Press brakes in the KNUTH sheet metal range
A press brake, also called a bending press or die bending machine, is the central machine for bending sheet and plate. A punch presses the workpiece into a die to form a defined edge, and the depth of the stroke sets the bending angle, from a single flange to a multi-bend profile. That is how enclosures, guards, ducting and fabricated parts are made across metal fabrication, mining and heavy engineering. KNUTH supplies press brakes in conventional and CNC versions and in several machine sizes.
How a press brake works: punch and die
The sheet rests on the die, the punch comes down and presses it into the die opening. The common method is air bending: the punch enters only far enough to form the required angle, without pressing the sheet fully home. Working through the stroke depth, the machine sets any obtuse angle. Two factors govern the accuracy:
- Crowning: the press beam deflects slightly under load, and crowning compensates for that deflection so the bending angle stays even over the full length.
- Angle measurement: CNC press brakes measure and correct the angle during the bend, which gives high repeatability.
The bending length you can achieve and the force you need depend on plate thickness and grade. The rated values for the machines currently on offer are shown on the product cards above.
Conventional or CNC press brake: which one to choose
KNUTH press brakes are hydraulic, and the control sets them apart:
- Conventional press brake: the stop and bending depth are set by hand. Robust, simple to operate and economical for straightforward edges and short runs.
- CNC press brake: a control system drives the back gauge, force and bending angle from a programme. That cuts setting time, secures repeatability and suits complex parts and larger batches.
As a rule, simple and repeating bends favour the conventional machine, while complex profiles and higher volumes favour the CNC press brake.
Technical features and machine sizes
Two figures govern the choice. The bending length must match the longest workpiece edge, and the bending force must match the combination of plate thickness and grade. As a guide, heavier plate and longer edges call for more force. KNUTH supplies press brakes from the compact workshop size through to the long, heavy CNC machine for structural and heavy fabrication. Further features include the programmable back gauge for accurate positioning, crowning for even angles and guarding to protect the operator. The exact values for each series are given on the product cards above.
Tooling and dies
The result from a press brake depends on the tooling. Punch and die decide the angles and radii you can achieve:
- Punches (upper tools) in various tip radii and forms, including tooling for tight and multi-bend profiles
- Dies with different V-openings to match the plate thickness
- Quick-clamping systems for a fast tool change
Which tooling you need follows from your plate and your bends. Matching tooling and accessories are quoted alongside the machine.
Industries in South Africa and the region
The press brake is at work across sheet metal and plate fabrication. Typical work and sectors include:
- Guards, chutes, ducting and fabricated structures in mining and materials handling
- Vessels, panels and formed plate in oil, gas and heavy engineering
- Enclosures, brackets and folded parts in general fabrication, HVAC and switchgear
For cutting blanks before bending, KNUTH supplies guillotine shears, and for bending without a tool change, folding machines.
Why KNUTH as your press brake supplier
KNUTH has supplied machine tools since 1923 and acts as a supplier, not a machine builder. Series are selected and given a documented inspection to European testing standards before despatch, with the documentation available on request. You get advice on the right bending length, force and tooling rather than a bare catalogue choice, plus tooling and accessories from one source. The regional base at Germiston near Johannesburg looks after the market with sales, technical advice and parts. Pricing follows working length, thickness class, control level and tooling, so every machine is quoted on its own.
Service, spare parts and delivery
Commissioning, servicing and repairs run through local service partners, with parts supply and technical backing from Germany behind them. A ten year spare parts supply commitment applies company wide. Installation and operator training can be arranged on request, with the scope and delivery time set out in the quotation. Reach us through the contact page for pricing, availability or a recommendation on machine size.
Further Machine Categories at a Glance
Explore the wider KNUTH machine range here. Choose a category to view the individual machines and their technical data.
