What Are the Benefits of Press Brake Retrofitting? 

A dependable press brake is built to last, but nothing lasts forever in a shop. A retrofit can help it last even longer. Retrofitting an existing machine comes with a range of benefits, which include:

• Lower total cost: Retrofitting your press brake typically costs less than replacing it with a brand new machine, depending on the size of the machine.
  
  
• Extends machine life: Replacing outdated parts and controls adds many additional years of productive life to your machine.
  
  
• Improved accuracy and repeatability: Depending on the type of retrofit, the latest control technology allows “old” machines to hit the mark consistently, again and again.
  
  
• Productivity gains: Adding servo-controlled axes, upgraded ram control (Y-axis Y1, Y2), and modern tooling reduces setup time and cycle time
  
  
• Safety and compliance upgrades: Retrofits incorporate modern safety features, like light curtains, laser systems, and safety PLCs, that weren’t around when the older machines were built.
  
  
• Reduced downtime and maintenance: Retrofitting your machine can often be completed with minimal disruption.
  
  
• Better operator experience: Machines can be retrofitted with a CNC device to offer programmable features, such as positioning.
  
  
• Capability and integration improvements: Adding modern features, like offline programming, improves productivity and decreases errors. Engineers are able to pre-program a job from a computer, rather than interrupting production.
  
  
• More sustainable: Adding upgrades to your current machine reduces waste compared to scrapping it for a new one.
  
  

When Should You Retrofit Your Press Brake?

If your current press brake still has a solid frame and mechanics, but some of its controls and parts are outdated, retrofitting could be your perfect solution. Some general factors to consider when deciding to retrofit or buy new include:

• Cost and ROI
• Available space
• Software and controls
• Safety and compliance
• Size of machine
  
  

Cost and ROI

Retrofitting your current press brake typically costs a fraction of the price of a full replacement, depending on the size of the machine. It’s especially beneficial with a larger press brake, which has a higher ROI compared to a smaller one. Upgrading your press brake helps extend machine life without a huge investment and disruption for your current and future budgets.  

Available Space

If your production needs have outgrown what your current press brake can handle, but you’re limited on space, retrofitting can help. Depending on the type of retrofit, you can add new capabilities to your existing machine without needing a larger footprint.

Software and Controls

Are your press brake’s controls slow and unreliable? Do they allow for complex programming?

Press brake control retrofitting allows for the addition of modern software and CNC technology – smarter software that enables automation readiness and better repeatability. These help to improve workflow and usability for the operators.

Safety & Compliance

Chances are, safety expectations and requirements have changed since your press brake was purchased. Retrofitting can often help update the machine to meet current safety standards without scrapping the old machine. Meeting today’s compliance requirements also helps mitigate liability risks. Plus, operators' confidence, production consistency, and most importantly, safety, increase. Pairing updated equipment with press brake training further improves safety efforts by ensuring operators understand how to use new features and safeguards.

Size of Machine 

The physical size and capacity of your press brake play a major role in the retrofit decision. Retrofitting is great for larger machines because replacing them can be much more costly compared to smaller machines. If your press brake still meets your tonnage and bed-length requirements, upgrading its components can improve the performance of your machine instead of choosing to install a completely new one.

When It’s Time to Replace Instead of Retrofit

Retrofitting isn’t the right solution for every press brake. Sometimes, replacement is the smarter long-term solution. If your machine has any of these issues, it’s probably best to buy a new press brake instead.

• The machine has structural damage or severe wear-and-tear.
  
  
• Fixing or retrofitting the press brake would cost almost as much as a new machine.
  
  

• Your production needs have outgrown the current machine (i.e. greater tonnage or an increased bed size).
  
   

Ready to Retrofit? Explore Press Machine Upgrades

Deciding between retrofitting and a full replacement comes down to your budget and your machine’s condition. Depending on the size of your machine, if your press brake still runs, but isn’t performing at its best, retrofit may be the better solution, especially if your budget isn’t unlimited.

A retrofit can offer many benefits for your press brake. It can modernize controls, boost safety, improve accuracy, and extend machine life. It’s a compromise to update your machine’s capabilities, without compromising your future.

Explore our retrofit packages to find which works best for your machine.