The end users of bending machines are typically metal profile processing plants or family workshops operating as front-shop, back-factory operations. Holding significant influence in sheet metal processing, they face a dilemma when replacing equipment. The high energy consumption of traditional machinery and the diverse demands of modern sheet metal industrial products compel them to upgrade to new equipment.
Selecting the appropriate press brake is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and productivity. The current market is saturated with an ever-increasing array of models and brands, making optimal selection challenging. This article will guide you through all pertinent information to identify the pure electric press brake that best meets your requirements.
The all-electric press brake is a machine tool that bends sheet metal into various shapes and angles to meet market demands. Unlike traditional press brakes, it relies on servo motors for power transmission. These motors drive large-lead ball screws, applying pressure through the upper worktable to bend the sheet metal.
HOGI fully electric press brake machines high-efficiency bending at low cost and high efficiency.
The future development trends for the bending industry, in general, are towards greater intelligence, automation, environmental sustainability, specialisation, and customisation.
The most notable feature of the HOGI PB series press brakes lies in their highly efficient and energy-saving design philosophy. Utilising imported servo motors as their core component, these press brakes deliver substantial power while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional asynchronous motors. Their processing efficiency far surpasses that of conventional hydraulic press brakes, substantially enhancing operational performance with notably faster ram speeds.
The high-response speed of the servo motor drive achieves approximately 1.5 times the processing efficiency of conventional hydraulic press brakes. The ram’s working feed speed reaches up to 30mm/s, roughly double that of traditional electro-hydraulic press brakes.
By eliminating hydraulic oil usage, production and maintenance processes are freed from associated oil contamination. Pure electric servo press brakes achieve approximately 80% energy savings, while the introduction of new electric servo drive systems elevates efficiency and energy conservation to unprecedented levels. Energy consumption occurs only during actual pressure output phases, resulting in minimal routine maintenance costs and delivering tangible benefits for manufacturing enterprises.
PB Series Fully Electric Servo Press Brake
utilising servo motor drive, delivers significantly superior processing efficiency compared to conventional hydraulic press brakes.
The PB2008, a compact 20-tonne 0.8-metre electric press brake, features rapid ram speed, high production efficiency, approximately 80% energy savings, and bending accuracy reaching 0.01 millimetres.
This model incorporates a 3-axis backgauge system with automatic vertical adjustment and lateral horizontal movement. Dual linear guides enhance precision, mounted on both sides of the crossbeam for superior impact resistance and 15-year dimensional stability.
Compared to conventional servo press brakes, the absence of belts and gearboxes enables direct servo motor drive to the lead screw transmission. Bending angle deviation remains within ±0.5°, ensuring consistent precision.
The transmission system is simplified, eliminating seal consumables and oil leakage risks. Requiring only periodic lubrication, it reduces maintenance costs. The user-friendly operating system ensures convenient and worry-free operation.
Hogi’s compact bending machines accommodate diverse tooling for programming and forming complex components. Integration with automated equipment enhances bending efficiency.
Widely employed across: electrical cabinetry, lighting hardware, automotive fabrication, domestic appliances, sanitaryware, elevators, machine tools, construction machinery, and specialised sheet metal fabrication within various mechanical processing industries.
Advantages and Applications of Pure Electric Press Brakes
In brief, these include high speed, precise bending positioning, elimination of hydraulic oil requirements, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. They are suitable for medical devices, household appliances, telecommunications equipment, switchgear cabinets, and various high-precision sheet metal components.
Exceptionally low failure rate and maintenance costs
The transmission system of all-electric servo press brakes is simplified, eliminating components such as cylinders, pumps, valves, seals, and hydraulic hoses, rendering maintenance costs negligible.
Conventional hydraulic press brakes suffer from high failure rates in cylinders, pumps, valves, and seals. Hydraulic systems are prone to damage, fault diagnosis is challenging, and contamination proves difficult to clean.
Rapid bending speed
Processing speeds reach up to 200 mm/s, delivering over double the efficiency of conventional equipment. The all-electric servo press brake’s transmission structure offers rapid response and high operational velocity, employing direct servo motor drive to fundamentally resolve the slow transmission speeds inherent in traditional press brakes.
Precision control
The all-electric servo press brake employs a servo motor directly driving a lead screw transmission structure. This configuration delivers rapid response, high transmission precision, and robust servo motor stability, achieving repeat positioning accuracy of ±0.01 mm.
High precision minimises bending errors in finished products, enhancing yield rates. Even complex angles and bending profiles are effortlessly achieved, ensuring first-class product quality.
Conventional press brakes feature complex transmission structures where environmental factors and hydraulic system heat generation compromise bending precision. In extreme temperatures, preheating or cooling downtime is required.
