The best press brake for most metal fabrication workshops is the Bernardo AKPL 2000 x 80 (€29,804): 2000 mm working length, 80 tonnes, E21S CNC control, and tools included. For small workshops with a limited budget, the AKPL 1300 x 30 offers 30 tonnes over 1300 mm at an affordable price. For sheet metal workers and hobbyists bending thin sheets up to 2 mm, the MR 100 Pro manual bending machine (€318) offers an economical entry point. In this guide, we analyze 18 Bernardo models distributed by Krollit: manual, motorized, and hydraulic CNC press brakes from 30 to 200 tonnes.
What are Sheet Metal Bending Machines?
Sheet metal bending machines are machine tools designed to change the shape of flat metal sheets by creating precise folds and controlled angles. The operating principle is based on the plastic deformation of the metal: an upper punch pushes the sheet metal against a V-shaped lower die, creating the desired angle.
During bending, the metal fibers on the inside of the angle are compressed, while those on the outside are stretched. Between these two zones, there is a "neutral fiber," a line that undergoes no deformation and represents the reference point for all bending calculations.
These machines are used in numerous industrial sectors: light and heavy metal fabrication, production of metal furniture, home appliances, automotive bodywork, aerospace components, structural elements for construction, and much more.
How Do Sheet Metal Bending Machines Work?
Main Components
All professional bending machines use two fundamental tools that work together:
Punch (upper tool): Located on the moving beam of the machine, it descends to exert the bending force. It can have different shapes depending on the type of bend to be made.
Die (lower tool): Also called a cavity or prism, it is installed on the workbench. Its shape determines the final bending angle. V-dies are the most common and allow different angles to be achieved with the same tool.
The "gap" between the punch and the die is crucial for determining the quality and uniformity of the final bend.
Bending Methods
Air bending: The most common technique in modern press brakes. The punch presses the sheet metal into the die without touching the bottom, creating an angle that depends on the penetration depth. Advantages: requires less force, allows bending of thick sheets, and enables different angles to be achieved with the same tools.
Bottoming: The punch presses the sheet metal until it fully conforms to the die. Used for precise and repeatable 90° angles. Requires more force but reduces the material's springback.
Coining: Similar to bottoming but with even greater pressure. The material is fully compressed between the punch and the die to almost completely eliminate springback.
Types of Sheet Metal Bending Machines
1. Manual Bench Bending Machines
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: sheets from 0.5 to 1.5 mm thick
- Bending length: up to 650 mm
- Operation: manual lever
- Weight: 15-100 kg
- Installation: workbench mounting
Ideal for: Small workshops, sheet metal workers, body shops, hobbyists, and artisans working with thin sheets of aluminum, brass, copper, and mild steel.
Advantages: Compact, economical, no energy consumption, easy to use.
Limitations: Only thin sheets, limited speed, manual force required.
2. Motorized Stationary Bending Machines
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: sheets from 1.5 to 3 mm thick
- Bending length: 1000-1500 mm
- Operation: electric with 0.75-3.0 kW motor
- Control: manual controls or simple displays
- Weight: 150-1000 kg
Ideal for: Medium-sized workshops, maintenance departments, small metal fabrication shops that need greater production capacity than manual machines.
Advantages: Greater force and speed, hands-free operation during processing (foot pedal), adjustable backstops for precision.
Limitations: Thickness limited to 3 mm, less sophisticated controls than hydraulic CNC machines.
3. Hydraulic CNC Press Brakes
Technical specifications:
- Capacity: sheets from 3 to over 10 mm thick
- Bending length: 1000-4000 mm and beyond
- Tonnage: from 30 to over 300 tonnes
- Operation: synchronized hydraulic cylinders
- Control: advanced CNC with 2D/3D graphical display
- Weight: 1500-8000 kg
Ideal for: Metal fabrication shops, manufacturing industries, serial production, complex processing of large format and thick sheets.
Advantages: Maximum precision, absolute repeatability, advanced programming, complex angle management, automatic springback compensation.
Limitations: High cost, space required, need for specialized personnel.
How to Choose the Right Bending Machine
To select the most suitable bending machine for your production needs, consider these key factors:
Material Thickness
The most important parameter in the choice. As a general rule:
- Up to 1.5 mm → Manual bench bending machine
- From 1.5 to 3 mm → Motorized stationary bending machine
- Over 3 mm → Hydraulic press brake
Remember that the declared maximum thickness generally refers to steel with a strength of 400 N/mm². Harder materials require more powerful machines.
Bending Length
Measure the maximum length of the parts you need to bend. Add a safety margin of 10-15% to avoid being limited. Standard lengths range from 650 mm (compact bending machines) up to 4000 mm (industrial presses).
Production Volume
- Occasional production or prototyping → Manual bending machine
- Regular production of small series → Motorized bending machine
- Serial production or large volumes → Hydraulic CNC press
Required Precision
CNC presses offer repeatability to a hundredth of a millimeter and automatic springback compensation. For less critical applications, manual or motorized bending machines may suffice.
