Prima Power eP Press Brake
Key Specifications
drive type
tonnage range
bending length ep1030
bending length ep1336
bending length ep2040
tonnage ep1030
Overview
The Prima Power eP series is a fully electric servo-driven press brake line built on more than 20 years of Prima Power's experience applying servo-electronic drives to sheet metal bending. Unlike conventional hydraulic press brakes, the eP uses dual servo motors driving precision ball screws, eliminating hydraulic oil, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%, and delivering ram repeatability of ±0.005 mm. The lineup spans from the compact eP-0520 (50 tons, 2,100 mm) to the eP-2040 (200 tons, 4,100 mm), covering the full range of medium-thin sheet metal bending applications.
The most popular model in the range is the eP-1030, which delivers 105 US tons of bending force across a 3,060 mm bending length. With 700 mm of daylight, a 310 mm stroke, and a working speed of 10 mm/sec, it handles most production bending tasks efficiently. The eP-1336 steps up to 150 US tons with a 3,655 mm bending length, while the eP-2040 tops the range at 200 tons across 4,100 mm — the widest and most powerful fully electric brake available from Prima Power.
The electric drive architecture offers real advantages beyond energy savings. There's no hydraulic warm-up period — you press the start button and you're bending parts within seconds. Cycle times are typically 20-30% faster than equivalent hydraulic brakes because the servo motors accelerate the ram faster in approach and return strokes. The ±0.005 mm ram repeatability eliminates the angular drift that plagues hydraulic systems over long production runs, particularly in temperature-variable shop environments.
Prima Power pairs the eP brakes with their adaptive bending system, which uses real-time angle measurement to compensate for material springback variations on the fly. The control system stores bend sequences and tool setups, making repeat jobs a matter of selecting a program rather than re-teaching angles. For shops already running Prima Power laser cutting or punching equipment, the eP integrates into the TULUS production management ecosystem for end-to-end workflow tracking. Compared to the Amada HG series or LVD PPEB, the eP's fully electric architecture is its primary differentiator — no oil changes, no hydraulic leaks, no warm-up drift.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Drive Type | Fully electric servo (dual ball screw) |
| Tonnage Range | 50 - 200 US tons (eP-0520 to eP-2040) |
| Bending Length Ep1030 | 3,060 mm (120.5 in) |
| Bending Length Ep1336 | 3,655 mm (143.9 in) |
| Bending Length Ep2040 | 4,100 mm (161.4 in) |
| Tonnage Ep1030 | 105 US tons (935 kN) |
| Tonnage Ep1336 | 150 US tons (1,334 kN) |
| Tonnage Ep2040 | 200 US tons (1,779 kN) |
| Ram Repeatability | ±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in) |
| Daylight Ep1030 | 700 mm (27.6 in) |
| Stroke Ep1030 | 310 mm (12.2 in) |
| Working Speed Ep1030 | 10 mm/sec (0.4 in/sec) |
| Approach Speed | 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec) |
| Return Speed | 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec) |
| Throat Depth Ep1030 | 410 mm (16.1 in) |
| CNC Control | Prima Power proprietary CNC with touch-screen interface |
| Backgauge Axes | Up to 6 axes (X, R, Z1, Z2, X2, R2) |
| Energy Consumption | Up to 50% less than equivalent hydraulic press brakes |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Fully electric servo drive eliminates hydraulic oil, warm-up time, and hydraulic maintenance entirely
- ±0.005 mm ram repeatability is best-in-class for electric brakes, eliminating angular drift over long production runs
- Up to 50% energy savings compared to equivalent hydraulic press brakes, with no idle power consumption
- Approach and return speeds of 200 mm/sec deliver 20-30% faster cycle times than comparable hydraulic machines
- No hydraulic warm-up period — the machine is ready to bend accurately from a cold start
- Clean, quiet operation with no risk of hydraulic leaks — ideal for climate-controlled or cleanroom-adjacent environments
Limitations
- Maximum tonnage of 200 tons limits the eP to medium-thin sheet metal — heavy plate bending requires hydraulic machines like the LVD PPEB 320
- Higher upfront cost than equivalent hydraulic brakes, though lower total cost of ownership over 5-10 years
- Servo ball screw drives require periodic inspection and eventual replacement, which can be costly on high-cycle machines
- Prima Power's North American service network is smaller than Amada's or Trumpf's, affecting response times in some regions
- Limited to 4,100 mm maximum bending length on the eP-2040 — shops bending longer parts need hydraulic alternatives
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The eP is faster in approach and return strokes (200 mm/sec vs ~120-130 mm/sec on hydraulic machines), more energy efficient, and more consistent in angle accuracy. However, hydraulic brakes like the PPEB 320 offer higher tonnage (320+ tons) and longer bending lengths for heavy plate work. The eP is the better choice for medium-thin sheet metal; hydraulic machines are necessary for thick plate and heavy forming.
02
Significantly less than hydraulic machines. There's no hydraulic oil to change, no filters to replace, and no risk of seal leaks. Maintenance focuses on ball screw lubrication, guide cleaning, and periodic servo motor inspection. Total annual maintenance costs are typically 40-60% lower than equivalent hydraulic brakes.
03
The eP-2040 tops out at 200 tons, which handles mild steel up to about 10-12 mm depending on bend length and material grade. For bending 15 mm+ plate or working with high-strength steels, you need a hydraulic press brake with 300+ tons of capacity.
04
Ball screw life depends on tonnage utilization and cycle count, but typical service life is 10-15 years in production environments running 2 shifts. Replacement is a planned maintenance event, not a catastrophic failure — the machine provides wear monitoring and advance warning.
05
Yes, significantly. The electric drive produces roughly 65-70 dB during operation compared to 75-85 dB for hydraulic brakes. There's also no constant hydraulic pump noise during idle. This makes a noticeable difference in operator comfort, especially in shops running multiple brakes.
Videos
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