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Press brake tooling is one of the oldest and most commonly-used processes for manufacturing metal parts and products in different shapes. With minimal tooling and setup, the machine can create products of different shapes using ‘V’, ‘U’, and other dies and punches.
However, choosing the right press brake tooling is important not just to enhance productivity, but to minimize setup times without risk of accidents or deformation of equipment. Keep the following metrics in mind when selecting press brake tooling.
1. Nature of the Job
Choosing the right press brake forming tool for the job is a very important decision. The final decision should be taken after considering the ratio of the inside radius with the thickness of the metal. This will determine whether you should opt for air bending, bottom bending, coining, or a special application.
2. Tool Profile and Load Limits
Some tool profiles are inherently stronger than others. Of course, you will also be required to consider the nature of the job that is being executed. Ideally, you should choose the strongest tool profile that is most suited for the project that is being executed.
Next, you should consider the overall load limit of the tool along with the load limit of the press brake at the center line. The former metric is important to ensure you don’t damage the tool itself by exerting excessive pressure on the metal.
The latter metric should also be considered because there may be instances when the tool may withstand more pressure, as compared to the press brake. In such a scenario, focusing solely on the load limit of the tool may result in a deformed or damaged press brake.
3. Press Brake Tooling Options
There is an interdependent relationship between design and the choice of the press brake tool. The design process will become a lot simpler if you know the type of precision press brake tool that you intend to use. Conversely, comparing multiple tooling options and making the right choice will be easier if the product design and manufacturing specs have been clearly established.
Now that manufacturers can opt for retrofitted CNC and full CNC press brake machines along with the conventional mechanical or hydraulic machines, choosing the right press brake tooling can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency and profitability of the operation.