The hydraulic press brake is the most common bending machine in fabrication, and for good reason. It combines force, control and value in a way that suits almost every shop. Here is how it works and where it wins.
Two hydraulic cylinders drive the upper beam down, pressing a punch into a V-die to form the bend. Because the cylinders are controlled, the ram speed, force and stopping point are all adjustable, and the machine can hold the exact depth needed for a precise angle on every stroke. Modern machines add CNC control, a motorised backgauge and automatic crowning to keep long bends linear.
Older mechanical brakes use a flywheel and a fixed stroke, which limits control. All-electric (servo) brakes are fast and efficient on thin, light work but get expensive at higher tonnage. Hydraulic machines sit in the sweet spot: strong, precise, affordable and able to cover a wide tonnage range. VICLA closes the one historic gap, energy use, with a hybrid drive.
A traditional hydraulic machine uses more energy than a servo-electric one and can be a little noisier. VICLA answers both with its hybrid system, which saves up to 55% energy (up to 78% on the Hybrid System Plus) while keeping the strength and range of hydraulics.
The VICLA SMART is a hydraulic press brake with CNC automatic crowning and a strong value-for-money balance, available from 110 to 250 tons. For a full hybrid flagship with up to 6 backgauge axes and Clever Crowning, step up to the SUPERIOR range.
For range and tonnage, yes. Electric wins on very thin, light high-speed work; hydraulic covers far more of a shop's needs.
Traditional ones use more, but a hybrid drive like VICLA's cuts that by more than half.
From small machines to several hundred tons, far beyond what electric brakes reach affordably.