CNC press brakes are highly accurate, especially compared to manual or conventional press brakes. However, the actual accuracy depends on several factors like the machine type, tooling, material, and operator skill.
| Aspect | Typical Accuracy |
|---|---|
| Bend Angle | ±0.25° to ±0.5° |
| Back Gauge Positioning | ±0.01 mm to ±0.05 mm |
| Ram Positioning (Stroke Depth) | ±0.01 mm to ±0.03 mm |
High-end machines, especially those with servo-electric drives, laser angle sensors, or adaptive bending systems, can push these numbers even tighter.
Material Properties
Springback (the metal trying to return to its original shape) can vary by type and thickness.
CNC systems often compensate for this automatically.
Tooling Condition
Worn or misaligned punches/dies reduce accuracy.
CNC System Quality
Advanced controls offer real-time compensation for deflection, thermal expansion, and material variation.
Crowning Systems
Some press brakes use automatic crowning to offset deflection in the bed/ram, improving bend consistency across the length.
Machine Type
Hydraulic press brakes are powerful and stable.
Electric (servo) press brakes are faster and more precise for thin to medium materials.
Operator Setup
Incorrect setup or poor calibration can degrade accuracy—even on a high-end machine.
In a controlled production environment:
You can expect ±0.2° to ±0.3° angle repeatability across hundreds of parts.
With good tooling and CNC compensation, first-hit accuracy (getting the correct angle on the first try) is very achievable.