Energy efficiency and environmental protection: more than just slogans
The transmission efficiency of all-electric servo press brakes exceeds 90%. Servo motors achieve 70% greater energy savings compared to traditional hydraulic press brakes, yielding annual electricity cost reductions of up to RMB 60,000. No hydraulic oil is required (only periodic lubrication of relevant components).
Eliminating hydraulic oil changes and oil contamination management further saves several thousand RMB annually in hydraulic oil expenses.
Multifunctionality in metal processing
Pure electric press brakes adapt to market demands for diversity, small batches, and customisation, demonstrating versatility in handling various materials during operation.
Machines can be tailored to process product thickness, length, and bending requirements, suitable for stainless steel, aluminium, copper, etc., delivering consistent bending results with high repeatability.
Aesthetic and Ergonomic Interaction Design
Boasting a sleek, substantial appearance, the machine incorporates ergonomic design and an intuitive interface prioritising practicality. Specifically engineered for the comfort and safety of bending operators, it streamlines the bending process, minimises injury risks, and reduces fatigue.
The fusion of advanced technology with user-centred design ensures efficient operation, enhances productivity, and minimises downtime.
How to Find the Right All-Electric Press Brake
Research different brands, including both imported and domestic equipment. Next, assess the material, length, and thickness to be bent. Select a reliable press brake manufacturer.
When seeking the finest all-electric press brakes, consider manufacturers renowned for innovation, quality, and reliability.
Where to Purchase the Best All-Electric Press Brakes
Machine quality and manufacturer reputation are paramount. All-electric press brakes offer numerous advantages. The industry-recommended brand HOGI CNC Machine, specialising in press brakes for over a decade, has served more than 10,000 corporate clients and stands as a trusted, high-quality press brake manufacturer.
HOGI machines are celebrated for reliability and value for money. Their PB Series pure electric servo press brakes feature robust construction with standard 6-axis backgauge systems. The backgauge automatically adjusts to bending requirements, demonstrating superior efficiency for frequently changing sheet widths and oblique bending.
They maintain stable operation even in demanding environments. In recent years, HOGI has prioritised innovation, integrating advanced technology with meticulous modern industrial design to serve both small workshops and large-scale manufacturing enterprises.
As manufacturing demands for efficient, precise, and environmentally conscious production continue to rise, press brakes—core equipment in sheet metal processing—undergo constant technological evolution.
Pure electric press brakes (fully electric press brakes) and electro-hydraulic press brakes (hybrid press brakes) represent the two predominant technological approaches currently available on the market.
Significant differences exist between the two in terms of drive systems, energy consumption, precision, and applicable scenarios. This article will explore their characteristics and distinctions from perspectives including technical principles, application domains, and performance comparisons.
I. Technical Principles and Core Differences
1. All-Electric Press Brake
Drive Method: Utilises servo motors to directly drive ball screws or rack-and-pinion systems, precisely controlling ram movement via electrical signals.
Energy Supply: Entirely reliant on electrical power, eliminating the need for hydraulic oil or pump stations, resulting in a more streamlined structure.
Control Logic: Achieves high dynamic response via CNC systems, enabling programmable settings for bending angle, speed, and pressure parameters.
2. Electro-Hydraulic Press Brake
Drive Method: Combines servo motors with hydraulic systems. Motors drive hydraulic pumps to generate high-pressure oil, with hydraulic cylinders propelling ram movement.
Energy Supply: Relies on dual energy conversion from electricity and hydraulic oil, necessitating hydraulic reservoirs, valves, and piping systems.
Control Logic: Hydraulic flow and pressure are regulated via proportional or servo valves, though response speed is significantly affected by hydraulic system inertia.
Summary of Core Differences:
All electric press brakes achieve ‘zero transmission clearance’ through direct electric drive connection, whereas electro-hydraulic press brakes rely on hydraulic systems to transmit power, incurring energy conversion losses.
II. Performance Comparison Analysis
1. Precision and Repeatability
All-Electric Press Brake: Direct servo motor control achieves positioning accuracy of ±0.01mm with high repeatability, suitable for high-precision sheet metal fabrication (e.g., electronic components, medical devices).
Electro-Hydraulic Press Brake: Precision typically ranges at ±0.1mm due to hydraulic oil temperature fluctuations and valve response delays, requiring periodic calibration to maintain stability.
2. Energy Consumption and Environmental Performance
All-Electric Press Brake: Consumes power only during ram movement, with near-zero standby power consumption. Overall energy consumption is reduced by 40%–60%, and there is no risk of hydraulic oil leakage, meeting green manufacturing standards.
Electro-Hydraulic Press Brake: The hydraulic pump must run continuously to maintain system pressure, resulting in high standby energy consumption. Long-term use involves issues of hydraulic oil replacement and pollution treatment.
3. Speed and Efficiency
Pure electric bending: Rapid acceleration with idle stroke speeds exceeding 200mm/s, ideal for flexible production of small batches and diverse product types.
