Press Brake Tooling
Press brake tooling are special forming molds used with bending machines. They are the key parts for bending metal sheets, made up of two main components: the upper die and the lower die. When the bending machine’s slider and workbench move together, the metal sheet is pressed between the two dies, changing shape to form workpieces with specific angles and sizes (e.g., 90° right angles, U-shapes, V-shapes). They are widely used in sheet metal processing, including:
Mechanical manufacturing
Sheet metal fabrication
Hardware production
Cabinet manufacturing
Why 42CrMo Steel is Best for High-Performance Brake Tooling
Not all steel works the same for metal fabrication. For 42CrMo steel brake tooling, the difference is in the material’s structure. For shops using high-tonnage CNC machines, standard carbon steel tools cause problems: bent V-openings, cracked punch tips, and inconsistent bending angles.
At Alas Machinery, we use high-quality 42CrMo (42 Chrome-Molybdenum) alloy steel to make sure your tooling handles tough production schedules.
The Science of 42CrMo: Tough and Hard
42CrMo is popular because it balances tensile strength and toughness. Alas Machinery improves these qualities with Full-Body Vacuum Heat Treatment, which provides:
Deep Hardening (HRC 47–52): Unlike surface-hardened tools, our 42CrMo tooling is hardened all the way through. This stops the tool from collapsing under high hydraulic pressure.
Fatigue Resistance: 42CrMo resists repeated stress from CNC bending, so our punches and dies keep their R-angle accuracy longer than standard tools.
Precision Grinding for Modern Fabrication
High-quality steel needs high-quality machining. Our 42CrMo brake tooling is precision CNC ground to ensure:
Perfect Parallelism: Important for multi-step bending where every part must line up correctly.
Less Friction: Our smooth finish prevents material sticking, which is key when working with sensitive materials like stainless steel.
Factory-Direct 42CrMo Spares for Long Life
Alas Machinery is a dedicated factory. We make high-performance, low-maintenance spares that are ready to install. Our 42CrMo tooling lasts longer and works better than standard parts, so you spend less time on maintenance and more time being productive and profitable.
Core Components & How They Work
Upper Die
Installed on the bending machine’s moving slider, it applies pressure to the metal. Its shape (straight, sharp, gooseneck, arc, etc.) decides the outer shape of the bent workpiece.
Lower Die
Fixed on the bending machine’s workbench, it supports the metal. It usually has a V-shaped groove (V-groove). The groove’s width affects bending force, fillet size, and how well the sheet forms.
Working Principle
Place the metal sheet on the lower die.
The slider moves the upper die down to press the sheet.
The sheet bends to match the shape of the two dies (permanent deformation).
Once the set stroke and pressure are reached, bending is done.
The upper die moves back, and you can take out the workpiece.
Key Features of Press Brake Tooling
High Rigidity and Wear Resistance
Made from alloy steel like 42CrMo, treated with heat (tempering and quenching) to ensure:
Hardness (usually HRC45–HRC50; up to HRC47–52 for premium tools)
Ability to handle heavy loads
Resistance to wear from bending pressure and friction
Customizable Molds
We can customize tooling to match your workpiece needs (angle, shape, size, material thickness):
Punches: Custom shapes (arc, gooseneck, irregular)
Dies: V-grooves of different widths (8mm, 16mm, 24mm) or special grooves
Good Matching with Equipment and Workpieces
Mold specs (height, shank type, installation size) must fit the bending machine’s clamping system, slider stroke, and rated tonnage.
Forming sizes must match workpiece drawings to ensure accuracy and pass rate.
Standardized and Serialized
Standard molds fit common bending machine brands (Amada, Trumpf, Wila) and can be used right away.
Special molds can be customized for your specific needs.
Common Types of Press Brake Tooling
By Forming Shape
Standard Straight Edge Molds: For regular straight bending (most commonly used).
Sharp Angle Molds: For small-angle bending or springback adjustment (high-precision sharp angles).
Gooseneck Molds (Bending Knife): For U-shaped and deep-channel workpieces (avoids bending interference).
Arc Molds: For bending arcs and rounded corners (e.g., curved workpieces).
Irregular Shaped Molds: Custom-made for special workpiece drawings (irregular bending needs).
By Application
Standard Sheet Metal Bending Dies: For common sheet metals (low-carbon steel, galvanized steel) – cost-effective.
High-Strength Steel Bending Dies: Thickened and high-hardness – for hard-to-bend materials (stainless steel, high-strength alloy plates).
Thin Material Specific Dies: Precision-machined – prevents warping, deformation, and scratches on thin materials.
By Installation Interface
Amada/Promecam Type: Fits Amada series bending machines.
Trumpf/Wila Type: Fits Trumpf and Wila series bending machines.
New Standard Type: Universal – fits most domestic bending machines.
How to Choose Press Brake Tooling
Choosing the right tooling is key to bending accuracy, production efficiency, and tool life. Focus on matching these four things: material characteristics, bending processes, workpiece needs, and equipment parameters.
1. Match Material Characteristics
Different metals have different springback (how they bounce back), which affects angle accuracy:
2. Follow the "8x Principle" for Lower Die V-Groove Width
Core industry rule:
V = 8 × material thickness (T)
Thin plates (T＜3mm): V = 6T (smaller fillet radius).
Thick plates (T＞8mm): V = 10T–12T (reduces pressure, prevents cracking).
3. Check Pressure Tonnage Limits
Calculate bending tonnage based on material thickness, tensile strength, and V-groove width.
Leave a 10%–15% safety margin (don’t overload the tooling).
For thick/high-strength materials: Use thickened or segmented dies to spread pressure.
4. Choose the Right Punch Shape
Pick a punch shape that matches your workpiece:
Standard punches: Regular bending.
Sharp-angle punches: Small angles and springback control.
Gooseneck punches: U-channels and deep profiles.
Arc/irregular punches: Curved or special shapes (custom if needed).
5. Ensure Equipment Compatibility
Check that the shank type (Amada, Trumpf/Wila, New Standard) fits the bending machine’s clamping system.
Mold height must match the slider stroke and workbench opening (prevents bending issues and slow loading/unloading).
Important Tips for Selection
Don’t ignore material springback – it causes inaccurate bending angles.
Follow the 8x rule – it prevents workpiece cracking and mold damage.
Check equipment compatibility – it avoids installation failures.