12 Types & Uses of Press Brake Tooling

Bending is a critical sheet metal forming process that utilizes a press brake machine and specialized tooling to create precise angular deformations in metal sheets. This process involves the application of controlled force to plastically deform the material along a linear axis.

Press brake tooling consists of two main components: the upper tool (punch) and the lower tool (die). The punch, also referred to as the top die or folding blade, is the active component that applies the bending force. The bottom die, which supports the workpiece, features a V-shaped or channel-shaped cavity that allows the material to flow during the bending operation.

The selection of appropriate tooling is crucial for achieving the desired bend angle, radius, and overall part quality. Factors such as material properties, thickness, and bend complexity influence the choice of punch and die configurations. Modern press brakes often employ interchangeable tooling systems, allowing for quick setup changes and enhanced production flexibility.

The specific classification of the upper and lower dies is shown in Figure 1.

1. Classification and types of press brake top punch: (Fig.1)

2. The top punch of press brake is divided into two types: integral type and segmented type

• Integrated top punch: 835mm and 415mm
• Segmented top punch: a segmentation and b segmentation

A split length: 10,15,20,40,50,100 (right horn),100(left horn),200,300;

B split length: 10,15,20,40,50,100(right horn),100(left horn),165,300;

3. Classification and application of various top punch

3.1. Gooseneck Punch

01) Standard Gooseneck Punch

Coordinate graph(1:1):

Processing characteristics:

1. The application of the standard punch in the bending is mainly the avoidance of the W direction, and the bending diagram is as follows:

2. X direction: when Xmin>4mm, it can be bent (when the size is required in the W direction)

3. Y direction:when 0<Y<30mm, the Z direction cannot be avoided. When Y≧30mm, Z=Y-300

Split graph: B split

Horn

02) Gooseneck Punch

Coordinate graph(1:2)

Processing characteristics:

1. The application of the gooseneck punch in the bending is mainly the avoidance of the W direction, and the bending diagram is as follows:

2. X direction: when Xmin>9mm, it can be bent (when the size is required in the W direction)

3. Y direction: when 0<Y<85mm, the Z direction cannot be avoided. When Y≧85mm, Z=Y-85

Split graph: A split

Horn

03) Gooseneck Punch

Coordinate graph (0.8:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. The application of the gooseneck punch in the bending is mainly the avoidance of the W direction, and the bending diagram is as follows:

2. X direction: when Xmin>6mm, it can be bent (when the size is required in the W direction)

3. Y direction: When 0<Y<75mm, the Z direction cannot be avoided. When Y≧75mm, Z=Y-75

Split graph: A split

Horn

3.2. Straight Punch

01) Sash Punch

 Coordinate graph(0.8:1)

Processing characteristics:

Suitable for bending symmetrical products. Both front and rear directions can be avoided.

When Xmin>10mm,W and X direction can increase in proportion.

When 0<Y<20mm,Z=0.

When Y>20mm, Y and Z directions can increase in proportion.

The bendable length in the W direction is greater than the bendable length in the Z direction.

Split graph: B split

Horn

02) Arrow Punch

 Coordinate graph(0.8:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. Suitable for bending symmetrical products, both the front and rear directions can be avoided, and the bending opening can be as small as 6mm.

2. When X<50mm,Y<50mm,W and X direction can increase in proportion.

Split graph: A split

Horn

03) Acute Punch

 Coordinate graph(0.8:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. Applicable range is between 30 ° and 180 °

2. Use a small angle of the tip of the tool to avoid the tapped hole and other workpieces that need to be avoided.

3. It is used for deep bending, and the insertion depth is suitable for bending angle as shown in the following figure:

Split graph: B split

Horn

04) Acute Punch

Coordinate graph(1:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. Suitable for angles between 45° and 180°

2. Use a small angle of the tip of the tool to avoid the tapped hole and other workpieces that need to be avoided.

Split graph:A split

Horn

05) Acute Punch

 Coordinate graph(1:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. Applicable range is between 30 ° and 180 °

2. Use a small angle of the tip of the tool to avoid the tapped hole

3. For deep bending, the depth of insertion is applicable to the bending angle as shown below

Split graph: B split

Horn

3.3. Radius Punch

01) Radius Punch

Coordinate graph(1:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. R radius is 1.5,3.0

2. Radius punch is often used as bends for the upper cover

3. Sometimes used for shaping the workpiece with a small angle.

Split graph:A split

02) Large Radius Punch

Graph (1:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. This large radius punch is mainly used for bending the inner arc angle of R, and the radius of the arc angle is R3~R10.

2. The radius punch is matched with the corresponding V groove

Combination graph:

3.4. Special Punch

01) Hemming Punch

Graph (1:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. The figure diagram shows the shape of the product after bending and flattening. All similar shapes can be bent. It should be used with 30° upper and lower molds.

2. Can also be used for pressing, riveting, shaping, etc.

Split graph:

02) Offset Punch

Graph (1:1)

Processing characteristics:

1. Used for Z bending which can’t be folded by common press brake dies.

H=1~10mm

2. The shape of the bend product is as shown in the upper right figure, usually called Z bend or offset.