What Types of Metal Can a CNC Press Brake Bend? Is It Suitable for Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum?

1. Overview of Material Compatibility

CNC press brakes apply downward force via upper and lower dies to bend metal sheets accurately. They are compatible with a wide range of metals and materials. By selecting the correct die opening and tonnage, the machine can effectively bend many types of metal sheets.

2. Common Materials That CNC Press Brakes Can Bend

1. Carbon Steel (Q235/Q345)

   • Characteristics: Strong, ductile, easy to bend

   • Applications: Industrial frames, construction parts, mechanical housings

2. Stainless Steel (SUS304, SUS316)

   • Characteristics: Higher hardness, strong spring-back

   • Tips: Use larger V-dies and apply more bending force

   • Applications: Elevator panels, kitchenware, medical devices, food machinery

3. Aluminum Sheets (5052, 6061)

   • Characteristics: Lightweight, flexible, but prone to surface scratches

   • Tips: Use smooth, polished dies to avoid surface damage

   • Applications: Aerospace components, signage, electronics enclosures

4. Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled Steel

   • Hot-rolled: More formable, ideal for large-angle bends

   • Cold-rolled: Smoother surface, better for precision parts

5. Galvanized and Electro-galvanized Sheets

   • Widely used in HVAC systems, enclosures, and consumer electronics

6. Special Metals (Alloy Steel, Copper, Titanium)

   • Used for high-end customized parts and high-strength applications

3. Key Considerations When Bending Different Metals

• Bending radius should match the material’s ductility

• Thick plates require higher tonnage and wider V-dies

• Softer metals like aluminum need anti-marking dies to avoid scratching

• Spring-back behavior varies by material — compensate in programming

4. Conclusion: Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum Are All Supported

Most modern CNC hydraulic press brakes are versatile enough to handle carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum sheets on a single machine. With proper tooling and parameter adjustments, you can achieve high-precision bending for diverse materials and production needs.