ALAS 4-Way Die & Multi-V Die – Complete Guide & FAQs
What is the function of a 4-way bending lower die?
ALAS 4-way bending lower die, also named Multi-V Die, is a rotatable lower die assembly fitted with four different V-grooves. Operators only need to rotate the die block to switch V-opening sizes without full die replacement. It cuts die change time by over 50%. Suitable for 1mm to 10mm+ sheet metal, compatible with mainstream hydraulic press brakes including Amada, Trumpf, Wille and more brands.
What material are your 4-way dies made of?
All ALAS industrial 4-way dies adopt premium 42CrMo alloy steel (equivalent to AISI 4140). Heavy-duty models adopt overall quenching & tempering treatment, plus induction hardening on V-groove surface, reaching stable hardness at HRC 47±3, with strong deformation resistance and long-term wear resistance.
Material Comparison Chart
| Performance | 42CrMo (ALAS Original Die) | T10 / T10A (Low-cost, occasional thin sheet bending) |
| Hardness (HRC) | 47–52 (V-groove area: 47±3) | 56–60 (High hardness but extremely brittle) |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 1100+ (High strength, hardly fractured) | 1300+ (High tensile strength but low elongation, prone to brittle fracture) |
| Heat Treatment Process | Overall quenching & tempering + V-groove induction/laser surface hardening | Conventional overall quenching + low-temperature tempering (Simple process & low cost) |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent (Supported by chromium-molybdenum alloy & surface strengthening) | Average (Only wear-resistant for soft sheets, easy adhesion & scratching on stainless steel) |
| Toughness (Crack Resistance) | Excellent (Hardly broken transversely as lower die base) | Poor (Critical defect: easy cracking under impact or eccentric load) |
| Service Life | 8–10 years (Standard CNC long-service die, regular regrinding available) | Unpredictable service life (Usable for 1-2 years roughly, sudden failure likely) |
Purchase Suggestion: Select ALAS 42CrMo hardened dies for mass production, stainless steel bending, thick plate processing and high-frequency workshop use, featuring excellent toughness and anti-crack performance for full-type sheet materials. T10/T10A material is only applicable for low-budget projects and occasional ordinary thin iron sheet bending without mass production. This material features high brittleness and poor pressure resistance, forbidden for stainless steel and thick plate bending, which may crack under eccentric load or impact force.
How to select the proper V-opening size for 4-way dies?
Fixed air bending matching rule: V-opening width = Sheet Thickness(T) × 6～8. Narrow V-opening fits thin sheets for high bending precision; wide V-opening reduces bending pressure and protects die bodies for thick plate processing. Custom 4-spec V-opening combinations are available per onsite production demands (Common size: 16, 22, 35, 50mm).
Recommended V-opening vs Sheet Thickness (Mild Steel)
| Sheet Thickness (mm) | Recommended V-opening (mm) | Selection Rule | Typical Application |
| 0.8 – 1.5 | 8 – 12 | 6–8 × Sheet Thickness | Thin sheet parts, electrical cabinets |
| 1.5 – 2.5 | 12 – 16 | 8 × Sheet Thickness | Cabinet, metal brackets |
| 2.5 – 4.0 | 20 – 24 | 8 × Sheet Thickness | General sheet metal processing |
| 4.0 – 6.0 | 32 – 40 | 8 × Sheet Thickness | Structural parts |
| 6.0 – 10.0 | 50 – 80 | 10 × Sheet Thickness | Thick plate bending |
Custom V-opening Combination Reference
Precision thin sheet: 6, 10, 14, 20 mm
General workshop production: 16, 24, 35, 50 mm
Thick plate dedicated: 40, 60, 80, 100 mm
Operation Reminder: Undersized V-opening will cause workpiece cracking and die edge damage. Keep V-opening width within 6×～12× sheet thickness range for safe bending.
Are these dies compatible with my press brake?
ALAS 4-way dies adopt universal square base for direct installation on most standard hydraulic press brake die holders. Custom base size, shank and structure are available for special models: Amada, LVD, Durma, Trumpf, Wille.
