MACH | CNC PRESSBRAKE
BEND SMARTER
PRODUCE MORE
MACH CNC press brake machines combine precision bending, intelligent CNC control and advanced forming technology for modern sheet metal fabrication. From compact electric press brakes to high-performance servo-hydraulic and heavy-duty bending systems, every machine is configured around accuracy, productivity and lower cost per part.
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY
Increase output with
fast, efficient bending cycles
SMART CONTROLS
Advanced CNC control for simple, efficient operation
PRECISION BENDING
Achieve accurate angles and
consistent results on every part
ENERGY EFFICIENT
Reduce power consumption
and operating costs
BUILT TO LAST
Rigid construction for long-term accuracy and reliability
BUILT FOR GROWTH
Scalable press brake solutions for every stage of your business
PRESSING FORCE
40–1,000 Tonnes
BENDING LENGTH
1,250 to 8,000mm ( Tandem 12 Metres)
CNC CONTROL
From 5 to 15 Axis
RAM REPEATABILITY
Up to ±0.01mm
APPROACH SPEED
Up to 200mm/s
Technology & Features
ADVANCED CNC PRESS BRAKE TECHNOLOGY
Modern CNC press brakes combine intelligent control, precision backgauging, automatic crowning and advanced angle correction to produce accurate, repeatable bends.
MACH configures each press brake around your material, component geometry, bending length, required tonnage and production volume—delivering a productive sheet metal bending solution for manufacturers across the UK and Ireland.
01
ROBOTIC BENDING AUTOMATION
Robotic press brake cells automate material loading, positioning, bending and unloading. They reduce repetitive handling, improve part consistency and support dependable production across longer shifts.
02
LARGE COMPONENT BENDING
Rigid machine construction, generous working lengths and controlled material handling enable accurate bending of large sheet metal components while making operation safer and more manageable.
03
3D BEND PROGRAMMING
Graphical CNC software visualises the component, tooling and bending sequence before production. Operators can program complex parts faster, identify potential collisions and reduce setup errors.
04
COMPLETE PRESS BRAKE RANGE
From compact machines to high-tonnage CNC press brakes, the range supports everything from general fabrication and batch production to demanding, high-volume bending applications.
05
COMPLETE PRESS BRAKE RANGE
From compact machines to high-tonnage CNC press brakes, the range supports everything from general fabrication and batch production to demanding, high-volume bending applications.
06
DELEM CNC CONTROLS
Delem touchscreen CNC controls provide graphical programming, automatic bend-sequence calculation and intuitive machine operation helping reduce setup time and deliver accurate, repeatable bending results.
SMARTER BENDING. STRONGER PERFORMANCE.
CNC PRESS BRAKE QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS
CNC Press Brake Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, practical answers about CNC press brake machines, tonnage, bending length, tooling, backgauges, crowning, controls, automation and selecting the right machine.
MACH supplies, installs and supports CNC press brakes for sheet metal manufacturers throughout the UK and Ireland.
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A CNC press brake is a programmable machine used to bend sheet metal and plate accurately. It forms the material between an upper punch and lower die while the CNC control manages ram movement, backgauge positioning and the programmed bending sequence.
CNC press brakes are used to manufacture brackets, panels, enclosures, channels, frames and complex formed components from mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other metals.
The operator positions the sheet against a CNC-controlled backgauge. The press brake then lowers the punch into the selected die, applying controlled force to form the required angle.
The CNC system calculates and controls ram depth, backgauge positions, bending sequence and available correction values. On synchronised machines, the left and right sides of the ram are controlled independently to maintain accuracy across the bending length.
An NC press brake normally provides basic numerical control of a limited number of machine functions. It can be suitable for straightforward bending work but may require more manual setup and operator calculation.
A CNC press brake offers more advanced control of the ram, backgauge and additional axes. Graphical programming, automatic bend sequencing, tooling libraries, simulation and correction functions make complex parts easier to produce consistently.
Hydraulic press brakes are robust, versatile machines capable of handling a wide range of bending lengths and tonnages.
Hybrid and servo-hydraulic systems combine hydraulic power with more efficient drive and control technology to improve speed, accuracy and energy consumption.
Servo-electric press brakes use an electric drive system and can provide fast, precise and energy-efficient operation, particularly for lighter and medium-duty bending. The best technology depends on the parts, material range and production volume.
Start with the components you need to manufacture rather than selecting a machine by tonnage alone.
The main considerations are:
- Maximum material thickness and grade
- Longest bending length
- Component geometry and flange dimensions
- Required bend angles and tolerances
- Production quantities
- Tooling requirements
- Backgauge and CNC axes
- Automation requirements
- Available factory space
MACH can review drawings, material details and production requirements before recommending a machine configuration.
Required tonnage depends on the material strength, thickness, bending length, die opening and bending method. Stainless steel and high-strength materials generally require more force than mild steel of the same thickness.
Choosing tonnage from material thickness alone can produce an incorrect result. The calculation should reflect the actual component, tooling and full length of the bend, with sufficient machine capacity for normal production.
The required bending length should be based on your longest continuous bend—not simply the overall size of the component.
Part geometry, side-frame clearance, throat depth, tooling layout and how the component will be handled must also be considered. Selecting a slightly longer machine may provide useful flexibility, but unnecessary bed length can increase machine size and cost without improving production.
