Hydraulic pressure brakes, which use hydraulics to press the ram downwards instead of relying on mechanics, apply pressure via hydraulics. You can have several cylinders and give you more control over your bend. The end result is a customizable, precise bend. However, hydraulic press brakes also have their limitations. They can't exceed the tonnage they are rated at. They may be more flexible if your project demands flexibility.
Mechanical press brakes operate via a motor inside the device. This motor spins a large flywheel at high speeds. The machine operator controls the flywheel through a clutch, which then sets the rest of the parts into motion to bend the metal. The mechanical press brake is much more straightforward, especially regarding its electronics, making maintenance and operation easy. They can also handle tonnages two to three times higher than their inherent rating, due to the nature of the mechanisms. The primary disadvantage of using mechanical press brakes is that the ram inside the machine must complete a full cycle when engaged and cannot be reversed. This creates some safety concerns if the operator makes a mistake and sets some limitations on the machine. One possible hazard is the potential for the press brake to become locked if the ram travels too far.
