Here are professional tips and a detailed checklist for buying a used LVD PPED 20/50 (or similarly rated PPED series) press-brake. If you go through this, you’ll reduce risk of paying too much for hidden issues.

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What is LVD PPED / Key Specs to Know

Before the checks, you need to know what the machine should be, so you can spot deviations. LVD’s PPED series are hydraulic press-brakes, described by LVD as “Accurate, Economical Bending”.

Some important specifications/features to use as your baseline:

Feature	Typical Values / What to Look For
Pressing force	Depends on model: e.g. PPED 50-20 = ~ 500 kN, PPED 80-25 = ~ 800 kN, etc.
Working (bend) length	Ranges from ~2,000 mm up to ~4,000 mm depending on model.
Stroke, ram/tongue height etc.	Stroke ~200 mm in many models; table/ram distance etc.
Backgauge axes options	2-axis or 4-axis backgauge (X, R ± possibly Z1, Z2) depending on the version.
Hydraulic system type	Servo-controlled hydraulic PPED; rigid frame, hardened steel pistons; linear encoders in many units.
Control interface	LVD “Touch-B” touchscreen control; graphical; CADMAN software compatibility etc.

Knowing what your particular 20/50 refers to (e.g. 500 kN, 2000 mm length? “50” being ~50 tons or 500 kN, “20” being 2000 mm or similar) helps. Always check the exact model variant.

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What to Inspect / Tests to Do

Here’s a checklist of what to look for, what to test, and what questions to ask when evaluating a used LVD PPED. Use this on-site.

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A. Documentation & History

• Maintenance records: hydraulic oil changes, filter changes, pump maintenance, cylinder servicing.
• Hours of use: both “ram / bending cycles” and machine “power-on” hours. Machines with low cycles but high idle time often are better than heavy cycle ones.
• Repairs or incidents: crashes (ram/Jaws ram colliding with tooling), backgauge damage, overloading etc.
• Control updates / software version, whether the control is original or retrofitted.
• Availability of parts: spare parts for hydraulic components (valves, cylinders, seals), backgauge axes, control electronics etc.

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B. Structural / Mechanical Condition

• Frame integrity: look for cracks, weld repairs, deformations, rust. The frame must be straight. Any bending or twisting in the frame will affect precision.
• Ram / beam alignment: is the ram parallel to the table? Does the ram close evenly across its length? Check at ends and centre.
• Guideways and slide surfaces: are they smooth; do they show wear, scoring; are lubricated rails in good condition?
• Backgauge mechanism: check all backgauge axes (X, R, Z1, Z2 if present); test for play, binding, smoothness; check that gauge fingers are straight, clamps tight.
• Hydraulic cylinders: inspect for leaks around seals, cylinder rods condition (no scoring or rust), consistency of motion.
• Hydraulic pump / valves: listen for whining or cavitation; test under load; see if outputs match specification (force, speed).
• Tooling condition: punches, dies. Worn, chipped, misaligned tooling leads to poor bends and can damage machine or parts.

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C. Controls, Electronics & Accuracy

• Control system: the LVD Touch-B interface; is it responsive; are there error / alarm histories; is software version modern / supported?
• Linear encoders: if present, check calibration; whether they still track position accurately.
• Sensors and safety systems: over-travel, limit switches, light curtains / guards; safety interlocks all functional.
• Electrical cabinet: condition of wiring, cleanliness, signs of overheating, water ingress, rust etc.

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D. Performance / Functional Testing

• Test bend: Use your typical material (thickness, length, type) and typical tooling. Check the bend angle, length, consistency along the length (ends vs middle).
• Repeatability: move through same program, return to zero etc. Does the angle stay consistent? Does the backgauge return to position reliably?
• Under load test: heavier jobs; longer pieces; test full length working to check frame deflection, ram creep etc.
• Speed & force check: verify that the machine exerts the claimed force and that movement speeds (approach, bending speed, return) are as expected.
• Hydraulic response: speed of ram, smoothness; how the machine behaves near bottom of stroke; whether there’s lag or overshoot in control.

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E. Wear, Consumables & Spares

• Seals, hydraulic hoses; are any visibly replaced or in shortage; check for past leaks.
• Oil condition: hydraulic oil clarity; any contamination; does it smell burnt; are filters maintained.
• Tooling cost: punches, dies; check availability and cost.
• Backgauge fingers / rails – if replacements exist or if they are custom/hard to get.
• Control / electronic spares: touch panels, plc boards etc.

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F. Logistics & Facility Fit

• Machine footprint, weight; foundation / floor capacity; crane / rigging required.
• Power supply: voltage, phase, hydraulic power, oil cooling if needed.
• Safety/regulatory compliance in your country: CE or local equivalents. If safety systems need upgrading, that is a cost.
• Operator training; availability of service technicians familiar with LVD PPED; cost of imports/spares.

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Red Flags — When to Be Very Careful Or Walk Away

These are warning signs that the deal may cost more than it’s worth.

• Frame or bed with visible cracks, serious corrosion, or repair scars.
• Ram that is visibly sagging, misaligned, or uneven closing; signs of bending, wear or abuse.
• Backgauge that is inaccurate, has excessive play, or some axes non-functional.
• Hydraulic leaks that are persistent; pumps or cylinders with rusted rods or pitted surfaces.
• Control system with missing modules, unresponsive parts, or whose spare support is discontinued.
• Slow or weak hydraulic response; inability to reach claimed thrust under load.
• Speed dramatically below spec or inconsistent under load.
• Tooling badly worn or damaged; dies and punches not straight; misaligned tool holders.
• The hydraulic oil is dirty/black or smells burnt: often sign of neglected maintenance or overuse.
• Sellers who cannot provide maintenance history, or who cannot let you see/control the machine under power or do test bends.

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Price / Negotiation & Total Cost

• Always calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), not just purchase price. Include costs of transport, installation, setup, safety upgrades (if needed), tooling, replacement parts, downtime, calibration etc.
• Get quotes for repairing any defects you find (e.g. replacing backgauge rails, resealing cylinders, refurbishing ram etc.). Use those costs to negotiate price reduction.
• Compare price of a similar new or newer PPED unit; the marginal difference may not be big after refurbishment and setup.
• Ask for warranty or guarantee covering key items (force, accuracy, backgauge repeatability) if possible, even if just short term.
• Consider the value of included tooling; sometimes it’s sold with minimal tooling, meaning you’ll need to purchase dies/punches; this adds up.