Prima Power eP 170
Key Specifications
press capacity
bending length
stroke
open height
approach speed
pressing speed
Overview
The Prima Power eP 170 is a fully electric servo press brake delivering 170 metric tons (187 US tons) of bending force with zero hydraulics. Prima Power’s servo-electric drive system uses precision ball screws driven by high-torque servo motors, eliminating hydraulic oil, pumps, filters, and the maintenance headaches that come with them. Energy consumption runs roughly 50% lower than equivalent hydraulic machines because the motors only draw power during the actual bending stroke.
Bending length options include 3,100 mm (122 in) and 4,100 mm (161 in) configurations. Stroke length is 250 mm (9.8 in) with an open height of 500 mm (19.7 in). Approach speed reaches 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec), pressing speed runs at 20 mm/sec (0.79 in/sec), and return speed hits 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec). Ram repeatability is rated at ±/0.005 mm (±/0.0002 in).
The Promecam-style tooling system accepts standard European-style punches and dies, giving shops access to third-party suppliers rather than locking them into a proprietary ecosystem. The backgauge is available in 4-axis or 6-axis configurations. CNC-controlled crowning compensates for bed deflection across the full bending length.
Machine weight is approximately 13,000 kg (28,660 lb) for the 3.1-meter version. Power requirement is 400V, 3-phase, approximately 30 kVA. No hydraulic oil means no fluid changes, no leak risk, and no oil disposal costs.
New eP 170 machines typically price between $250,000 and $350,000 depending on bending length and options. Used units from 2018-2022 trade in the $150,000-$250,000 range. Direct competitors include the Bystronic Xpert 150, Salvagnini B3, and Amada HG-1703.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Press Capacity | 1,700 kN / 170 metric tons (187 US tons) |
| Bending Length | 3,100 mm (122 in) or 4,100 mm (161 in) |
| Stroke | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Open Height | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Approach Speed | 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec) |
| Pressing Speed | 20 mm/sec (0.79 in/sec) |
| Return Speed | 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec) |
| Ram Repeatability | ±/0.005 mm (±/0.0002 in) |
| Drive System | Fully electric servo (ball screw) |
| Backgauge | 4-axis or 6-axis configurable |
| Crowning | CNC-controlled automatic |
| Tooling System | Promecam-style (standard European) |
| CNC Control | Prima Power CNC touchscreen |
| Power Requirement | 400V, 3-phase, ~30 kVA |
| Machine Weight | ~13,000 kg (28,660 lb) |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Fully electric servo drive eliminates hydraulic oil, pumps, and filters — no fluid changes or leak risk
- Energy consumption roughly 50% lower than hydraulic press brakes
- Promecam-style tooling accepts standard European punches and dies from multiple suppliers
- Clean operation suits clean-room and food-grade fabrication environments
- CNC crowning compensates for bed deflection across the full bending length
- Quieter than hydraulic machines — servo motors produce less noise than hydraulic power units
Limitations
- 170 metric tons is the practical ceiling for servo-electric — heavier work needs hydraulic or hybrid
- ±/0.005 mm repeatability is good but below the ±/0.001 mm of top hybrid servo-hydraulic machines
- Prima Power’s North American service network is smaller than Amada’s or Trumpf’s
- Ball screw assemblies are expensive to repair if damaged by crashes or contamination
- Thinner resale market than Amada or Trumpf press brakes
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New eP 170 machines run $250,000-$350,000 depending on bending length and options. Used units from 2018-2022 trade for $150,000-$250,000.
02
It uses servo motors and ball screws instead of hydraulics, cutting energy 50% and eliminating oil maintenance. The tradeoff is a tonnage ceiling around 170-200 tons.
03
Promecam-style standard European tooling from suppliers like Wilson Tool, Wila, and Rolleri — no proprietary lock-in.
04
Ram repeatability is ±/0.005 mm (±/0.0002 in) with CNC crowning. Operators typically achieve ±/0.5 degrees of bend angle accuracy.
05
No hydraulic maintenance at all. Focus is ball screw lubrication, guide rail cleaning, backgauge calibration, and electrical inspections.
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