What Makes a Great Press Brake? 10 Features You Can’t Overlook

When it comes to choosing a press brake for your shop, the market is full of options that vary widely in price, features, and performance. While it may be tempting to go with a cheaper model to save on upfront costs, the long-term success of your fabrication projects depends on having a machine that delivers precision, durability, and safety. But what exactly makes a press brake stand out from the rest? Here are 10 key features that you simply can’t overlook when evaluating your next purchase.

1. Precision Controls

The backbone of any modern press brake is its control system. Look for advanced controls like the Delem 66S or 69S, which offer unparalleled precision and ease of use. With intuitive touchscreens and programmable options, these controls allow for highly accurate bends, minimizing errors and reducing waste.

2. Safety Systems

Safety should never be an afterthought. Ensure that the press brake you choose includes a comprehensive safety system, such as the Fiessler AKAS 5 laser safety system, which monitors the bending process and protects operators from potential accidents. Wysong press brakes include these safety features as standard, not as costly add-ons, because we believe safety should come first.

3. Ram Accuracy and Repeatability

Press brake accuracy can make or break a project. When evaluating machines, consider ram repeatability and accuracy. Wysong’s press brakes, for instance, offer ram repeatability of ±.0004", ensuring consistent results even in high-volume production. This level of precision is critical for achieving tight tolerances in bending operations.

4. Back Gauge Precision

An accurate back gauge is essential for repeatability in large production runs. Features like Givi Scales, standard on Wysong’s machines, ensure back gauge accuracy of up to .001". Additionally, having multi-axis back gauges allows for more complex bends, giving your shop the flexibility it needs to take on a variety of projects.

5. Crowning Technology

To achieve consistently accurate bends along the length of the material, crowning technology is a must. Wysong press brakes feature Wila CNC crowning, which automatically adjusts to compensate for deflection in the machine, ensuring even pressure and precise bends across the entire width of the material.

6. Bending Length and Tonnage

Choosing the right tonnage and bending length depends on the material types and thicknesses you plan to work with. Wysong offers a range of press brakes, such as the MB190-122, which provides 190 tons of force over a 122-inch bending length, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Ensure the machine you choose can handle your shop’s most common tasks with room for growth.

7. Tooling Compatibility

Tooling flexibility is essential for any press brake, and compatibility with industry-standard tooling can save you money in the long run. Wysong press brakes feature Rolleri Tooling and North American tooling slots on both the punch holders and bottom dies, allowing for quick changes and maximum versatility.

8. Cycle Speed

Press brake speed can directly impact your production time. With approach speeds of up to 425 inches per minute and return speeds up to 283 inches per minute, Wysong’s press brakes ensure that you can keep your shop running efficiently without sacrificing precision during the bending process.

9. Customizability

Every shop has unique needs, which is why having a press brake that can be customized is crucial. Whether you require a larger throat, extended stroke, or special configurations like tandem setups, Wysong offers customizable solutions to fit the specific demands of your production line.

10. Service and Support

Even the best equipment requires maintenance and support. Make sure you invest in a machine from a company that stands behind their product with excellent service and warranty coverage. Wysong press brakes come with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, a 20-year frame warranty, and access to preventive maintenance consultations, ensuring your machine operates at peak performance for years to come.

A great press brake is more than just a machine; it's an investment in your business. By focusing on features like precision controls, safety systems, and durability, you’ll not only improve the quality of your bends but also the overall efficiency and safety of your shop. With Wysong, these critical features come standard, ensuring that you’re equipped with the best tools to succeed in today’s competitive fabrication environment.