Electro-hydraulic bending press: Hydraulic system inertia results in slower acceleration/deceleration response, though it retains stability advantages for high-tonnage bending (e.g., 2000 tonnes and above).
4. Maintenance Costs
Pure electric press brakes: Simple structure with no hydraulic components; routine maintenance involves only lubricating guide rails and inspecting electrical connections.
Electro-hydraulic press brakes: Requires regular hydraulic oil and filter element replacement, along with maintenance of valves and seals, resulting in higher upkeep costs.
IV. Comparative Advantages
1. Pure Electric Servo Press Brake
Energy Efficiency & Environmental Protection: Utilises electric drive systems, eliminating hydraulic oil contamination risks for enhanced environmental sustainability.
High-Precision Control: CNC systems deliver accurate positioning and control, ensuring product consistency.
Energy-Saving Operation: Servo motors supply power on demand, reducing energy consumption and boosting efficiency.
Low-Noise Operation: Eliminates hydraulic pump stations, resulting in significantly quieter operation.
Low Maintenance Costs: Reduced mechanical component wear minimises long-term servicing expenses.
High Intelligence: Supports industrial internet connectivity for remote monitoring and management.
Exceptional Flexibility: Easily adjustable parameters accommodate diverse material requirements.
2. Electro-Hydraulic Servo Press Brake
Energy Efficiency & Environmental Protection: Electric drive eliminates hydraulic oil contamination risks, enhancing sustainability.
High-Precision Control: CNC system delivers accurate positioning and control, ensuring product consistency.
Energy-efficient operation: Servo motors supply power on demand, reducing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency.
Low-noise operation: Eliminates hydraulic pump stations, resulting in quieter operation.
Low maintenance costs: Reduced wear on mechanical components minimises long-term servicing expenses.
High level of intelligence: Supports industrial internet connectivity for remote monitoring and management.
Exceptional flexibility: Parameters can be readily adjusted to accommodate diverse material requirements.
IV. Typical Application Scenarios
1. Fields Suitable for Purely Electric Press Brakes
Precision Sheet Metal Processing: Applications demanding stringent tolerances such as 3C electronic casings, aerospace components, and optical instrument mounts
Rapid Changeover Production: Ideal for SMEs with dispersed orders and diverse product types, shortening delivery cycles through high programming efficiency
Cleanrooms: Oil-free operation suits industries with stringent production environment requirements like food machinery and medical equipment
2. Electro-Hydraulic Press Brake Applications
Heavy Industrial Processing: Suited for bending thick-gauge (6mm+) and high-tonnage (500 tonnes+) components like automotive longitudinal beams and ship structures
Continuous High-Intensity Operations: Hydraulic systems’ thermal stability facilitates prolonged continuous stamping, e.g., in structural steel fabrication
Cost-Sensitive Scenarios: Lower initial procurement costs make these suitable for budget-constrained enterprises with non-critical precision requirements.
V. Market Trends and Selection Recommendations
1. Technological Development Trends
Pure electric press brakes are advancing towards higher tonnages (exceeding 1,000 tonnes) and intelligent capabilities (AI parameter self-optimisation), gradually penetrating heavy industrial sectors.
Electro-hydraulic press brakes are optimising energy efficiency through ‘variable-frequency hydraulic pumps’ and ‘closed-loop control’ technologies, aiming to narrow the performance gap with pure electric models.
2. Key Selection Considerations
Processing Requirements: Opt for all-electric for high precision and small batches; choose electro-hydraulic for large tonnage and high intensity.
Life-Cycle Costs: All-electric equipment entails higher initial investment but lower maintenance expenses, while electro-hydraulic equipment exhibits the opposite pattern.
Environmental Regulations: Regions or industries with stringent restrictions on oil pollution emissions should prioritise all-electric solutions.
VI. Conclusion
HOGI all-electric press brakes and electro-hydraulic press brakes each possess distinct technical advantages and application boundaries. The former leads the future of precision manufacturing with high accuracy and low energy consumption, while the latter remains irreplaceable in heavy industry due to its large tonnage capacity and cost advantages. Enterprises must select the most suitable technical path by aligning with their production requirements, budget, and sustainable development objectives. As electric drive technology matures further, competition or convergence between the two in certain scenarios will become the core driving force for upgrading bending processes.
Innovation-Driven: Advancing Industry Development Through Excellence
The HOGI All-Electric Servo PB Series Press Brake distinguishes itself within the sheet metal processing sector through its hallmark features: high efficiency and energy savings, precise control, intelligent operation, broad applicability, and premium service. As markets evolve and technology advances, the HOGI Group remains steadfast in its corporate ethos of ‘Innovation, Quality, Service.’ We are committed to delivering increasingly superior products and services, thereby propelling the sustained development and progress of the industry.
