Frequently asked Questions about Horizontal Press Brake Presses:
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM PRESSURE CAPACITY OF THE HYDRAULIC PRESS?
The maximum pressure capacity of a hydraulic press can varies depending on the specific model and design. Hydraulic presses offered by The Workshop Press Company are available with a wide range of tonnages to cater to customers’ different applications and requirements. The standard offering of horizontal hydraulic presses ranges from 10 tons up to 100 tons.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM STROKE LENGTH OR RAM TRAVEL DISTANCE OF A HORIZONTAL PRESS BRAKE?
The maximum stroke length or ram travel distance of a horizontal hydraulic press refers to the maximum distance the piston can travel during its operation. The stroke length is the maximum horizontal range of motion the press piston can travel and is an important consideration when selecting a hydraulic press for your specific application.
WHAT IS THE WORKING TABLE WIDTH OR BED SIZE OF THE PRESS AND HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO USABLE WORKING SPACE?
The working table width or bed size of a hydraulic press refers to the horizontal distance from left to right and then front to back. It determines the available space for accommodating the workpiece and carrying out various operations but the overall size of the work table and usable work space are two different dimensions, but relate to each other.
The usable working space varies depending on the size and design of the hydraulic press because hydraulic presses are manufactured in different sizes to cater to a range of applications and workpiece dimensions. The usable space is defined as the maximum space, left to right and then up to the piston face of the horizontal press.
WHAT MATERIALS CAN THE PRESS HANDLE? IS IT SUITABLE FOR SPECIFIC MATERIALS SUCH AS METAL SHEETS, PLATES, OR TUBES?
Hydraulic presses are designed to handle a wide range of materials, all types metals, plastics, composites, and more. But keep in mind that the suitability of a particular hydraulic press for specific materials depends on factors such as the press’s construction, and tonnage of the press. You must also consider the availability of appropriate tooling or dies.
In the case of metalworking, hydraulic presses are commonly used for materials such as Sheet Metal of varying thicknesses, including steel, aluminium, copper, and stainless steel. Metal Plates can effectively be bent, straightened, or punched. Metal Tubes or Pipes can be processed using specialized tooling to bend or form metal tubes and pipes, commonly used in industries like automotive, construction, and manufacturing.
CAN THE PRESS ACCOMMODATE VARIOUS TOOLING OR DIES FOR DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS?
Yes, hydraulic presses are designed and known for their ability to accommodate a wide variety of tooling or dies for different applications. In addition to the ability to use different tooling or dies one of the advantages of hydraulic presses brakes is their ability to be changed over quickly making them versatile and flexible in performing a wide range of tasks.
Hydraulic Horizontal Presses offered by The Workshop Press Company UK feature removable or interchangeable tooling which includes a Mounting Face Plate, V-Punch Tool, V-Die Tool, and Mounting Pins allowing operators to install and replace tooling or dies based on the specific requirements of their applications. Bespoke tooling is also available so dies can be customized depending on the needs of the industry and the specific tasks the hydraulic press is intended to perform.
WHAT IS THE SPEED OF THE PRESS, BOTH IN TERMS OF APPROACH AND RETURN STROKE AND IS IT ADJUSTABLE?
The speed of a hydraulic press, both in terms of the approach stroke and the return stroke can be adjusted and the controls vary depending on the specific model and design of the press. The speed of the press is controlled by a valve-system and can be adjusted according to the desired application, but the maximum speed is 11 mm per second.
WHAT SAFETY FEATURES ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE MACHINE? ARE EMERGENCY STOPS AND OVERLOAD PROTECTION INCLUDED?
The Workshop Press Company offers Horizontal Press Brakes equipped with various safety features to ensuring operator safety and protecting the machine from dame. While the specific safety features may vary depending on the model, there are several common safety measures incorporated into hydraulic presses, including:
- Emergency Stops: Easily accessible emergency stop buttons allow operators to quickly halt the machine’s operation in case of an emergency or to prevent accidents.
- Overload Protection: Overload protection systems to prevent damage caused by excessive force or pressure and depending on the model the horizontal press machine includes pressure relief valves or sensors that automatically limit the pressure within safe parameters.
IS THE PRESS CUSTOMIZABLE OR AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS TO SUIT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS?
Yes, custom and bespoke configurations are available to suit the customer’s needs. Please talk to our knowledgeable sales staff to discuss your requirements.
WHAT IS THE POWER SOURCE REQUIRED FOR OPERATING THE PRESS (ELECTRICITY, HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT)?
The standard horizontal workshop presses come in 400V, 50 Hz, 3-Phase power but 1-Phase systems are available as well as 120V systems.
HOW USER-FRIENDLY IS THE CONTROL SYSTEM? DOES IT HAVE A USER INTERFACE FOR EASY OPERATION AND PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT?
There are 2 standard systems offered that control the machine. The first is a basic but effective DRO that allows the operator to input 2 critical parameters which include the length of the stroke and then the return position of the piston. Touchscreen HMIs are also available and allow the operator to program a variety of bends in sequence.
CAN THE PRESS BE INTEGRATED INTO AN AUTOMATED PRODUCTION LINE OR SYNCHRONIZED WITH OTHER MACHINERY?
Yes, we can provide controls that allow you to integrate our horizontal press brakes into manufacturing systems.
WHAT ARE THE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS FOR THE PRESS?
The Maintenance Requirements of a Hydraulic Horizontal Press Brakes are relatively simple and include daily testing of the incorporated safety features, cleaning the machine and the tables, keeping the area around the press clean, and doing a regular check of the hydraulic fluid levels. Some companies implement an aggressive PM schedule and will completely flush and replace the hydraulic oil on an annual basis, and some companies will simply check the oil level and top up on an annual basis, which is fine if the overall quality of the oil is not degraded or dirty. A service schedule can be provided on customer request. A service package can be offered to the customer upon request and will include a 6-month check and after that checks at the anniversary date of purchase. The length of the contract is dictated by the customer.
DOES THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDE WARRANTY COVERAGE AND AFTER-SALES SUPPORT?
The Workshop Press Company offers a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on its offered horizontal press brakes. We also offer service contracts or ad hoc service calls, and our service staff is always ready to assist.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL FEATURES OR ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE FOR THE PRESS?
- Some optional features include:
- Bespoke tools
- Custom control systems
- Automated stop system controlled with a touchscreen HMI
- Custom tool holding pins
- Extended manual side stop systems
- Palm button control
- Custom safety features and controls
- Bespoke table sizes