Intelligent Bending Follower: Technical Analysis & Application Prospects

Manual sheet metal bending struggles with consistency. Operators face fatigue-induced errors, material scratching from repositioning, and safety risks with large panels. Traditional press brake follower systems often require costly machine modifications. Our BEH-series bending follower eliminates these pain points through intelligent automation—no compromise on precision or flexibility.  

Bending follower are material support systems that synchronize with press brake movements to hold workpieces during forming. Unlike static supports, they adapt to complex bends by tracking in real time, minimizing manual intervention. Our BEH model outperforms competitors with 500kg payloads and patented push-rod mechanisms.  

Still skeptical? Let's dissect the engineering.  

How Does a Follower Support System Actually Work?  

The core lies in Y-axis synchronization. A displacement sensor mounted on the press brake's ram tracks vertical movement. The follower support then:  

1. Matches the ram's speed/position via servo motors  

2. Adjusts support height through push-rod actuators (not traditional racks)  

3. Maintains 0.1mm positional accuracy for bend consistency  

The principle of coordinating with the bending machine prevents material sagging, making it especially suitable for panels that are longer than 4 meters.

5 Reasons to Upgrade to Intelligent Follower Supports  

1. 30% Faster Setup for Mixed Batches

Pre-programmed modes handle dual hemming and acute-angle bends without manual adjustments.  

2. Zero Machine Modifications  

Our standalone system avoids invasive press brake signal integration. Just install the sensor—no voided warranties.  

3. Material-Agnostic Gripping

Non-marking rollers handle everything from 0.5mm aluminum to 6mm stainless steel.  

4. 500kg Payload Capacity

Dual push-rods replace fragile gear racks, enabling heavy aerospace frames.  

5. Error-Proof Programming

Even novice operators can run complex sequences via our HMI with collision warnings.  

BEH Series' Secret Weapon: The Hybrid Bending Mode  

For compound bends (e.g., HVAC ducts with stepped flanges):  

• Simultaneously performs hemming and acute-angle forming  

• Auto-adjusts roller pressure to prevent edge buckling  

• Cuts secondary operations vs. standard bending tools

Choosing the Right Follower Support

1. Material Weight Range: BEH can handle up to 500kg

2. Work Height Adjustment: 150–1050mm (matches 95% of press brakes)  

3. Bend Angle Compatibility: 30°/60°/90°  

4. Floor Space: Our compact design needs only 0.8m clearance  

Who Needs This Tech? 3 Target Use Cases  

1. Over-Sized Panels (4m+)

Eliminate 3-person lifting teams. BEH’s dual-axis tracking prevents deflection.  

2. Precision bending requirements

For workpieces with high precision requirements, and manual bending cannot meet the precision requirements.  

3. Labor-Cost-Sensitive Regions

One BEH unit replaces 2.5 skilled operators ([ASEAN Manufacturing Report]).  

But Will It Work With My Old Press Brake?

Yes. We’ve tested BEH with 20+ brands (Amada, Bystronic, etc.). The sensor requires only a 8mm hole in the ram—no electrical integration.  

Finally

Smart Follower Support When used with tandem bending machines, they are profit multipliers: fewer errors, faster throughput, more precise bending angles. Our BEH series allows this without downtime for retrofits.

Ready to bend smarter? Request a live demo with your specific workpiece.