In general, the press brake tooling is a key component that determines bending accuracy, efficiency, and the final product quality. Therefore, selecting the right tooling is of vital importance. Based on different processing requirements and working conditions, this article provides several professional suggestions to help you choose the most suitable press brake tools in a more scientific way.

Clarify Your Bending Requirements

Before selecting bending machine dies, it is essential to clearly define your actual needs. For instance, determine the type and thickness of the sheet material you will be processing; the required bending angle and radius; and whether you are using air bending, bottoming, or hemming. Only by understanding your specific requirements can you choose the most suitable tooling for optimal performance.

 Understand Different Types of Upper and Lower Dies

Different types of tooling are suitable for different bending applications. A proper combination of punch and lower dies not only improves bending accuracy and quality but also extends the service life of the tooling, ensuring a more efficient and stable sheet metal bending process.

For upper dies, the standard punch is mainly used for conventional straight bends in sheet metal and is the most common and versatile type. The gooseneck punch, with its distinctive concave profile, is ideal for deep U-shaped bends or parts with return flanges, as it effectively prevents interference with the workpiece. The hemming punch, as its name suggests, is specifically designed for flattening the edges of workpieces, commonly used in edge-sealing or seamless joining applications.

On the other hand, the selection of lower dies mainly depends on the width of the V-groove. The size and shape of the V-opening directly affect the required bending force and the resulting bend radius. Generally, two basic principles apply:

The V-groove width is typically 6 to 10 times the sheet thickness;

As the V-opening width increases, the required bending force decreases, but the inner bend radius correspondingly increases.

Consider Tooling Material and Load Capacity

High-quality tool steel or heat-treated materials can significantly extend the service life of press brake tooling while maintaining long-term bending accuracy. Golin tooling is made from premium 42CrMo steel and features edge hardening treatment, achieving a hardness of up to 51 HRC.

In addition, when selecting tooling, it is important to consider the tonnage capacity of the press brake. The tooling must match the machine’s load capacity to prevent overloading, which could otherwise cause damage to both the tooling and the equipment.

 Optimize Production with Modular and High-Precision Tooling

Modern modular tooling allows for quick tool changes and flexible combinations, making it ideal for complex part bending. Meanwhile, precision-ground tooling can greatly enhance repeatability and reduce setup time, improving overall production efficiency.