Breaking Down the Differences: Folding Machines vs. Press Brakes

When given an option to purchase between folding machines and press brakes, the customer often gets confused on what to choose from. This is where they need proper guidance to understand their requirements and which machine best suits their purpose. Businesses capable of meeting the niche needs for various types of metal parts and pieces seem to have a high success rate. In such cases, one major decision that needs to be taken by these businesses is to choose between press brakes and folding machines. This decision-making process could be complicated at times, and it depends on a variety of factors like the functionalities made use of, cost, major project types achieved and return of investment.  In some cases, businesses need both of these machines as well.

How does folding machine differ from Press brake?

A lot of machines can be seen at metal fabrication facilities. Each machine is capable of delivering their respective functions with utmost perfection.  Press brakes and folding machines are the major machines that you may see in any fabrication shop. Let’s check the factors that make a folding machine differ from a press brake.

Operational

There’s no doubt that folding machines and press brakes are equally heavy-duty machines. Hence, it’s important that the operators must be fully aware of its functionalities before using them. The functionalities of both these machines   While working with a press brake, the operator must hold the sheet metal for the entire duration. The sheet metal must be securely positioned to the back gauge in order for the delivery to happen smoothly.

On the other hand, folding machines are entirely different. The sheet metal workpiece is placed on the platform of the back gauge in order to secure the material. The operator is not supposed to hold the workpiece for the entire duration of the process as in press brakes.

Efficiency

When we compare CNC folding machines and press brakes, it’s often understood that press brakes are more efficient.  This is because of certain limitations in the structure of the folding machines. As we know, in folding machines, the operator doesn’t need to hold the workpiece during the process. This is an advantage in one way, but on the other side it’s a limitation that the operator cannot adjust angles due to this. Using press brakes, the operator can bend the sheet metal in the desired format as there are diversified options for bending. This again makes press brakes more efficient. This reduces the time consumed by the operator on doing finishing touches. 

When to choose a CNC Folding Machine?

In CNC Folding machines, workpieces are made to rest on a platform and only the part to be folded is made to protrude. This makes the remaining metal pieces stay flat and intact.  When the job to be performed is on lighter weight metal as in creating roofing metal pieces, trays, pans, folding machines are most preferred.  Folding machines are found to be very compatible and can be operated just with an operator to make bends and folds that are required with thin, small workpieces.

Conclusion

In this market where people value the quality of the fabrication machines they use, you needn’t look for anyone else other than YES Machinery to buy your high-quality machines. CNC Folders and Press brakes are important for any shop, and you will never regret investing in getting both for your shop.

YES Machinery team will dedicatedly support your shop for any confusions in purchasing these machines. We have discussed the advantages of both the machines and those factors can be kept in mind while you make a purchase for your shop. This will give you a better clarity in where to invest your money.