Press Brake Tooling: Guide & Selection
Why Premium Press Brake Tooling Is a Good Investment
In precision sheet metal work, press brake tooling connects hydraulic power to the final product quality. While the CNC controller controls the ram’s depth, the punch and die decide the bend’s radius, angle, and surface finish.
Low-quality, induction-hardened tools often wear out fast and cause angle errors, especially with high-tensile materials.
At Alas Machinery, we offer bending solutions that fix these problems.
About Our Press Brake Tooling (Factory Direct)
Press brake tooling are special molds used with bending machines. They are the key parts for bending sheet metal, made of two main components:
Upper die (punch)
Lower die (die)
How it works: The machine’s ram and worktable move, pressing the sheet metal between the two dies. This bends the metal into the shape you need (90° angles, U-shapes, V-shapes, etc.).
Common uses:
Mechanical manufacturing
Sheet metal fabrication
Hardware production
Cabinet manufacturing
Core Components & How They Work
Upper Die (Punch)
Attached to the machine’s moving ram, it applies pressure. Its shape (straight, sharp, gooseneck, rounded, or custom) determines the bent part’s outer look.
Lower Die (Die)
Fixed to the machine’s worktable, it supports the metal. It usually has a V-shaped groove, whose width affects bending force, corner roundness, and quality.
Working Principle
Place the sheet metal on the lower die.
The ram moves the upper die down, pressing the metal into the dies’ shape (permanent deformation).
When the preset stroke and pressure are met, bending is done.
The upper die moves back, and you can take out the finished part.
Key Features of Our Press Brake Tooling
Strong & Wear-Resistant: Made of alloy steel (e.g., 42CrMo), treated with heat (quenching, tempering). Hardness: HRC45–HRC50. Handles high pressure and friction.
Customizable: We can make punches (rounded, gooseneck, irregular) and lower dies (different V-groove widths: 8mm, 16mm, 24mm) to match your needs (angle, shape, size, material thickness).
Compatible: Tool size (height, shank type, mounting) fits your bending machine’s clamping system, ram stroke, and tonnage. Forms match your part drawings for accuracy.
Standardized: Fits major brands (Amada, Trumpf, Wila) and can be bought directly. Special molds are available for custom needs.
Common Types of Press Brake Tooling
By Forming Shape
Standard Straight Edge: For regular straight bends (most common).
Sharp Angle: For small angles or fixing springback (high precision).
Gooseneck (Bending Blades): For U-shaped and deep parts (avoids hitting pre-bent edges).
Arc/Rounded: For curved parts and rounded corners.
Irregular: Custom-made for unique part shapes.
By Application
Standard Sheet Metal: For mild steel, galvanized steel (cost-effective).
High-Strength Steel: Thickened, hard material for stainless steel and tough alloys.
Thin Material: Precision-made to prevent warping, bending, or scratching.
By Installation Interface
Amada/Promecam: Fits Amada bending machines.
Trumpf/Wila: Fits Trumpf and Wila bending machines.
New Standard: Universal fit for most domestic machines.
How to Choose Press Brake Tooling
Choose tools that match your material, bending process, part needs, and machine. Follow these 5 key steps:
1. Match the Material
2. Follow the "8x Rule" (Lower Die V-Groove)
Core rule: V-groove width (V) = 8 × material thickness (T)
Medium-thick plates (3–8mm): Use 8x rule (smooth bends, no cracking).
Thin plates (T＜3mm): Use V=6T (smaller rounded corners).
Thick plates (T＞8mm): Use V=10T–12T (less force, no tool damage).
3. Check Pressure Tonnage
Calculate bending pressure (based on material thickness, strength, and V-groove width).
Machine pressure must be less than tool’s rated capacity (add 10%–15% safety margin).
For thick/tough materials: Use thickened or split tools to spread pressure.
4. Choose the Right Punch Shape
Standard: Regular straight bends.
Sharp angle: Small angles or springback fix.
Gooseneck: U-shaped/deep parts.
Arc/irregular: Curved or unique parts (match part shape).
5. Ensure Machine Compatibility
Shank type (Amada/Promecam, New Standard, Trumpf/Wila) must fit your machine’s clamping system.
Tool height must match machine’s ram stroke and worktable opening (avoids issues with bending or loading).
Important Tips for Selection
Don’t ignore material springback (causes wrong angles).
Follow the 8x rule (prevents part cracking and tool damage).
Check machine compatibility (avoids installation failure).