Buying a used sheet metal brake - things to consider.

If you are on a budget, buying a used sheet metal brake makes a lot of sense.
Sheet metal brakes are relatively simple pieces of machinery – this is especially true for
manual sheet metal bending brakes. There are not a lot of parts that can break, so a good quality
model could last for decades, if used correctly and properly maintained.

Larger mechanical or hydraulic machines have probably seen more use, since they
are mostly geared for higher production volumes, and so have probably been used for
industrial purposes. There are more parts to service – and that service may have to be done
by a trained technician.
Still, if you need to bend heavier materials and/or produce large volumes,
of consistent quality, the larger machines pretty soon become your only choice,
if you want to retain your sanity!

A used cnc press brake has its own set of factors to consider. The real point of interest
is computer-control. How old is the hardware and what state is it in? Special-purpose
computer hardware such as might be found in a cnc-machine isn’t likely to be easily replaced.
Especially if it is an older model you’re looking at.
Another factor is software. Is it easy to use? Does the purchase include compatible CAD software,
to use with your desktop pc, or are you buying just the machine as-is?
Is it still under development, making it possible to upgrade to improved versions?
If you’ve never used a cnc-machine before, starting out on a used model could prove
a very steep learning curve.

Shopping checklist:

  • Whether it’s a manual sheet metal bender or a press brake (cnc or not),  don’t miss the most obvious things like rust, wear and tear. Does it have rust on the vital parts like the bed or the clamping/bending leaf? Do you see heavy dents, chips, cracks or deformations in parts that should be flat and level? If it is a press brake, it will have detachable tools (punches and dies), so don’t forget to look at all the tools included in the sale.  New punches and dies do NOT come free anywhere I know of.
  • Do bearings and pivots show sign of being regularly lubricated?
  • Are nuts and bolts tight and secure?
  • Is anything bent or broken?
  • If buying a press brake, verify that the hydraulics work; that the ram works at the speeds it’s specified for, pump is in top shape, no oil leaks, etc.
  • If you are looking at used cnc machines, make sure you do a lot of research on the operating system, specs and so on, before even looking at the machine itself.  Does the software have problems with bugs? Is it easy to use? Does it provide the functionality you need? How about updates?

That wraps up the used-buyers guide for now!

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