Bystronic Hämmerle APL 3600
Key Specifications
Pressing Force
Working Length
Distance Between Uprights
Throat Depth
Open Height
Ram Stroke
Overview
The Bystronic Hämmerle APL 3600 is a large-format hydraulic CNC press brake from the Hämmerle product line, which Bystronic acquired as part of its expansion into heavy and large-capacity bending. The APL 3600 delivers substantial tonnage across a 3,600 mm working length, positioning it for heavy structural fabrication, thick plate bending, and long-form architectural and industrial components that exceed the capacity envelope of standard Xpert series press brakes.
Hämmerle machines are distinguished by their Angle Programming Language (APL) control philosophy, which centres bend programming around target angles and material properties rather than ram depth positions. This approach automatically compensates for springback based on material data entered by the operator, reducing the number of test bends required to achieve the target angle on unfamiliar or variable materials. Under Bystronic ownership, the Hämmerle APL has been integrated with Bystronic's broader software ecosystem while retaining the APL programming methodology that earned Hämmerle a reputation for precision angle consistency in heavy-gauge work.
The APL 3600's frame is a heavy-duty welded steel construction engineered for the high bending forces required to form thick structural steel, pressure vessel plate, and large architectural profiles. The machine uses a conventional synchronised hydraulic drive with precise Y1/Y2 cylinder control for ram parallelism, and the hydraulic circuit is designed for continuous production use in demanding workshop environments. The table incorporates a mechanical crowning system to compensate for beam deflection under load.
At 3,600 mm working length, the APL 3600 handles long structural profiles, large enclosure assemblies, and thick plate components that are beyond the reach of most standard press brake models. The machine is particularly valued in structural steel fabrication, heavy equipment manufacturing, and construction machinery component production where part sizes and material thicknesses regularly exceed what mid-range machines can accommodate.
Within the Bystronic group lineup, the Hämmerle APL 3600 complements the Xpert Pro series by addressing the heavy-capacity segment where tonnage and working length take precedence over the adaptive bending features of the Xpert Pro. It competes with Safan Darley's E-Brake 200-3100, TRUMPF's TruBend 7000 series, and LVD's PPEC series in the large-format, high-tonnage press brake category.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pressing Force | 200 tonnes (2,000 kN) |
| Working Length | 3,600 mm |
| Distance Between Uprights | 3,050 mm |
| Throat Depth | 450 mm |
| Open Height | 560 mm |
| Ram Stroke | 220 mm |
| Approach Speed | 120 mm/s |
| Bending Speed | 1–10 mm/s (programmable) |
| Return Speed | 110 mm/s |
| Back-Gauge Axes | 4 axes (X, R, Z1, Z2) |
| Y-Axis Positioning Accuracy | ±0.02 mm |
| Drive Type | Hydraulic synchronised |
| Control | Hämmerle APL (Bystronic integrated) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 22,000 kg |
Specifications sourced from bystronic.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 200-tonne force at 3,600 mm working length addresses heavy structural and thick plate bending beyond standard press brake capacity
- Hämmerle APL angle-based programming automatically compensates for springback, reducing test-bend iterations on heavy materials
- Heavy-duty welded frame designed for continuous production use in structural steel and heavy fabrication environments
- 4-axis back-gauge provides accurate positioning for large, heavy workpieces where manual handling requires power-assisted fingers
- Bystronic service and parts network supports the machine through the group's European and global distribution infrastructure
Limitations
- APL control interface differs from Bystronic's ByVision Bending platform, requiring separate operator training for shops already standardised on Xpert series machines
- Conventional hydraulic drive lacks the energy efficiency of servo-hydraulic systems found in the Bystronic Xpert series
- High machine weight and large footprint require substantial floor space and foundation preparation, adding to installation cost
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
APL stands for Angle Programming Language, the control philosophy developed by Hämmerle that programs bend operations based on target material angles and entered material properties rather than absolute ram depth positions. The APL system calculates springback compensation automatically from the material data, reducing the number of empirical test bends required when switching between materials, thicknesses, or material grades. This approach was particularly valued in heavy-gauge structural work where springback varies significantly with material batch.
02
Bystronic has worked to integrate Hämmerle machines into its software ecosystem following the acquisition. Current integration levels vary by machine generation and market; buyers should confirm with their Bystronic regional office whether BySoft 7 offline programming is fully supported for the APL 3600 or whether separate offline tools are required for this product line.
03
At 200 tonnes over 3,600 mm, the APL 3600 can form mild steel plate up to approximately 20–25 mm on shorter bends concentrated over part of the working length, and up to 12–15 mm across the full 3,600 mm working length, depending on material grade and bend radius. For exact capacity at specific thickness and length combinations, Bystronic's bending force tables should be consulted.
04
The Hämmerle APL 3600 incorporates a mechanical crowning system to compensate for press beam deflection under bending load, ensuring consistent angle uniformity across the full 3,600 mm working length. The crowning system is adjusted to match the pressing force and workpiece length to maintain parallelism between the punch and die throughout the bend.
05
The Xpert Pro 320 is Bystronic's flagship adaptive press brake with servo-hydraulic drive, Optical Angle Measurement, and Adaptive Crowning, optimised for high-mix precision fabrication. The Hämmerle APL 3600 is a heavy-duty synchronised hydraulic machine designed for large-format, high-tonnage structural bending where brute force and long working length take precedence over the precision adaptive features of the Xpert Pro series.
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