Curls, hinges, knuckles, and rolled edges can all be produced on sheet metal using either a punch press or a press brake. For some shops, the decision about how to produce curl forms may come down to what type of machine is available. However, when availability isn’t a factor, there are other differences between curl forms made on a punch press versus a press brake that are worth considering. The primary difference is the amount of control and handling provided by the machine. Punch press machine clamps allow the sheet to be held in place during both the pre-curling and rollover operations. Press brakes have no such sheet clamping control, which creates a variety of difficulties, including an inability to curl the edge of the sheet as it will push back out of the tool.
Click below to read full article in Fabricating and Metalworking Magazine.
June 29, 2018