Salvagnini B3
Key Specifications
tonnage range
bending length range
stroke
ram speed approach
ram drive
popular model b3 170
Overview
The Salvagnini B3 is a hybrid press brake that combines the precision of electric drive technology with the force capability of hydraulic systems, backed by Salvagnini's decades of sheet metal automation expertise. Available in 20 configurations ranging from 80 to 400 tons and 300 to 450 mm stroke, the B3 covers the full spectrum of press brake applications from precision electronics enclosures to heavy structural bending. What sets the B3 apart from conventional hydraulic or servo-electric press brakes is Salvagnini's scalable automation architecture, which can transform the machine from a standalone brake into a fully automated bending cell.
The ram is driven by two independent direct-drive brushless motors that deliver approach and return speeds of up to 250 mm/s, significantly faster than conventional hydraulic systems. Salvagnini's adaptive bending technology (AMS angle measurement system) monitors bend angle in real time and adjusts on the fly, guaranteeing accuracy without trial bends or manual corrections. This is a major productivity advantage in job shop and short-run environments where setup time and first-part quality directly impact profitability.
Salvagnini offers four levels of automation for the B3. The ATA (Automatic Tool Adjustment) system automatically adjusts upper and lower tool lengths. The ATA.L extends this to longer tools. The MVM (Multi V-die with Multiple openings) automatically adjusts the die opening without operator intervention. The AU-TO is the top-tier option: a fully automatic tool changer with a covered rear-mounted tool store holding up to 24 meters of tooling, which sets up the brake for the next job without manual tool handling. With AU-TO, setup times drop from minutes to seconds, and the system can run mixed batch production with kit-of-one capability.
The most popular B3 configurations are the B3-170/4250 (187 US tons, 167 in/4,250 mm bending length) and B3-220/4250 (242 US tons, 167 in). These cover the sweet spot for general sheet metal fabrication from 14-gauge through 1/4-inch in steel and stainless. The B3 competes with the Trumpf TruBend 5130/5170, Amada HRB series, and Bystronic Xpert Pro in the premium press brake segment. Against these competitors, the B3's AMS adaptive bending and AU-TO automatic tool change represent genuine differentiators that reduce labor content per part.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tonnage Range | 80 - 400 tons (88 - 441 US tons) |
| Bending Length Range | Up to 4,250 mm (167 in) |
| Stroke | 300 - 450 mm |
| Ram Speed Approach | Up to 250 mm/s |
| Ram Drive | Two independent direct-drive brushless motors |
| Popular Model B3 170 | 187 US tons / 4,250 mm bending length |
| Popular Model B3 220 | 242 US tons / 4,250 mm bending length |
| Ata Tool Setup | Automatic upper and lower tool length adjustment |
| Mvm Die | Automatic die opening adjustment (Multi V-die) |
| Auto Tool Change | AU-TO system with up to 24 m tool storage |
| Angle Measurement | AMS (Angle Measurement System) - real-time adaptive bending |
| Configurations | 20 models available |
| CNC Control | Salvagnini proprietary with touchscreen HMI |
| Safety | Light curtains, laser safety devices |
| Models | 320/3000 |
| Maximum Bending Force | 320 |
| Table Length | 3060 |
| Distance Between Side Frames | 2630 |
| Throat Depth | 520 |
| Maximum Approach And Return Speed | 220 |
| Bending Speed | 15 |
| Maximum Stroke | 450 |
| Table Ram Distance | 700 |
| Total Lenght | 4380 |
| Total Width | 2085 |
| Total Height | 3755 |
| Average Consumption | 3.5 |
| Mass | 21800 |
Specifications sourced from salvagninigroup.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- AMS adaptive angle measurement eliminates trial bends and manual corrections, guaranteeing first-part accuracy
- AU-TO automatic tool changer with 24 m tool store reduces setup to seconds, enabling kit-of-one mixed batch production
- Direct-drive brushless motors achieve 250 mm/s approach speed, significantly faster than conventional hydraulic rams
- 20 configurations from 80-400 tons and up to 4,250 mm bending length cover virtually all press brake applications
- Four levels of scalable automation (ATA, ATA.L, MVM, AU-TO) let shops add capability as production demands grow
- Integration with Salvagnini OPS software enables connected production with L5 laser cutters and panel benders
- Hybrid electric/hydraulic design combines precision and speed of electric with force capability of hydraulic
Limitations
- Premium pricing versus conventional hydraulic press brakes, especially with AU-TO automatic tool change option
- Full automation value requires high utilization and diverse job mix to justify the capital investment
- Salvagnini service network in North America is smaller than Trumpf, Amada, or LVD
- Proprietary control and programming software has a learning curve for operators trained on standard Delem or ESA controls
- AU-TO tool store adds significant machine footprint and weight
- Best ROI requires integration with Salvagnini ecosystem (OPS software, laser, panel bender), which increases total investment
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Base B3 configurations start around $250,000 for smaller tonnage models. Popular mid-range configurations like the B3-170/4250 or B3-220/4250 typically run $350,000-$500,000 depending on automation level. With the full AU-TO automatic tool change system, expect to invest $500,000-$600,000+. The pricing reflects the automation and adaptive technology included.
02
AU-TO is Salvagnini's automatic tool changer that stores up to 24 meters of tooling in a covered rear-mounted magazine. It automatically sets up the upper and lower tools for the next job without operator intervention. Setup changes that take 10-20 minutes manually happen in seconds with AU-TO, enabling mixed-batch production and kit-of-one manufacturing.
03
The AMS (Angle Measurement System) measures the bend angle in real time during the bending stroke and adjusts the ram position on the fly to achieve the target angle. This compensates for material variations in thickness, grain direction, and springback without trial bends. The result is first-part accuracy on every bend, reducing scrap and eliminating the trial-and-error approach of conventional press brakes.
04
Both are premium press brakes with advanced features. The B3's AU-TO automatic tool change is a significant differentiator for high-mix shops where setup time dominates. The TruBend 5130 offers Trumpf's ACB angle measurement and robust tooling ecosystem. Trumpf has a larger service network in North America. Choose based on automation needs, mix complexity, and service availability.
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