Compatibility Checklist
Standard square base/worktable: Direct installation for universal machines
Amada / Promecam: Custom shank available (Please note machine model when ordering)
Trumpf / Wila: Compatible with original standard clamping system
LVD / Durma: Customizable base width
Old or non-standard machines: Customizable die height & base dimension
Parameters to Confirm Before Ordering
What is the maximum tonnage these dies can bear?
Die bearing tonnage depends on V-opening dimension and raw material. ALAS 42CrMo hardened dies are manufactured for heavy-duty industrial bending. The table below shows safe tonnage data per 1000mm die length for mild steel. Reserve 10%–15% safety load margin for daily onsite operation.
Tonnage Reference (1000mm Die Length, Mild Steel)
| V-opening (mm) | Max Recommended Tonnage (Ton) | Applicable Sheet Thickness Range |
| 16 | 25 | 1.5 – 2.5 mm |
| 24 | 40 | 2.5 – 4.0 mm |
| 35 | 65 | 4.0 – 6.0 mm |
| 50 | 120 | 6.0 – 10.0 mm |
Complete rated tonnage report is delivered with every ALAS die set. Overload operation is strictly prohibited, which will lead to permanent V-groove deformation and die cracking.
Do you supply segmented or full-length 4-way dies?
ALAS provides both full-length and segmented 4-way dies. Standard full-length sizes: 835mm, 1000mm, 2000mm, max customized integral length up to 6000mm. Segmented die kits are assembled by precision ground blocks, specially designed for closed box bending workpieces.
Full-length Die vs Segmented Die Kit Comparison
| Feature | Full-length Die | Segmented Die Kit |
| Standard Single Length | 835, 1000, 2000 mm | 10, 15, 20, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300 mm blocks |
| Max Total Length | Max 6000mm integral length | Unlimited combined length |
| Best Application | Long straight sheet bending | Box bending, partial bending, closed contour bending |
| Die Change Method | Rotate the whole die block | Reassemble segmented blocks |
| Storage Requirement | Single piece, small space occupation | Multiple small blocks, classified storage needed |
Segment Combination Example
Combination: 10+15+20+40+50+100+200+300 mm, assembled for arbitrary bending length up to 735mm.
Box Bending Tip: Match segmented lower die with gooseneck upper die to avoid collision when bending high side flanges.
Step-by-Step Guide: Safely Rotate & Use 4-Way Dies
Standard Onsite Operation Steps: Release hydraulic residual pressure → Clean die groove → Rotate to target V-opening → Fasten & center align → Test bend with scrap material → Batch production
Machine Preparation: Lower the slide, turn off hydraulic power, release residual pipeline pressure.
Die Cleaning: Remove metal chips, dust and residual lubricant.
Die Rotation: Hold and rotate the die block 90°/180°/270° to set target V-opening upward.
Lock & Alignment: Fasten clamping bolts or mechanism, ensure V-opening aligned with upper die center.
Test Bending: Bend scrap with identical material & thickness, check bending angle and surface quality.
Formal Production: Lubricate the die after work for anti-rust protection.
Main Types & Applications of Press Brake Dies
| Die Type | Main Purpose | Application Case |
| Standard V Die | Conventional right-angle & V-shape bending | General sheet metal parts |
| Multi-V Die (4-Way Die) | Multi-thickness sheet, small-batch & multi-spec production | Greatly reduce die change frequency (ALAS original 4-way die) |
| Radius Die | Arc & fillet bending | Decorative hardware, building facade panels |
| Gooseneck Die | Offset bending & deep box bending | Avoid collision with high side flanges |
| Flatting Die | Sheet edge folding & pressing | Cabinet & electrical enclosure, remove sharp burrs |
| Acute Angle Die | Bending angle less than 90° | Sharp-angle structural parts |
| U-shape Die | One-step U-shape forming | Equipment brackets, channel steel, support beams |
| Custom Forming Die | Non-standard curve & profile forming | Custom parts, prototype production |
Onsite Matching Solution: One set of ALAS standard 16/24/35/50mm 4-way multi-V die plus one gooseneck upper die covers 80% conventional sheet metal bending processes.