CNC press brakes can process mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, galvanised steel and many high-strength materials. Other metals can also be formed with the correct tooling and bending parameters.
The achievable capacity depends on material tensile strength, thickness, bend length, grain direction, inside radius and die opening. Every application should be checked against the machine and tooling limits.
Common CNC press brake axes include:
- Y1 and Y2: Independent control of the left and right sides of the ram
- X: Controls the backgauge depth and flange dimension
- R: Adjusts the vertical height of the backgauge
- Z1 and Z2: Move the backgauge fingers independently across the machine
Additional axes can improve flexibility for tapered, offset or complex components. However, the correct configuration depends on the work being produced—more axes are not automatically necessary for every application.
The backgauge positions the sheet before each bend and determines the flange dimension. It moves automatically to the programmed position as the component progresses through its bending sequence.
Multi-axis backgauges can adjust depth, height and finger position, making it easier to produce complex components while reducing manual measurement and setup time.
Crowning compensates for the small amount of deflection that occurs in the ram and machine bed under bending load.
Without suitable compensation, a long component may bend correctly at the ends but produce a different angle through the centre. CNC-controlled crowning adjusts the machine or die support across the bending length to help maintain a more consistent angle.
Tooling selection depends on the material, thickness, required angle, inside bend radius, flange size and component geometry.
Common tooling includes straight punches, gooseneck punches, acute-angle tools, hemming tools and a range of V-dies. Segmented tooling provides additional flexibility for boxes and return flanges. Tool height, load capacity and clamping compatibility must be confirmed before use.
Air bending forms the material using three points of contact and is the most flexible method for modern CNC press brakes. Different angles can be produced using the same tooling by controlling punch depth.
Bottom bending presses the material more firmly into the die and normally requires greater force.
Coining applies substantially higher pressure to form the material closely around the tooling. It is less commonly used on modern precision press brakes because of the force and tooling loads involved.
A modern CNC press brake can provide excellent ram positioning and repeatability, but finished-part accuracy depends on more than the machine specification.
Material thickness, tensile strength, grain direction, springback, tooling condition, backgauge setup and crowning can all affect the final angle and flange dimension. Automatic angle measurement and correction can further improve consistency where tight tolerances or variable materials are involved.
Automatic angle-measurement systems monitor the bend as it is being formed or measure the angle during the bending cycle.
The CNC control can then adjust ram depth to compensate for material variation and springback. This can reduce test bends, manual correction and rejected parts, particularly when processing materials with inconsistent mechanical properties.
Press brake software helps the operator create the bending programme, select tooling, calculate the bend sequence and establish the required machine-axis positions.
Advanced systems may include 2D or 3D visualisation, tooling libraries, collision detection, automatic bend sequencing and offline programming. These functions can reduce setup time and make complex components easier to produce correctly.
Depending on the machine and configuration, safety equipment may include laser guarding, light curtains, monitored control systems, side and rear guarding, interlocked access points and emergency-stop circuits.
The correct safety arrangement must consider the machine, tooling, component geometry and working method. Press brake safety should be specified as part of the complete installation—not treated as an optional accessory.
Yes. Press brake automation can include robotic loading and unloading, automated part positioning, sheet followers, automatic tool changing and integrated bending cells.
Automation is particularly effective for repeat components, larger batches and parts that are difficult or tiring to handle manually. The business case should consider component suitability, changeover frequency, production volume, labour requirements and the complete manufacturing process.
Yes. Advanced controls make programming and setup easier, but operator knowledge remains essential.
The operator must understand tooling, material behaviour, tonnage limits, bend allowances, springback, safe working practices and component inspection. Good machinery and proper training work together to produce accurate, repeatable parts.
Site requirements depend on the machine size and configuration but can include suitable floor capacity, electrical supply, access for delivery, lifting and offloading arrangements, safe operating clearances and an appropriate working environment.
The installation plan should be agreed before delivery so the machine can be positioned, commissioned and tested without avoidable delays.
Site requirements depend on the machine size and configuration but can include suitable floor capacity, electrical supply, access for delivery, lifting and offloading arrangements, safe operating clearances and an appropriate working environment.
The installation plan should be agreed before delivery so the machine can be positioned, commissioned and tested without avoidable delays.
Yes. MACH supports CNC press brake projects throughout the UK and Ireland, from initial application review and machine specification through to delivery, installation, commissioning and operator training.
Training can cover machine operation, CNC control, tooling setup, programme creation, production checks and routine maintenance, depending on the selected machine and project.
Ongoing support can include technical assistance, fault diagnosis, preventative maintenance, spare parts and machine-specific engineering support.
A CNC press brake is a long-term production investment, so local service capability, parts availability and technical knowledge should be considered alongside the initial machine specification and purchase price.
The price depends on tonnage, bending length, machine construction, CNC control, number of backgauge axes, tooling, safety equipment and automation.
Delivery, installation, commissioning and training should also be considered when comparing quotations. The lowest purchase price is not necessarily the lowest long-term production cost if the machine is incorrectly specified or poorly supported.
The most useful information includes:
- Material types and grades
- Minimum and maximum thicknesses
- Longest bending length
- Component drawings or sample parts
- Required tolerances
- Typical batch quantities
- Current production problems
- Preferred CNC control
- Tooling already owned
- Future capacity or automation plans
If every detail is not yet available, MACH can help establish the important requirements before preparing a recommendation or quotation.
