Prima Power EPB 2540
Key Specifications
press capacity
working length
stroke
open height
throat depth
approach speed
Overview
The Prima Power EPB 2540 is the large-format model in Prima Power's EPB (Electric Press Brake) series -- a fully servo-electric press brake rated at 250 metric tons (275 US tons) across a 4,000 mm (157 in) bending length. It is designed for heavy-duty sheet metal fabrication shops and structural component manufacturers that need serious bending force across a long bed, combined with the operating cost advantages of electric drive over conventional hydraulics.
The EPB 2540's servo-electric drive uses dual servo motors and a precision ball screw mechanism to deliver 250 metric tons of pressing force with independent left and right ram control. Independent cylinder control maintains parallelism across the 4-meter bed, which is essential for consistent bend angles on wide sheets and long structural sections. Ram repeatability is specified at ±0.01 mm. The servo-electric architecture means the motors only draw power during active ram motion -- at 250 metric tons, this represents substantial energy savings versus hydraulic machines of equivalent capacity that continuously run large pump motors.
The control is Prima Power's P-Series CNC with a touchscreen interface, 3D graphical bend simulation, and automatic bend sequence optimization. The P-Series manages the 6-axis backgauge automatically through multi-bend programs and integrates with Prima Power's offline CAM software for program preparation away from the machine. At 250 tons and 4 meters, the EPB 2540 is a significant machine requiring robust program planning -- the offline software is particularly valuable for complex part families with many bends.
At 250 metric tons across 4,000 mm, the EPB 2540 handles structural steel fabrication in heavier gauges: mild steel up to approximately 8 mm on the full working length, and up to 16-20 mm on shorter bend lengths. This makes the machine suitable for heavy enclosures, structural brackets, bus duct fabrication, switchgear panels, and agricultural/construction equipment components. The long bed accommodates wide sheet stock that would require repositioning on a shorter machine.
New EPB 2540 pricing typically runs $280,000-$400,000 depending on backgauge specification, crowning system, safety options, and regional market. At this tonnage and bending length, direct competitors include the Amada HG-2204, Trumpf TruBend 5170, Bystronic Xpert 200, and LVD PPEB-EFL 250/40. The EPB 2540 differentiates on its fully electric drive -- most competitors at this tonnage class use hydraulic or hybrid servo-hydraulic systems. The electric drive advantage is particularly compelling for shops running multiple shifts where the energy savings add up over time.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Press Capacity | 2,500 kN / 250 metric tons (275 US tons) |
| Working Length | 4,000 mm (157 in) |
| Stroke | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Open Height | ~500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Throat Depth | ~450 mm (17.7 in) |
| Approach Speed | 180 mm/sec |
| Pressing Speed | 15 mm/sec |
| Return Speed | 170 mm/sec |
| Ram Repeatability | ±0.01 mm |
| Back Gauge Axes | 6-axis CNC |
| CNC Control | Prima Power P-Series CNC (touchscreen with 3D simulation) |
| Drive System | Fully servo-electric (dual servo motors + ball screws) |
| Crowning | CNC automatic crowning |
| Power Requirement | 400V 3-phase, ~30 kVA (peak demand) |
| Machine Weight | ~22,000 kg (48,500 lb) |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Fully servo-electric drive at 250 metric tons -- unusual at this tonnage class where most competitors use hydraulic or hybrid-hydraulic systems -- delivers significant energy savings on large-machine production cycles
- Independent left and right ram control maintains precise parallelism across the 4-meter bed, critical for consistent bend quality on wide structural sheet and long panel sections
- Automatic CNC crowning compensates for ram deflection under load, ensuring straight bends across the full 4,000 mm working length without manual crowning adjustment
- No hydraulic system means no oil, no cooling circuit, no pump maintenance, and no risk of hydraulic oil contamination on heavy structural work where oil leaks can create safety hazards
- P-Series control with 3D simulation and offline programming integration is well-suited for complex multi-bend programs common in structural and heavy fabrication work at this tonnage class
Limitations
- At 250 metric tons, the EPB 2540 is one of the largest servo-electric press brakes available -- the technology is proven but the installed base at this tonnage is smaller than hydraulic alternatives, meaning fewer reference customers and case studies to evaluate
- Prima Power's North American service network is thinner than Amada or Trumpf at this price and tonnage point -- downtime risk on a machine of this scale and investment requires careful evaluation of local service coverage
- Purchase price of $280K-$400K is competitive with hydraulic alternatives of similar capacity, but operating cost savings must be modeled over the machine life to justify selection over proven hydraulic options
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both are 220-250 ton machines with 4-meter beds targeted at heavy fabrication. The key difference is drive architecture: the EPB 2540 is fully servo-electric with no hydraulic system; the HG-2204 uses Amada's hybrid servo-hydraulic system. The HG-2204 offers the optional ATC automatic tool changer -- a capability the EPB 2540 does not match. On accuracy, both machines deliver comparable real-world results. The EPB 2540's electric drive offers lower long-term operating cost; the HG-2204 ATC offers tooling automation for high-mix work. The choice depends on whether ATC productivity or electric efficiency is the higher priority.
02
At 250 metric tons across 4,000 mm, the EPB 2540 bends mild steel up to approximately 8 mm thick on the full working length. On shorter bend lengths around 1,000-1,500 mm, the concentrated force allows bending up to 16-20 mm mild steel. Stainless steel capacity is approximately 65% of the mild steel equivalent; aluminum is approximately twice the mild steel capacity for equivalent force requirements. The P-Series control calculates required force automatically based on material input, thickness, die width, and bend length.
03
Yes. CNC automatic crowning is included on the EPB 2540. At 4 meters of bending length and 250 metric tons, ram deflection under load would produce a curved bend profile without crowning compensation. The CNC crowning system measures and compensates for this deflection, keeping the bend straight across the full working length. The crowning profile adjusts automatically based on the programmed material, thickness, die width, and bend length.
04
The EPB 2540 uses Prima Power's standard European-style punch and die tooling. The tooling is compatible across the EPB series and with Prima Power's panel bending machines that use compatible die systems. European-style tooling with standard American or Wila/Trumpf-style holders is also adaptable with appropriate adapters. Buyers should verify tooling compatibility and availability through their regional Prima Power dealer before committing to a tooling investment.
05
The EPB 2540 weighs approximately 22,000 kg (48,500 lb) and requires a reinforced concrete foundation with anchor bolting -- similar to any large press brake of this tonnage. Electrical requirements are 400V 3-phase (480V in North America) with approximately 30 kVA peak demand, significantly less than an equivalent hydraulic machine that runs a large continuous pump motor. No hydraulic oil infrastructure, cooling water connection, or oil storage is required. Prima Power's installation team should be involved in site planning for a machine of this scale.
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