Safan Darley E-Brake 50T
Key Specifications
Accuracy
bending force
working length
throat depth
stroke
open height
Overview
The Safan Darley E-Brake 50T is a compact servo-electric CNC press brake from Safan Darley, the Dutch press brake specialist that joined the LVD Group in 2020. The E-Brake 50T delivers 50 metric tons of bending force over a 1,550 mm working length using Safan Darley's proprietary servo-electric drive system — a technology the company pioneered in the 1990s and has continuously refined into one of the most refined servo-electric bending platforms available today.
The E-Brake 50T's servo-electric drive uses twin synchronous servo motors driving ball screws on each side of the ram. Unlike hydraulic systems, the servo drive provides precise, infinitely programmable ram speed and force throughout the full stroke. The ram decelerates smoothly into the material at the programmed approach speed, applies the exact programmed force, then retracts immediately at maximum speed — a motion profile that reduces cycle time compared to the constant-speed approach of hydraulic brakes. Repeatability of 0.01 mm is maintained across all operating conditions, and the machine draws power only during active ram movement, achieving energy savings of 50-70% versus equivalent hydraulic machines.
Safan Darley developed its E-Brake series with a particular focus on operator safety and ease of use. The machine includes a SafanDarley D58t CNC control with an Android-based tablet interface that operators can detach from the machine to program at the part. The control features 3D graphical bending simulation, automatic bend sequence calculation, and CADMAN-B offline programming integration through the parent LVD Group's software suite. A unique safety feature is the machine's speed-indexed laser safety system: the press can approach the material rapidly until near the pinch point, then switches to safe speed automatically — this optimizes cycle time without compromising operator safety.
The E-Brake 50T's compact dimensions (approximately 1.8 m wide x 1.4 m deep) make it suitable for cell integration alongside laser cutting machines and welding stations. The servo-electric system also eliminates hydraulic oil and the associated fire risk, simplifying installation in facilities with strict fire suppression requirements. For shops bending high-mix, short-run parts where setup speed, angular accuracy, and energy efficiency are top priorities, the E-Brake 50T delivers a compelling combination of Safan Darley's servo-electric heritage and LVD Group's software ecosystem.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bending Force | 500 kN (50 metric tons / 55 US tons) |
| Working Length | 1,550 mm (61.0 in) |
| Throat Depth | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Stroke | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Open Height | 480 mm (18.9 in) |
| Back Gauge Axes | 5 axes (X, R, Z1, Z2, X2) standard |
| Control System | SafanDarley D58t CNC (Android tablet interface, detachable) |
| Machine Weight | 3,600 kg (7,937 lb) |
| Ram Speed Rapid | Up to 250 mm/s |
| Ram Speed Working | Up to 15 mm/s |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.01 mm |
| Max Material Thickness | 5 mm mild steel (full length) |
| Drive Type | Servo-electric with twin synchronous motors and ball screws |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Safan Darley's pioneered servo-electric technology delivers best-in-class 0.01 mm repeatability with no hydraulic system to maintain
- 50-70% energy savings versus hydraulic press brakes of equivalent capacity — measurable reduction in operating cost over the machine's life
- Detachable Android tablet control enables operators to program at the part, improving ergonomics and setup efficiency
- Compact footprint (1.8 m wide) enables installation in space-constrained cells adjacent to laser cutting and welding equipment
- No hydraulic oil eliminates fire risk and simplifies installation in facilities with strict fire suppression requirements
- LVD Group ownership provides access to CADMAN-B offline programming software and LVD's broader sheet metal automation ecosystem
Limitations
- 50-ton capacity limits the E-Brake 50T to thinner material and smaller parts — heavy-gauge structural fabrication requires larger hydraulic machines
- LVD/Safan Darley's North American service presence, while improving post-acquisition, is less extensive than Amada or TRUMPF direct service networks
- Servo-electric drive repair requires specialized knowledge — the total installed base of servo-electric brakes is smaller than hydraulic, meaning fewer technicians are trained
- 1,550 mm working length constrains part size — shops bending panels longer than 1.5 m need a different machine
- Integration with non-LVD software workflows requires additional configuration compared to native CADMAN-B ecosystems
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New E-Brake 50T machines typically range from $100,000 to $175,000 depending on back gauge configuration, tooling, and software options. The servo-electric premium over a comparable hydraulic press brake is approximately 20-30% but is partially offset by lower energy and maintenance costs over the machine's life.
02
Safan Darley is a Dutch press brake manufacturer that was acquired by LVD Group in 2020. The two brands continue to operate with separate product lines — Safan Darley specializes in servo-electric press brakes, while LVD's main line includes hydraulic press brakes and laser cutting machines. Post-acquisition, Safan Darley products benefit from LVD's CADMAN software integration and global service infrastructure.
03
Both are compact servo-electric press brakes in similar capacity ranges (50T vs 36T). The E-Brake has slightly higher force and working length. Both offer comparable precision and energy savings. TRUMPF's ACB real-time angle measurement is a differentiating feature; Safan Darley's detachable tablet control and lighter machine weight are notable E-Brake advantages. TRUMPF's service network in North America is stronger.
04
The E-Brake 50T bends mild steel up to 5 mm at full 1,550 mm length, stainless steel to approximately 3 mm, and aluminum to 6-8 mm depending on grade. Material thickness capacity scales with part length — shorter bending segments allow proportionally thicker material within the 50-ton force rating.
05
Yes. The E-Brake 50T includes robot interface connections for integration with collaborative and industrial robots for automated part loading and bending. LVD Group offers robotic press brake cell configurations that pair the E-Brake with LVD automation. The compact footprint of the E-Brake simplifies robot reach envelope planning.
Videos
Mach4Metal
GladwinMachinery CS
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SafanDarley BV
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Community Discussions
Community discussion — Using two programs at the same time SAFAN - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — New press brake recommendations - Practical Machinist
Pricing and buying discussion — What is the Best Press Brake - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — Press Brake Dwell at bottom of stroke?? - Practical Machinist
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
