Machine Comparison
Bystronic Xpress 160 vs Prima Power eP 170
Bystronic vs Prima Power · CNC Press Brakes
Summary
The Bystronic Xpress 160 from Bystronic and Prima Power eP 170 from Prima Power are direct competitors in the cnc press brakes category. These machines are closely matched across most specifications, making the decision more about specific feature priorities, dealer support, and your existing shop ecosystem than raw spec advantages. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a cnc press brake.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Bystronic Xpress 160 | Prima Power eP 170 |
|---|---|---|
| Control | ByVision Bending (touchscreen) | Prima Power CNC touchscreen |
| Press Capacity | 1,600 kN / 160 metric tons (176 US tons) | 1,700 kN / 170 metric tons (187 US tons) ▲ |
| Bending Length | 3,100 mm (122 in) | 3,100 mm (122 in) or 4,100 mm (161 in) |
| Stroke | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Open Height | 550 mm (21.7 in) ▲ | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Approach Speed | 150 mm/s (354 ipm) | 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec) ▲ |
| Pressing Speed | 10 mm/s (24 ipm) | 20 mm/sec (0.79 in/sec) ▲ |
| Drive System | Hydraulic | Fully electric servo (ball screw) |
| Power Requirement | 480V, 3-phase, 60 Hz ▲ | 400V, 3-phase, ~30 kVA |
| Machine Weight | ~11,500 kg (25,353 lb) | ~13,000 kg (28,660 lb) ▲ |
| Price Range | $80,000 - $130,000 (new); $50,000 - $90,000 (used 2018-2022) ▲ | $250,000-$350,000 (new); $150,000-$250,000 (used) |
Advantages
Bystronic Xpress 160
- Superior open height at 550 mm (21.7 in) vs 500 mm (19.7 in)
- Superior power requirement at 480V, 3-phase, 60 Hz vs 400V, 3-phase, ~30 kVA
- More competitive pricing at $80,000 - $130,000 (new); $50,000 - $90,000 (used 2018-2022) compared to $250,000-$350,000 (new); $150,000-$250,000 (used)
Prima Power eP 170
- Superior press capacity at 1,700 kN / 170 metric tons (187 US tons) vs 1,600 kN / 160 metric tons (176 US tons)
- Superior approach speed at 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec) vs 150 mm/s (354 ipm)
- Superior pressing speed at 20 mm/sec (0.79 in/sec) vs 10 mm/s (24 ipm)
- Superior machine weight at ~13,000 kg (28,660 lb) vs ~11,500 kg (25,353 lb)
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The Bystronic Xpress 160 and Prima Power eP 170 trade advantages across different specifications, making neither a clear winner on paper alone. Your decision should come down to practical factors: which dealer is closer, which control system your operators already know, what tooling ecosystem you're invested in, and which machine's specific strengths match your highest-volume work. Get quotes on both, run test cuts with your actual parts if possible, and factor in long-term service and support costs.