Delem, Cybelec and ESA: Compare the Workflow

1. What does a press-brake controller do?

The control connects a program to machine motion. It turns part, material and tooling data into steps that the integrated drives, hydraulics and feedback execute. It shapes programming and setup, but does not determine machine accuracy on its own.

Separate what software can calculate, what the control can command and what the machine actually has. The same interface may offer different usable functions with different axes, compensation hardware and licences.

• Ram and backgauge: positioning and sequence management against the agreed axis list.
• Process calculations: use material, thickness and tool data to prepare settings.
• Angle and compensation: verify correction methods, hardware and interfaces.
• Programs and tools: storage, recall, revision control and backup.
• Graphics and diagnostics: check enabled sequence checks, prompts and alarms.

2. Delem, Cybelec and ESA: comparison priorities

A single label such as premium, simple or value does not describe a whole brand. Start with the product families, then compare identified models, software versions and delivery lists. Differences within a brand can be substantial.

3. Turn production needs into selection criteria

Choose a frequent part, a changeover-intensive part and a difficult-to-gauge or collision-prone part. Use the same demonstration workflow for every candidate to identify the functions your team will actually use.

Group requirements into essential capability, workflow improvements and future expansion. Check compatibility first, measure workflow second, and document the hardware and software needed for later additions.

• Parts and tools: profiles, bend count, handling space and interference.
• Motion and compensation: identify controlled, manual and optional items.
• Programming inputs: numerical entry, graphics, CAD import and offline preparation.
• People and support: experience, training, local service and recovery.
• Project type: assess new machines, retrofits and tandem projects separately.

4. 2D or 3D: which programming capability matters?

Numerical entry, 2D profile programming, 3D part programming and 3D machine display are different capabilities. A touchscreen is not proof of graphical programming, and a 3D machine view is not proof of full 3D part creation. Establish where programs are made, what is checked and how they reach the machine.

For stable repeat work, evaluate a clear numerical or 2D workflow first. Complex enclosures, multiple tool stations and changing jobs justify a 3D and offline demonstration. Simulation needs accurate machine, tool and part data; it does not replace physical verification or a safety assessment.

5. Delem: distinguish numerical, 2D and 3D levels

Delem covers several programming levels. Identify the exact model and offline edition; T, Tx and S suffixes matter. Similar appearance is not proof of equivalent functionality. Keep historical references separate from the current offer.

A key distinction is DA-66T versus DA-69T: official descriptions identify 2D programming with 3D machine setup for DA-66T, and 2D/3D programming for DA-69T. A three-dimensional view alone does not establish the same part-programming capability.

6. Cybelec: machine-side and graphical workflows

Do not combine CybTouch and VisiTouch into one feature list. Compare entry, graphics and data handling for each PS model. For more extensive graphical or 3D workflows, review the specific VisiTouch or MX platform and its software.

Offline programming, file transfer and parameter backup are distinct. Transferring a program does not establish CAD import or simulation capability. Demonstrate creation, checking, transfer, machine-side edits and a new backup.

7. ESA: check the platform and feature matrix

ESA S-series platforms have different feature combinations. Record the suffix, software version and which functions are standard, optional or unavailable. Do not transfer 2D, 3D, import or networking claims across models.

A network or diagnostic interface is not a completed factory integration. Confirm data formats, licences, network conditions and machine integration separately. If machine-side work is the priority, demonstrate that basic workflow first.

8. Model-level comparison on one worksheet

Use this table to group candidates, not as a configuration promise. Add the offered model, axis list, software version, offline licences and formats, then test the same part. A feature on a brand website is not necessarily included in your quotation.

9. Choose around applications, not brand order

Evaluate features against real parts and production patterns. Repeat work emphasises recall and corrections; varied jobs emphasise preparation and data reuse; complex parts emphasise sequence, clearance and gauging. Tandem machines also need a separate synchronisation and integration review.

10. New machine, retrofit or full replacement?

A problem on an older machine is not automatically a controller fault. Parameters, drives, feedback, wiring, sensors and mechanical wear can all affect performance. Obtain a professional diagnosis before deciding on repair, retrofit or replacement.

Consider retrofit when the mechanical and hydraulic condition supports the task and the bottleneck is programming or maintainability. If capacity, condition, accuracy or safety is unsuitable, reassess the complete machine. Include downtime, commissioning, training and recovery risk in retrofit costs.

Do not independently replace controls, modify safety circuits or copy another machine’s parameters. This guide provides purchasing questions, not wiring, parameter-setting or safety-validation instructions.

11. Ownership cost beyond the initial quote

The control price is only one cost. Compare software, licences, training, commissioning, migration, downtime and maintenance on the same basis. Ask for conditions and costs of excluded items rather than assuming they are free.

Evaluate value from your own records: setup time, repeated steps, who prepares programs and how recovery works. Use those observations to compare proposals; do not assume a fixed saving percentage or payback period.

• Software: included edition, workstation entitlement and upgrade terms.
• Integration: responsibility for interfaces, verification and documents.
• Support: training content, language, spares and service scope.
• Continuity: migration, backup, restoration and transition arrangements.

12. Questions to resolve before selection

Record the answers in a technical schedule and match them to the offer, demonstration and handover documents. Supported or available does not mean included. Identify standard, optional, unresolved and inapplicable items.

• What are the exact model, suffix and software version?
• Which axes, compensation and auxiliary functions are installed and controlled?
• Which numerical, 2D, 3D-display and 3D-part capabilities are included?
• Which licences and formats are needed for CAD and offline work?
• How are parameters, tools and programs backed up, and who verifies recovery?
• What training, spares, updates and local support are offered?
• Can our drawing be demonstrated from programming to sample inspection?

13. Let the workflow decide the model

There is no universal brand answer. Define parts, axes, people and data flow, then shortlist specific Delem, Cybelec and ESA products. Use the brand overview to narrow the field; decide from a common-part demonstration and a clear delivery schedule.

For tandem, retrofit and custom projects, evaluate the controller within the complete machine design. A configuration that performs the target work, is maintainable and has a clear handover matters more than the longest feature list.

14. Frequently asked questions

These answers organise requirements; they do not replace model documentation, integration review or sample verification.

Which controller is easier to learn?

Have operators demonstrate entry, sequence editing, corrections and recall with the same part. Interface, language, training and previous experience affect learning; the brand alone cannot answer.

Is 3D always worth a larger budget?

Evaluate whether it addresses a real geometry, sequence or preparation bottleneck. Assess numerical or 2D workflows for simple repeat work; test complete models and licences for complex work.

Which backgauge axes can it control?

It depends on model, licences, interfaces and installed mechanisms. List X, R and Z movements individually and distinguish supported capacity from installed axes.

What differs between four- and six-axis systems?

Check the axis list and counting convention. One example adds Z1/Z2 to Y1/Y2/X/R, but naming varies and it does not automatically add independent depth control.

Can an old machine take a new control directly?

Do not assume a direct swap. Qualified specialists must assess drives, feedback, hydraulics, interfaces, safety and parameters, then define integration, commissioning and recovery.

Are offline software and CAD import always standard?

No. Confirm editions, formats, licences and machine compatibility. File transfer does not prove modelling, optimisation or complete simulation capability.

Which brand fits our shop?

Bring representative drawings, materials, tools, axes and production patterns. Compare the same tasks using operation records, agreed scope and support conditions rather than a universal ranking.