Required Tonnage
Tonnage depends on material thickness, metal type, bend length, and desired angle. Machines from 30-40 tonnes cover most needs of small-medium metal fabrication shops. Over 100 tonnes are needed for very thick or long sheets.
Available Budget
- Manual bending machines: 200-3,000 euros
- Motorized bending machines: 2,500-10,000 euros
- Hydraulic CNC presses: 15,000-50,000+ euros
Best Sheet Metal Bending Machines
Krollit distributes professional bending machines from the Bernardo brand in Italy, renowned for construction quality, precision, and reliability. The complete range covers every need: from compact manual bending machines to powerful industrial hydraulic CNC presses.
Entry-Level Category: Manual Bending Machines
1. Bernardo MR 100 Pro - Universal bending machine
- Type: Universal manual bending machine for iron
- Capacity: bending sheets, flat bars, round bars, and profiles
- Ideal for: blacksmiths, small workshops, installers
- Weight: compact and portable
- Price: €318.90 (on offer from €287.01)
- Strengths: versatility, no energy consumption, easy bench installation
Intermediate Category: Hydraulic Bending Machines
Bernardo BPK series hydraulic bending machines are specialized machines for bending pipes, profiles, and bars using a hydraulic system. Ideal for metal fabrication shops, mechanical workshops, and the production of tubular structures.
2. Bernardo BPK 60 H - Hydraulic bending machine
- System: hydraulic with manual pump
- Applications: bending small/medium diameter pipes and profiles
- Ideal for: craft workshops, sheet metal workers, installers
3. Bernardo BPK 80 H - Hydraulic bending machine
- System: enhanced hydraulic
- Applications: pipes and profiles up to medium diameters
- Ideal for: light metal fabrication, gate and railing production
4. Bernardo BPK 100 H - Hydraulic bending machine
- System: professional hydraulic
- Capacity: precise bending on larger diameters
- Ideal for: medium metal fabrication, tubular structure production
5. Bernardo BPK 120 H - Hydraulic Bending Machine
- System: high-capacity hydraulic
- Capacity: large diameter pipes and profiles
- Ideal for: structural metalworking, industrial production
Professional Category: Hydraulic CNC Press Brakes
The AKPL series represents excellence in industrial sheet metal bending. All equipped with CNC E21S numerical control, SDKELI safety system, included tools, and motorized back gauge with ball screws.
Nomenclature: AKPL [Working length] x [Tonnage]
Example: AKPL 2000 x 40 = 2000 mm length, 40 tons force
Entry Professional Range (30-40 tons)
6. Bernardo AKPL 1300 x 30
- Working length: 1300 mm
- Tonnage: 30 t
- Weight: ~2100 kg
- Ideal for: small metalworking shops, multi-service workshops
7. Bernardo AKPL 1600 x 40
- Working length: 1600 mm
- Tonnage: 40 t
- Weight: ~2400 kg
- Ideal for: small to medium metalworking shops
8. Bernardo AKPL 2000 x 40
- Working length: 2000 mm
- Tonnage: 40 t
- Speed: 60/8/60 mm/s
- Motor: 4.0 kW
- Weight: ~3150 kg
- Ideal for: professional metalworking, panel production
Mid Professional Range (63-100 tons)
9. Bernardo AKPL 1600 x 63
- Working length: 1600 mm
- Tonnage: 63 t
- Ideal for: medium-thickness sheets
10. Bernardo AKPL 2000 x 80
- Working length: 2000 mm
- Tonnage: 80 t
- Weight: ~3400 kg
- Price: €29,804.00
- Ideal for: medium metalworking shops, series production
11. Bernardo AKPL 2500 x 80
- Working length: 2500 mm
- Tonnage: 80 t
- Ideal for: medium-large format sheets
12. Bernardo AKPL 2500 x 100
- Working length: 2500 mm
- Tonnage: 100 t
- Ideal for: thick sheets, intensive production
13. Bernardo AKPL 3200 x 100
- Working length: 3200 mm
- Tonnage: 100 t
- Ideal for: heavy metalworking, large format
Heavy Industrial Range (125-200 tons)
14. Bernardo AKPL 3200 x 125
- Working length: 3200 mm
- Tonnage: 125 t
- Manual crowning system
- Ideal for: heavy metalworking, structural components
15. Bernardo AKPL 3200 x 160
- Working length: 3200 mm
- Tonnage: 160 t
- Bed crowning system
- Ideal for: heavy industry, thick sheets
16. Bernardo AKPL 3200 x 200
- Working length: 3200 mm
- Tonnage: 200 t
- Maximum power for extra-thick sheets
- Ideal for: heavy industry, shipbuilding/railway construction
17. Bernardo AKPL 4000 x 125
- Working length: 4000 mm (maximum size)
- Tonnage: 125 t
- Manual bed crowning system
- Ideal for: large format, structural panels
18. Bernardo AKPL 4000 x 160
- Working length: 4000 mm (maximum size)
- Tonnage: 160 t
- Bed crowning system
- Ideal for: maximum format + thick sheets
Comparative Table of Main Models
Model
Type
Length
Tonnage
Control
Weight
| MR 100 Pro | Universal Manual | — | Manual | — | Light |
| BPK 60 H | Hydraulic Bender | — | — | Manual | — |
