PLC Press Brake Machine Manufacturer (NC Press Brake)
Hydraulic press brakes with PLC or NC control for repeatable bending at a lower cost than full CNC.
PLC press brake machine: programmable bending without full CNC cost
Between a basic hydraulic press brake and a full CNC machine sits the PLC press brake machine, often called an NC press brake. A programmable logic controller (PLC) or NC unit stores the ram stroke settings and, on most configurations, the back gauge position for a series of bends. The operator selects the job and the machine sets itself up, which saves time on repeat parts without the higher cost and training needs of a CNC system.
Devraj Engineering builds PLC-controlled hydraulic press brakes to order as a PLC press brake machine manufacturer in Ahmedabad. The frame, hydraulic system and tooling are the same proven design as our hydraulic press brakes; the difference is in the control.
Available capacities
PLC/NC control can be specified on our hydraulic press brake frames. The standard frame sizes are:
| Model | Nominal force | Working length (mm) | Stroke (mm) | Open height (mm) | Throat depth (mm) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic PBR 215 | 20 T | 1500 | 100 | 250 | 100 | Small industrial bending capacity |
| Hydraulic PBR 320 | 30 T | 2000 | 100 | 250 | 200 | Medium fabrication usage |
| Hydraulic PBR 420 | 40 T | 2000 | 100 | 250 | 200 | Higher thickness bending |
| CNC Press Brake 80T | 800 kN (~80 T) | 2500 | 160 | 450 | 320 | Common size for sheet metal shops |
| CNC Press Brake 125T | 1250 kN (~125 T) | 3200-4000 | 200 | 480 | 400 | Heavy industrial use |
The table shows frame capacities from Devraj's published range. Which control package (PLC make, display, number of programmable steps, motorised back gauge) suits a given frame is confirmed in the quotation. Tell us how many different parts you bend and how many bends each has.
What the PLC/NC control does
- Programmable stroke depth for each bend, so angles repeat without the operator adjusting stops.
- Motorised back gauge positioning (where specified), stepping to the next flange length automatically.
- Stored jobs for regular parts, recalled by number.
- Stroke counter and cycle modes: inch, single and continuous.
- Interlocks tied to the foot switch and emergency stop.
NC vs CNC press brake
Both control the machine electronically, but they differ in what is controlled and how precisely:
| PLC / NC press brake | CNC press brake | |
|---|---|---|
| Ram depth control | Programmed stop positions; ram ends kept level mechanically (typically a torsion bar) | Each cylinder controlled separately by the CNC using linear scales |
| Angle programming | Set by stroke depth, adjusted by trial | Calculated from material, thickness and tooling data |
| Back gauge | Manual or motorised single axis | Servo-driven, one or more axes |
| Best for | Repeat parts with a few bends, job shops | Multi-bend parts in volume, tight tolerances |
| Investment | Lower | Higher |
Read the full comparison in CNC vs hydraulic press brake: which should you buy?
Who should choose a PLC press brake
- Fabricators bending a regular set of parts in small and medium batches.
- Panel and enclosure makers moving up from manual stops.
- Shops where operators are experienced with conventional press brakes and want quicker set-ups.
- Buyers who want programmable features within a tighter budget than CNC.
If you bend complex parts with many bends, or need tight angle tolerances across long parts, look at the CNC press brake instead.
Press brake features
- Inch, single and continuous cycles so the operator can choose the mode that suits set-up, trial bends or batch production.
- Full powered stroke, making the machine suitable for general sheet metal press work and not only air bending.
- Three ram speeds that reduce idle travel time and improve output per shift.
- Instant ram stoppage, which helps prevent accidents and rejected parts.
- Quiet operation with low impact loads on tools and foundations.
- Lower power consumption and low wear and maintenance, which keep running costs and downtime down.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PLC press brake?
A hydraulic press brake controlled by a programmable logic controller, which stores stroke depth and, where fitted, back gauge positions for a series of bends.
Is an NC press brake the same as a PLC press brake?
In the Indian market the terms are often used for the same class of machine: programmable control of stroke and back gauge, without the full closed-loop control of a CNC press brake.
What capacities can be supplied with PLC control?
PLC/NC control can be specified on our hydraulic press brake frames from 20 T upward. The exact control package is confirmed in the quotation.
Can I move from PLC to CNC later?
A control upgrade usually means changing the hydraulics and electrics as well. If CNC is likely in a year or two, it is often more economical to buy CNC now. We can advise on your case.