NC Press Brake vs CNC Press Brake: Key Differences

I. What Are CNC Press Brake and NC Press Brake?

An NC press brake or CNC press brake is a type of press brake machine that uses a CNC system (a numerical control system) to control the bending process. On an NC press brake, the torsion bar forces cylinders on both sides to move up and down synchronously.

With the CNC system, the operator can program various bending parameters of the workpiece through the controller. The controller can then set all parameters, allowing for repeated bending to be performed accurately and efficiently.

The main difference between the NC press brake and the CNC press brake is that the latter has a more advanced controller. This allows for complex programming to be carried out, leading to higher accuracy and automation levels.

The CNC press brake can handle complex workpieces and mass production. Here is the short video for you to watch:

II. Advantages and Disadvantages of NC Press Brake

nc press brake

The NC press brake is controlled by an NC system to control the up-and-down movement of the punch and bend the metal sheet. It has several advantages over manual press brakes, including improved consistency in bending speed and accuracy, and reduced reliance on skilled operators.

In comparison to manual press brakes, NC press brakes significantly increase bending speed and precision. The NC system is used to control various aspects of the bending process, such as stroke speed and the number of bends.

This allows for repeated bending to be performed consistently, with a focus on both speed and precision. The NC press brake can enhance the production efficiency of parts and ensure the quality of the final products.

nc controller

Furthermore, the NC bending machine reduces the skill requirements for operators compared to manual press brakes. Manual press brakes require the operator to set up the machine and adjust the die manually, whereas, with NC press brakes, most bending programs can be completed by programming the controller or setting parameters.

The operator's role is mostly limited to loading and unloading sheet metal. Once the NC system is programmed, the NC press brake can also perform automatic bending, following the set procedures and steps to improve production efficiency.

While the NC press brake has higher initial costs for machine purchase and personnel training, it is not as efficient as a skilled operator in handling emergencies or complex bending.

It is important to note that although the NC press brake has greater automation capabilities, it still requires a certain level of skill and knowledge to operate effectively.

III. Advantages and Disadvantages of CNC Press Brake

cnc press brake

The CNC press brake, or computer numerical control press brake, is used for bending metal sheets. Compared to the NC press brake, the CNC press brake has a more advanced CNC system that results in higher bending speed, precision, and automation.

The CNC press brake's more advanced controller allows for more accurate bending, with the ability to achieve precise bending speed and angle and a final accurate workpiece. This improved accuracy and quality of the workpiece helps reduce production costs.

The CNC press brake can also produce workpieces with more complex shapes, thanks to its advanced CNC controller that can be programmed through complex algorithms.

This allows for greater control of the bending accuracy of the die, which is useful when processing workpieces with complex shapes and bending angles.

cnc controller

The CNC press brakes offer higher degrees of automation than the NC press brake. With the ability to program complex workpieces, the CNC press brake can bend according to the pre-determined program.

A more advanced version of the CNC press brake is a bending center equipped with a robotic arm. The CNC press brake is ideal for complex bending, increasing output and efficiency.

However, the CNC hydraulic press brake also has a higher cost, with higher purchase and training expenses compared to NC press brakes. The operation of a CNC press brake is more complex, requiring higher skills from the operators.

CNC press brakes are used for complex workpiece bending or factories with high-volume production requirements. Due to its high accuracy, the processed workpiece often requires minimal rework.

IV. Comparison of NC Press Brake and CNC Press Brake

One of the differences between NC and CNC press brakes lies in the functionality and accuracy of their control systems.

NC press brake machine primarily controls the bending process through its NC system, while the controller of the CNC press brake machine is managed by a computer control system, allowing for the programming of complex algorithms and precise control of the dies, back gauge, and other components.

press brake back gauge

Another difference between the two is the level of automation; the CNC press brakes offer higher levels of automation with features such as a robotic arm, requiring the operator to only feed and unload material.

NC press brakes use mechanical synchronization maintained by a torsion bar and do not have real-time error feedback, nor can they self-adjust, resulting in lower bending accuracy. For CNC press brakes, the controller maintains slide synchronization through proportional valves based on feedback from linear encoders that analyze synchronization on both sides of the slide.

Although the NC press brake is more affordable, it is suitable for the majority of sheet metal bending. On the other hand, while CNC press brakes may be more expensive, they offer a high level of automation and bending accuracy and can process large quantities of complex workpieces.

Following is the Comparison Table

ParameterNC Press BrakeCNC Press Brake
Bending Force20-200 tons20-200 tons
Bending Length1.2-4.3 meters (4 to 14 feet)1.2-4.3 meters (4 to 14 feet)
Distance Between Columns950-3200 mm950-3200mm
Throat Depth230-320 mm230-320mm
Ram Stroke100-250 mm100-250 mm
Max Opening Height320-470 mm320-470 mm
Ram Descent Speed80 mm/s200 mm/s
Ram Return Speed70 mm/s120 mm/s
Backgauge Speed100 mm/s400 mm/s
Axes ControlTypically 2 axes (X, Y)Multiple axes (up to 6 or more)
Control SystemMechanical synchronization, simpler NC controller, limited programmabilityClosed-loop control system, advanced CNC controller, highly programmable
AccuracyLower, requires manual adjustmentsHigh, with real-time feedback and auto-adjustments
Operational ComplexityRequires higher operator skill, more manual adjustmentsUser-friendly, high automation, suitable for complex tasks
Suitable ApplicationsSmall batch production, simple bending tasksLarge batch production, complex bending tasks
CostLower initial investmentHigher initial investment
Power ConsumptionLowerHigher
Automation LevelLower, requires more manual interventionHigher, with automated and programmable operations
Setup TimeLonger setup time due to manual adjustmentsShorter setup time with automated adjustments
FlexibilityLess flexible, suitable for simpler tasksHighly flexible, suitable for complex and varied tasks
Backgauge SystemMechanically positioned, less preciseDigitally controlled, highly precise
ProgrammingBasic programming capabilitiesAdvanced programming with the ability to store and recall multiple programs
MaintenanceSimpler, lower maintenance requirementsMore complex, higher maintenance requirements
Material WasteHigher due to manual trial and errorLower due to precise control and automation
Energy EfficiencyBasic energy efficiencyAdvanced energy-saving features like automatic sleep modes
Tool ChangeManual, time-consumingAutomated or semi-automated, faster
nc vs cnc press brake

V. Conclusion

This blog post explores the advantages, disadvantages, and differences between CNC and NC press brakes. CNC press brakes are generally more advanced than NC press brakes and offer greater accuracy and higher-quality products.

However, NC press brakes have a high cost-performance ratio and are more affordable than CNC press brakes. Yet, they still possess complete functions and high bending accuracy. Contact the product experts if you want to purchase a CNC press brake or an NC press brake.

ADH Machine Tool is a professional manufacturer of sheet metal processing machines that offers cost-effective products and high-quality services, such as hydraulic press brakes, shears, and fiber laser cutting machines.

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