit issued by the customer’s partner bank at sight to ensure the security of funds for both parties. All payment methods comply with international trade practices and support mainstream settlement currencies such as the US dollar and the euro.