Press brake and finger brake are two important bending tools in the metal processing process. This article will explain the differences between press brakes and finger brakes, and provide advice on choosing between the two.
How does press brake work?
The modern press brake workflow is very automated.
First, you need to set the parameters of the workpiece you want to process through the CNC or NC system and select the appropriate die and punch for installation.
Then, place the metal sheet on the workbench, position it through the baffle plate, and clamp the sheet using the interaction between the pressure plate and the bottom die.
Finally, operate the pedal switch to control the up and down stroke of the hydraulic press brake and perform the bending work.
If an emergency occurs when operating the hydraulic press brake and the machine needs to be stopped immediately, you can also use the emergency stop pedal to immediately cut off the power supply.
How does finger brake work?
Since the finger brake workflow lacks the step of parameter input in the CNC system, there is a need for more manual control during operation, especially when bending some complex workpieces.
First, you need to insert the workpiece sheet metal so it is resting on the angle bar and beneath the clamping finger.
Then, you need to pull the clamping bar handle to lower the clamping finger and secure the piece of sheet metal.
Next, check to make sure the sheet metal is secure and not loose or moving around, if not, loosen or tight the lock nuts to adjust the clamping pressure.
The lock nuts can also be used to adjust the gap between the angle bar and clamping fingers to account for different material thickness.
Once secured, use the setback knob to set the bend radius and pull the bending leaf handle to bend the sheet metal to your desired angle.
Finally, lift and push the clamping handle back to elevate the clamping fingers and release the sheet metal.
Performance differences: press brake vs finger brake
| Performance Aspect | Press Brake | Finger Brake |
| Speed and Productivity | Faster, especially CNC models; can make 600-900 bends per hour at top speeds | Slower, manual operation suitable for smaller batches or custom work |
| Automation and Complexity | More automation capabilities, especially CNC models; can handle complex bending sequences | Simpler, manually operated with less automation |
| Precision and Repeatability | Higher precision and repeatability, particularly CNC models, ideal for large production runs | Can achieve precise bends, but consistency may be challenging for large volumes |
| Flexibility and Versatility | More versatile in handling a wide range of materials and thicknesses | Greater flexibility for small, intricate bends due to adjustable fingers |
| Setup Time and Ease of Use | May require more complex setup, but faster production for large runs | Quicker setup times for small jobs or frequent changes |
| Capacity and Force | Can handle larger, thicker materials and exert more bending force | Generally limited to smaller, thinner materials due to manual operation |
| Cost and Space Requirements | More expensive and require more floor space, especially large CNC models | More compact and cost-effective, suitable for smaller workshops |
The differences between processable materials: press brake vs finger brake
| Feature | Finger Brake | Press Brake |
| Material Thickness | Up to approximately 1/8 inch (about 3.2 mm) | From very thin sheets to several inches thick |
| Material Types | Aluminum, mild steel, some stainless steel | Aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, high-strength alloys, hardened steel |
| Application | Lighter gauge materials, smaller parts, portability | Wide range of materials, heavier fabrication, industrial use |
| Flexibility | Limited to lighter materials and thicknesses | Versatile, handles a wide range of materials and thicknesses |
How to choose between press brake and finger brake?
When deciding between a finger brake and a press brake, it really comes down to what you’re working with and what you need to do. Here’s the lowdown:
Finger brakes are your go-to for lighter sheet metal. They’re great for bending thin sheets and making simple shapes. If you’re working on smaller projects or with softer metals, a finger brake might be all you need. They’re cheaper and easier to use, but they’ve got their limits. You can’t bend thick and hard materials or make complex shapes with them, and they’re slower for big jobs.
Press brakes, on the other hand, are the heavy hitters. They can handle thicker materials and tougher jobs. If you’re dealing with big parts or need to make complex bends, a press brake is your best bet. They’re more precise and can do a wider range of bends, but they’ll cost you more upfront.
Think about your workload too. If you’re cranking out parts all day, a press brake will speed things up. But for smaller runs or one-off jobs, a finger brake might do just fine.
In the end, it’s about matching the tool to your needs and budget. No point in splashing out on a fancy press brake if a finger brake will do the trick.
