How to Choose the Right Size Hydraulic Press Brake
Investing in a press brake is a major decision for any metal fabrication business. With the right machine, you can achieve consistent, accurate bends, improve productivity, and expand the range of projects you can handle. With the wrong machine, you risk downtime, costly mistakes, and limitations in what work you can take on.
At Power Machinery, we supply a range of hydraulic press brakes — from compact Microbend models to heavy-duty Powerbend Pro and Speedbend Pro machines — and we’re often asked: “What size press brake do I need?”
This guide will walk you through the main considerations, including tonnage, bending length, material thickness, precision requirements, and workshop setup, to help you select the right press brake for your needs.
1. Understanding the basics of press brake sizing
Two key specifications determine the size of a press brake:
- Bending force (tonnage): The amount of pressure the machine can apply to bend sheet metal.
- Bending length (working length): The maximum length of sheet the press brake can handle in a single operation.
For example, the Powerbend Pro 175T x 4100mm has a bending force of 175 tonnes and a maximum bending length of 4.1 metres
2. Match Tonnage to Material Thickness
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Light sheet metal (1–3 mm steel): Often manageable with smaller machines like the Microbend (1 m, 40T) or Speedbend Pro 60T x 2600mm.
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Medium plate (4–6 mm steel): Requires machines in the 135–175T range.
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Heavy plate (8–12 mm steel or stainless): Demands 200T+ capacity
Quick Comparison Table
| Material Thickness | 1 m length | 2 m length | 3 m length | 4 m length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | 10T | 20T | 30T | 40T |
| 2 mm | 20T | 40T | 60T | 80T |
| 4 mm | 40T | 80T | 120T | 160T |
| 6 mm | 60T | 120T | 180T | 240T |
| 8 mm | 80T | 160T | 240T | 320T |
Figures are approximate; actual requirements depend on die opening, V-width, and material grade.
3. Consider Maximum Bending Length
Think about the largest sheets you regularly handle:
- Small parts, brackets, panels → A 1 m or 2.6 m machine may be enough.
- General fabrication, doors, cabinets → 3.1 m is a versatile size.
- Large panels, structural steel, long components → 4.1 m or 6.1 m machines may be necessary.
Remember: A longer machine can always bend smaller workpieces, but a short machine cannot bend a longer sheet.
4. Factor in Material Type
- Mild steel: Standard tonnage requirements.
- Stainless steel: Requires ~50% more tonnage than mild steel.
- Aluminium: Requires ~50% less tonnage than mild steel.
5. Production Volume and Precision
- Low to medium output: Compact models like the Microbend suit short runs, prototypes, and custom fabrication.
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High-volume production: CNC-controlled machines such as the Powerbend Pro and Speedbend Pro deliver consistent accuracy with fast setup changes.
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Precision bending: Multi-axis control and crowning systems maintain uniform angles and repeatability across long components.
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Efficiency: Rapid hydraulics and automatic stroke adjustment minimise cycle time and energy use.
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Quality control: Integrated sensors and CNC memory functions ensure repeatable, high-tolerance bending.
6. Workshop Space and Set Up
- Adequate floor space for the machine and operator movement.
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Sufficient power supply — higher tonnage models draw more power.
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Floor strength — large press brakes weigh several tonnes and need a solid foundation.
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Access for delivery and installation — measure doors, roller shutters, and pathways.
7. Comparing our Hydraulic Press Brake Range
Here’s an overview of the machines we offer, to help match them to typical use cases:
Microbend - Compact Bending
- Capacity: From 1 m with 40T bending force
- Best for: Small parts, light fabrication, prototyping
- Advantages: Compact size, affordable, easy to set up
Powerbend Pro - Heavy Duty Reliability
Models available:
- 135T x 4100mm
- 175T x 3100mm
- 175T x 4100mm
- 220T x 3100mm
- 220T x 4100mm
- 220T x 6100mm
Best for: Medium to heavy fabrication, workshops handling large sheets or structural work
Advantages: High tonnage, robust build, versatile sizes
Speedbend Pro -Advanced 8 Axis Control
- Models available:
- 60T x 2600mm
- 135T x 3100mm
- 175T x 3100mm
- 220T x 4100mm
- 220T x 6100mm
- 260T x 4100mm
Best for: Precision production, high volume, complex bending
Advantages: Multi-axis CNC, superior accuracy, faster cycle times
8. Practical Scenarios
- Small fabrication shop making brackets and enclosures → Microbend 40T x 1000mm< or Speedbend Pro 60T x 2600mm.
- General jobbing shop with varied work up to 3 m, 5 mm mild steel → Powerbend Pro 175T x 3100mm.
- Architectural fabricator handling long aluminium panels → Powerbend Pro 220T x 6100mm.
- High volume manufacturer needing repeatable precision bends → Speedbend Pro 175T x 3100mm or 260T x 4100mm.
9. Don't forget hydraulic press brake tooling
The right press brake is only as good as its tooling. Consider:
- V-dies and punches suited to your material thicknesses.
- Specialised tooling for radius bends or hemming.
- Quick-change clamping systems if you run varied jobs.
10.Pre-Purchase Checklist
- What is the maximum material thickness and length you need to bend?
- What materials will you work with (mild steel, stainless, aluminium)?
- What level of accuracy and automation do you need?
- How much workshop space and power do you have available?
- Do you need a versatile all-rounder or a specialised production machine?