Buying guide
Buying a used sheet metal machine: press brake, laser, shear
Published on October 13, 2026
Press brake, laser cutter, punching machine or shear: capacities, the condition of the hydraulics, the laser source and operator safety are the decisive points before buying.
Sheet metal machines are robust, but they work with high forces or an expensive laser source. Their value depends on their actual capacities, their control and their compliance with current safety requirements.
Press brake: capacities and accuracy
- Bending force (tonnes), bending length, distance between housings, throat depth and stroke.
- CNC control, number of backgauge axes (X, R, Z…), crowning compensation.
- Synchronisation of the two cylinders (Y1/Y2): the angle must remain constant along the whole length.
- Tooling included (clamping system, punches, dies): it can represent a significant share of the value.
Laser cutting: the source comes first
Distinguish between CO2 lasers and fibre lasers, which are more economical and faster on thin sheet. Ask for the power, the operating hours of the source and of the machine, the maintenance history of the source and the chiller, and the condition of the cutting head and pallet changer. Check the fume extraction and the assist gas consumption.
Punching machine and shear
- Punching machine: tonnage, type of turret or tool changer, indexable tools, condition of the brush or ball table.
- Shear: cutting capacity (thickness and length), blade clearance adjustment, condition of the blades and backgauge.
- Hydraulics: no leaks, stable pressure, clean and well-maintained oil.
Operator safety
An older press brake is not always fitted with guarding that meets current requirements (laser protection on the punch, light curtains, two-hand controls or safety foot pedals). In Switzerland, the employer must ensure that the machine in use is safe: get the cost of bringing it into compliance quoted before buying, together with the available documentation and declaration of conformity.
The proof is in the part
Have a part bent along the full length and measure the angle at several points; have a test part laser-cut in the maximum thickness you will use and examine the cut quality (burrs, striations, squareness).