Press Brake Radius Tooling

Press Brake Radius Tooling: Guide

1. What is Press Brake Radius Tooling?

• It is a special mold used with bending machines, mainly for bending metal sheets into arc or rounded shapes.

• Core parts: Upper die (Radius punch) and lower die (Radius die).

• Working way: The machine’s slider drives the upper die down, pressing the metal sheet between the two dies to form the desired arc.

• Key technology: CNC grinding (ensures high precision and smooth surface).

• Common uses: Mechanical manufacturing, sheet metal processing, hardware production, cabinet making.

2. Core Components & Working Principle

2.1 Upper Die (Radius Punch)

2.2 Lower Die (Radius Die)

2.3 Working Steps

1. Place the metal sheet on the lower die.

2. The slider drives the upper die (Radius punch) down.

3. The sheet bends into the desired arc under pressure.

4. The upper die returns, and the workpiece is taken out.

3. Key Features of Press Brake Radius Tooling

• High Durability: Made of 42CrMo steel, treated by tempering and quenching. Hardness: HRC45-HRC50, wear-resistant and strong.

• Customizable: Adjust HRC hardness, Radius Range (mm), Max Thickness, Material, Length (835mm/415mm) as needed. Use CNC grinding for non-standard arcs.

• Good Compatibility: Must match the bending machine’s clamping system, stroke and tonnage, as well as the workpiece’s requirements.

• Standardized: Standard specs (Radius 1-20mm, Max Thickness 1-12mm, Length 835mm/415mm) fit most machines. Custom options are available.

4. Common Classifications

4.1 By Forming Shape

• Standard Straight Edge Molds: For regular straight bending.

• Sharp Angle Molds: For small angles or springback compensation.

• Gooseneck Molds: For U-shaped and deep channel workpieces.

• Press Brake Radius Tooling: Core product for arc/rounded bending. Made of Radius punch and die, with standardized specs.

• Irregular Shaped Molds: Custom for special workpieces.

4.2 By Application Scenario

• Standard Sheet Metal Dies: For low-carbon steel, galvanized steel. Cost-effective.

• High-Strength Steel Dies: For stainless steel, thick plates. Harder (HRC48-HRC50).

• Thin Material Dies: Precision-made to avoid damage to thin sheets.

4.3 By Installation Interface

• Amada/Promecam Type: Fits Amada bending machines.

• Trumpf/Wila Type: Fits Trumpf and Wila bending machines.

• New Standard Type: Universal, fits most domestic machines.

5. How to Select Press Brake Radius Tooling

5.1 Match Material Characteristics

• Mild steel: Little springback; use a slightly smaller Radius punch for compensation.

• Stainless steel/high-strength steel: Much springback; use Radius punch with HRC48-HRC50.

• Match Max Thickness of the tooling with the material thickness (tooling’s Max Thickness ≥ material thickness).

• Standard Parameters Reference: HRC45-HRC48 (Radius 1-10mm, Max Thickness 1-6mm, fits low-carbon/galvanized steel, Length 835mm/415mm); HRC48-HRC50 (Radius 5-20mm, Max Thickness 6-12mm, fits stainless/high-strength steel, Length 835mm/415mm)

5.2 Follow the "8x Principle"

• Core rule: Lower die V-notch width V = 8 × material thickness T (for 3-8mm medium-thick plates).

• Adjustments: Thin plates (T＜3mm): V=6T (smaller fillet radius); Thick plates (T＞8mm): V=10T~12T (reduce bending force).

• Thick plates (T＞8mm): V=10T~12T (reduce bending force).

5.3 Consider Pressure Tonnage

• The tooling must bear the machine’s pressure; overloading will damage it.

• Reserve a 10%-15% safety margin for pressure.

• Use thickened Radius Tooling for thick plates/high-strength steel.

5.4 Choose the Right Radius Punch

• Small Radius (1-5mm): For thin sheets and small rounded corners.

• Large Radius (5-20mm): For thick sheets and large arcs.

• Custom Radius punch/die for special arc shapes (use CNC grinding).

5.5 Ensure Equipment Compatibility

• Match the tooling’s shank type with the machine’s clamping system.

• Match the tooling’s height and length (835mm/415mm) with the machine’s stroke and workbench.

6. Important Notes

• Do not ignore material springback (will cause inaccurate arc shape).

• Follow the "8x Principle" (prevents workpiece cracking and tooling damage).

• Ensure tooling fits the machine (avoids installation failure).

• Match HRC hardness and Radius Range with material thickness (prevents overloading).

• Choose Radius Tooling processed byCNC grinding (ensures precision).