Press Brake Mechanical Components
Press brake machines, also called brake presses or brakes, are a type of machine that is used to bend sheet metal. The sheet metal created can be used for dies and punches. A press brake has two main components composed of an upper and lower unit. The upper unit is composed of an upper beam, a punch holder, and punch. The punch holder attaches to the upper beam and holds a variety of punches. The punches attach to the punch holder and have a relief shape that allows sheet metal to bend. The most common shape of this mechanism is a V. Punches can be categorized by their tip angle, relief shape and installed height. The downward action of the upper beam allows energy to move and transfer the energy to the work piece. The two sections come together and bend sheet metal between the two unit.
The lower unit holds a matching shape and is called a die. Dies can be categorized by the number of groves, the height of the die, and the shape of the groove. The groves are labeled by the number and the shape of the die. For instance, a 1 side that is shaped like a V is called 1V Die. The dies are attached to a mechanism called the rail. This is similar to a punch holder and allows for different dies to work. The rail is usually a groove or overhang that matches with the die set. The lower beam or die holder holds the all of the components together to create the lower unit.