| AKPL 1300 x 30 | CNC Press Brake | 1300 mm | 30 t | CNC E21S | 2100 kg |
| AKPL 2000 x 40 | CNC Press Brake | 2000 mm | 40 t | CNC E21S | 3150 kg |
| AKPL 2000 x 80 | CNC Press Brake | 2000 mm | 80 t | CNC E21S | 3400 kg |
| AKPL 3200 x 160 | CNC Press Brake | 3200 mm | 160 t | CNC E21S | 5500+ kg |
Common Features of AKPL Series
All AKPL hydraulic press brakes include as standard:
- E21S CNC numerical control with intuitive display
- Motorized backgauge with ball screws
- Segmented upper tool with quick clamping
- Lower tool with multiple V-openings (typically 6 V)
- Front sheet supports
- SDKELI safety system with photocells
- Side protective grating
- Foot pedal with emergency stop
- Synchronized hydraulic cylinders for parallel bends
- Stress-free welded steel frame
Models from 3200 mm upwards also include a bed crowning system to compensate for deflection on long sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sheet Metal Bending Machines
What is the difference between a bending machine and a press brake?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically a "bending machine" refers to simple manual or motorized machines, while a "press brake" refers to more powerful hydraulic machines with CNC control. Press brakes offer higher tonnage and greater precision.
How do you calculate the tonnage required for a bending machine?
Tonnage depends on: sheet thickness, material type (steel, aluminum, stainless steel), bend length, desired angle, and V-die opening. Specific formulas exist, but many manufacturers provide bending tables that indicate the required tonnage for different combinations.
What is springback in sheet metal bending?
Springback is the phenomenon where the sheet metal, after being bent, tends to "reopen" slightly, partially returning to its original shape. It depends on the material type, thickness, and bending method. Modern CNC press brakes automatically compensate for this effect.
Can I bend stainless steel with a standard bending machine?
Yes, but stainless steel requires approximately 50% more force than carbon steel of the same thickness, due to its higher strength. Check that your machine has sufficient tonnage. Additionally, stainless steel has greater springback.
How much space is needed to install a press brake?
In addition to the machine's dimensions, consider:
- Front space for loading sheets (at least 2-3 meters)
- Rear space for the backgauge (1-2 meters)
- Side space for access and maintenance (1 meter per side)
A 2000 mm press typically requires an area of at least 6m x 5m.
Do modern bending machines have safety systems?
Yes. Professional press brakes are equipped with:
- Rear photocells that stop the machine if presence is detected
- Side protection grids
- Foot pedal with emergency stop
- Two-hand systems (on advanced models)
- Mechanical protection against crushing
Can I use a bending machine for materials other than steel?
Yes, bending machines can process: aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, galvanized steel, titanium. Each material has different bending characteristics and requires adjustments to tonnage and parameters. Aluminum, for example, is easier to bend but tends to break with too tight radii.
Industrial Applications of Bending Machines
Sheet metal bending machines are used in various sectors:
Light Metalworking
- Machine casings
- Metal furniture
- Appliances
- Indoor and outdoor furnishings
- Lighting components
Heavy Metalworking
- Structural elements for construction
- Telecommunication poles
- Trusses for the energy sector
- Naval components
- Parts for the railway sector
Automotive and Transport
- Body panels
- Chassis and underbodies
- Structural components
- Trailers and vans
Aeronautics and Aerospace
- Fuselage components
- Support parts
- Light structural elements
Which Bending Machine to Choose: Final Recommendations
For professional metalworkers who bend sheets up to 4-5 mm on medium formats (2000 mm): the AKPL 2000 x 80 (€29,804) offers the best balance between capacity and investment. 80 tons cover most daily needs, the E21S CNC simplifies programming, and the included tools allow immediate use.
For small workshops and growing metalworking businesses: the AKPL 1600 x 40 is the ideal entry point into the world of CNC presses. 40 tons and 1600 mm length are sufficient for medium-sized panels and boxes.
For heavy metalworking with sheets over 6 mm or formats 3200+ mm: the AKPL 3200 x 160 and AKPL 3200 x 200 models guarantee the necessary force with an included crowning system.
For roofers, coachbuilders, and hobbyists working with thin sheets (up to 2 mm): the MR 100 Pro manual bending machine (€318) is economical, requires no electricity, and can be fixed to a workbench.
