In a small workshop, space will be at a premium, so you need to carefully consider which types of equipment are worth investing in to optimize your use of the available area on-site.
A sheet metal bending machine may be on your wish list if you run a workshop, but does it make sense to adopt one, or would your money be better spent elsewhere? Here is an exploration of the ins and outs of this question to help you decide for yourself.
Footprint & price vs. productivity
If you are working with sheet metal, then you will be able to handle it more efficiently, effectively and safely if you have equipment like a press brake to manipulate it with speed and precision.
The main sticking point for small workshops is whether they can justify this investment and recoup the cash they pay upfront quickly, or whether the expense of such equipment, as well as the potentially large footprint it will occupy, will make it not viable as an option.
From a financial perspective, workshops with more limited budgets are best off buying mechanical and hydraulic press brakes second hand. The used market can deliver lower prices as well as better value for money, and while there are some challenges to overcome, so long as you order from a reputable marketplace and check the equipment before taking delivery, it should ease your money worries and allow you to make a profit on your purchase in less time.
In terms of footprint, modern machines can be comparatively compact, and if you opt for a manual press brake which relies on mechanical force controlled directly by the operator then the size of the equipment will be kept to a minimum.
Advantages of automation
Higher up the price scale you will find more complex and capable computer-controlled press brakes which fall under the CNC category of equipment.
These may be out of reach for smaller workshops, but it is worth noting that they offer significantly greater levels of precision, as well as improved repeatability and a reduced likelihood of errors being made.
CNC machinery even allows for a degree of automation, which can bolster the appeal of this type of sheet metal bending gear and fit in with current manufacturing industry trends.
Weighing your options
Ultimately the appropriateness of a sheet metal bending machine for your small workshop will depend entirely on the operations you are hoping to complete, the clients you are aiming to serve and the projects you want to take on.
If you have the space for a mechanical or hydraulic press brake, as well as the budget to accommodate such an investment, then it will be something that serves you well. If you are not confident that you can fulfill all of these requirements, then it is perhaps better to hold off and focus your attention on procuring other types of machinery so that you can build your business up to the point where working with sheet metal is attainable.