Case Study: How A Thai Factory Cut 60% Die Change Time With 4-Way Dies
Background: A medium-sized sheet metal processing factory in Thailand produces over 200 types of bent parts weekly, with sheet thickness ranging from 1.2mm to 5mm. The factory originally used 4 sets of single-V dies, requiring 8–10 die changes per day, costing 2 hours total daily die change time.
Solution: Replace all single-V dies with one set of ALAS 42CrMo 4-way multi-V die (V-opening: 16, 24, 35, 50mm).
3-Month Operation Result
Single die change time: 15 mins → 20 secs (Only die rotation needed)
Daily total die change time: 120 mins → 15 mins
Die procurement cost: One 4-way die costs only 60% of four single-V dies
Storage space: Saved 1.2-meter shelf space
Die wear: No obvious deformation on V-grooves after 50,000 bending cycles
ALAS 4-Way Die Maintenance Guide For Extended Service Life
Core Maintenance Rules: Clean per shift, regular lubrication, periodic dimension inspection, no overload operation.
Daily Maintenance Checklist
Daily: Blow off metal dust, wipe V-grooves clean after each shift.
Weekly: Apply light machine oil on rotating surface and locking mechanism.
Monthly: Inspect four V-grooves for chipping, burrs or edge rounding; measure V-opening size with caliper.
Quarterly: Deep clean and re-lubricate the die; test die hardness if available.
Yearly: Conduct professional inspection if bending cycles exceed 200,000.
Die Replacement Standard: Replace dies once die body cracks, V-opening size error exceeds 0.2mm, or groove scratches cause continuous workpiece surface damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can one upper die match all four V-openings?
A: Yes. It is universally compatible. For sharp-angle bending or gooseneck bending, match upper die corner radius with V-opening size for better effect.
Q2: How many V-grooves on one 4-way die block?
A: Four different V-openings per block. Standard combinations: 16/24/35/50mm, 12/20/30/45mm, fully customizable.
Q3: Difference between air bending & bottom bending for 4-way dies?
A: Air bending only contacts workpiece at 3 points, the mainstream application for ALAS 4-way dies. Bottom bending presses sheets fully into V-grooves. ALAS 4-way dies are professionally optimized for air bending working condition.
Q4: Can you customize base for Amada / LVD press brakes?
A: Yes. We customize base width, die height and shank type to fit original die holders, just provide your machine model.
Q5: Can I customize four exclusive V-opening sizes on one die block?
A: Fully customizable. Specify four V-opening sizes, we process via CNC precision grinding.
Why Choose ALAS Brand 4-Way Bending Dies?
Material: Authentic ALAS customized 42CrMo alloy steel, overall quenching & tempering + V-groove induction hardening, HRC 47±3 hardness
Precision: CNC precision grinding, center alignment tolerance within 0.02mm
Compatibility: Compatible with Amada, Trumpf, Wille, LVD, Durma and most universal hydraulic press brakes
Specification: Standard length 835/1000/2000mm, max integral length 6000mm; segmented dies in stock
Customization: Custom V-opening, die height, base size and shank type available
Quality Traceability: Complete material certificate (chemical composition + mechanical property report) provided for each ALAS die set
Quick Specification Sheet
| Parameter | Technical Index |
| Material | 42CrMo (AISI 4140) |
| Hardness | HRC 47±3 (V-groove induction hardened) |
| Standard V-opening Combination | 16, 24, 35, 50 mm (Customizable) |
| Standard Length | 835 mm, 1000 mm, 2000 mm |
| Max Integral Die Length | 6000 mm |
| Surface Roughness | CNC ground ≤ Ra 0.8 µm |
| Safety Operation Standard | 15% tonnage deduction from rated load as safety load |
Want to upgrade workshop bending efficiency? Contact us for customized ALAS 4-way bending dies. We supply standard integral dies, segmented die kits, custom V-opening dies, and exclusive base dies for Amada, LVD, Durma press brakes with stable industrial quality.
