Standard & Custom Sheet Metal Brake Dies – Factory Direct
ALAS sheet metal brake dies are precision forming tools machined from 42CrMo (AISI 4140) alloy steel, with induction-hardened working edges reaching HRC 47–52 and surface ground to ±0.02 mm tolerance. They deliver 500,000+ bending cycles under rated load—more than double the average life of standard market tooling.
What Is a Sheet Metal Brake Die?
A sheet metal brake die is the forming tool mounted on a press brake. It consists of an upper punch (attached to the ram) and a lower V-die (fixed to the bed). When the ram descends, the punch forces the sheet into the V-groove, creating a permanent bend.
Segmented sets are available as a complete combination—for example, a standard 835 mm set split into 10, 15, 20, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300 mm, plus 2×100 mm gooseneck sections. This allows you to assemble different lengths for various workpiece widths without buying individual odd-sized pieces.
Common applications: machinery manufacturing, sheet metal fabrication, hardware production, and electrical enclosure lines.
Which Steel Grade Does ALAS Use—and Why?
ALAS tooling is manufactured from 42CrMo (equivalent to AISI 4140, SCM440, and 1.7225). This chromium-molybdenum alloy delivers high tensile strength (≥1,080 MPa) and yield strength (≥930 MPa) while maintaining core toughness that prevents catastrophic failure under shock loading.
| Property | ALAS 42CrMo Tooling | Standard Market 42CrMo |
| Material Grade | 42CrMo (AISI 4140) | 42CrMo / 42CrMo4 |
| Heat Treatment | Targeted induction hardening on working edges | Conventional quenching & tempering (whole body) |
| Working Edge Hardness | HRC 47–52 (laser hardening up to HRC 60 on request) | HRC 28–32 (core at similar level) |
| Surface Tolerance | ±0.02 mm (precision ground) | ±0.05–0.10 mm |
| Expected Cycle Life* | 500,000+ bends | 200,000–300,000 bends |
*The 500,000+ cycle figure is based on bending standard mild steel under rated tonnage with proper maintenance. Actual lifespan varies with material type (e.g., stainless steel or scale-covered hot-rolled plate) and maintenance routines.
The targeted induction hardening concentrates wear resistance exactly where it's needed—on the working edges—while leaving the core tough and ductile. A conventionally hardened 42CrMo die at HRC 45–48 throughout would be brittle and prone to cracking under high tonnage. ALAS's approach extends tool life and reduces your total cost of ownership (TCO) by minimizing replacements, downtime, and scrap rates.
Which Press Brake Systems Are ALAS Dies Compatible With?
ALAS tooling integrates with most major press brake brands:
Amada – European quick-change style
Trumpf – Precision-aligned new standard tooling
Wila – Full compatibility with Wila clamping systems
Bystronic & LVD – European-style systems
Domestic Chinese presses – Compatible with European/Amada or Wila styles
Standard full-length: 835 mm (with segmented sets available). If your machine uses a different interface, ALAS provides custom shank configurations and adaptors.
How to Select the Right Brake Die for Your Job?
Selection follows a working condition → material → hardness logic:
Step 1 – Identify your material and thickness
Mild steel (≤3 mm): Standard V-die with 6–8× thickness opening
Stainless steel (any gauge): Higher tonnage required; use larger V-opening to reduce stress
High-tensile steel (>600 MPa): Consult ALAS engineering for custom heat treatment
Step 2 – Apply the "8× rule" for V-groove width
V-groove width = 8 × material thickness (starting point)
Thin sheet (≤3 mm): V = 6T (if flange length allows)
Thick plate (≥8 mm): V = 10T to 12T (reduces pressure and prevents marking)
Step 3 – Match hardness to production volume
Low-volume (<50,000 bends/year): Standard HRC 47–52 induction-hardened edges
High-volume (>50,000 bends/year): Request laser surface hardening to HRC 60
Step 4 – Verify compatibility
Confirm clamping system type (Amada, Trumpf/Wila, or European standard)
Provide your press brake model and existing tooling dimensions
How Does Custom Tooling Work at ALAS?
Send your sheet metal brake die drawing (CAD, PDF, or even a sketch with dimensions). ALAS manufactures custom punches (gooseneck, arc, sharp-angle, or any profile) and custom lower dies (non-standard V-widths, trapezoidal grooves, special radii) exactly to your print. Segmented lengths are also customizable to match your workpiece widths.
Lead time for custom tooling: 3–4 weeks (standard stock ships in 10-15 business days).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the standard hardness of ALAS press brake dies?
ALAS sheet metal brake dies feature induction hardening along critical working edges, reaching HRC 47–52. For high-volume applications, we offer laser surface hardening up to HRC 60.
Q2: Is 42CrMo the same as AISI 4140?
Yes. 42CrMo (GB standard) is equivalent to AISI 4140 (USA), SCM440 (Japan), and 1.7225 / 42CrMo4 (Germany/ISO).
Q3: What is the surface tolerance of ALAS tooling?
All ALAS dies are precision ground to ±0.02 mm tolerance, ensuring perfect parallelism and alignment.
Q4: How many bending cycles can I expect from ALAS tooling?
Under rated load with proper maintenance: 500,000+ bending cycles—more than double the 200,000–300,000 cycle average of standard market tooling. Actual life varies with material type (stainless steel or scale-covered plate may reduce tool life) and maintenance.
Q5: Are ALAS dies compatible with my Amada/Trumpf/Wila press brake?
Yes. ALAS tooling integrates with Amada, Trumpf, Wila, Bystronic, LVD, and most domestic Chinese presses.
Q6: Can ALAS manufacture custom tooling from my drawings?
Yes. Provide your sheet metal brake die drawing (CAD or PDF), and ALAS manufactures custom punches and multi-V dies to your exact specifications.
Q7: What is the typical delivery time for custom tooling?
Standard tooling: 10–15 business days. Custom-machined tooling: 3–4 weeks depending on complexity.
Q8: What does "precision ground" mean and why does it matter?
Precision grinding to ±0.02 mm ensures perfect alignment between mating surfaces, reducing setup time, minimizing scrap, and improving bend repeatability.
Ready to optimize your bending workflow?
Send your drawings to ALAS (Nanjing Alas International Co., Ltd.) and receive a comprehensive quote within 24 hours. Factory-direct pricing, full material certification, and worldwide shipping included.
