Press brake tooling is key to ensuring accurate sheet-metal bending, and its proper selection and use directly affect the final forming quality. At the same time, press brake operations involve high pressure and many moving parts, which create notable safety risks. Therefore, understanding and strictly following safety guidelines is essential to protect both operators and equipment.

Ensure the Machine Is in Proper Working Condition

Before beginning any bending operation, the press brake must be inspected to confirm that its hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems are functioning correctly. Any abnormal noise, leakage, or irregular motion should be addressed immediately. The tooling itself must also be checked for cracks, deformation, or wear to prevent unexpected breakage during use.

Install and Align Tooling Correctly

Proper installation and precise alignment of tooling are the foundation for both safety and quality in bending operations. Any deviation during installation can lead to uneven force distribution, which may result in reduced bending accuracy at best, or in severe cases, tooling breakage or workpiece ejection. Therefore, operators must ensure that the upper and lower dies are accurately positioned and securely clamped on the machine, and that all adjustments and tightening procedures are carried out strictly according to the equipment manufacturer’s technical specifications.

Use Tooling That Matches the Application

The compatibility between tooling and material is a key factor in ensuring the safe operation of equipment. If the selected V-die opening is too narrow or the tonnage is miscalculated, the bending force can far exceed the design limits of both the tooling and the machine, potentially causing structural damage or failure. Therefore, before operation, the required bending force must be accurately calculated based on the material’s thickness, strength, and target angle, and tooling with a rated tonnage that matches these requirements must be strictly selected to ensure the entire process remains within the machine’s specified capacity.

Use Proper Safety Devices

The active safety systems equipped on modern press brakes—such as light curtains, two-hand control devices, and emergency stop switches—serve as critical safeguards for personal safety. During operation, all protective functions must be fully operational at all times, and any form of bypassing or shielding is strictly prohibited. Additionally, a periodic testing protocol should be established to verify the systems’ responsiveness in emergency situations, ensuring they are always ready for immediate use.

Follow Standard Operating Procedures

To ensure the standardization of operating procedures and on-site safety, all press brake operations must strictly adhere to established safety protocols. Only personnel with the appropriate qualifications and professional training are permitted to operate the equipment, and activities within the work area must be coordinated to avoid interference. Operators should perform each bending step in sequence and maintain full attention throughout the process, continuously monitoring the machine and workpiece to quickly identify and respond to any abnormal conditions.

Maintain a Clean and Organized Workspace

Maintaining a clean and organized workspace is a fundamental measure for preventing basic safety incidents. Promptly removing tools, scrap pieces, and excess materials from the work area can effectively reduce the risk of tripping, slipping, or accidental entanglement with the equipment. At the same time, keeping the floor dry and free of oil not only ensures safe movement for personnel but also creates the necessary conditions for stable machine operation and rapid emergency response.

Golin considers safety the foundation of our service. We provide advanced equipment and support customers with training, inspections, and process guidance to help establish reliable safety management. Our practical approach has earned the trust of many clients, and we will continue to focus on safety to ensure efficient and secure production.