Prior to the invention of the manual press brake in 1822 and the flywheel-powered press brake during the 1920s, bending sheet metal was an arduous and imprecise process. An artisan would press the metal up to an implement of some kind, such as an anvil, a shot-filled bag, or some kind of mold, and then strike it repeatedly with various kinds of tools to gradually shape it. Both manual and powered press brakes eliminated the need for such time-consuming labor, facilitating quick, precise bends.
One of the most important elements of a brake press is the die. As the section of the machine that makes contact with the sheet metal and exerts pressure on it, a die plays a vital role in ensuring that a manufacturer achieves a specific desired result. In this guide, we will discuss popular types of press brake dies, what to look for when buying a press brake die, and various ways in which this equipment gets used.
Popular Types of Press Brake Die
While sheet metal is technically three-dimensional, it only gets pressed above and below, and every press has two sets of tools that perform these tasks. The top tool is known as a punch, and it comes in three main varieties: standard (which are heavy and stand up to tough use); acute angle (which typically bend metal anywhere from 25° to 60°); and narrow (which is thinner and often used on already bent metal).
The tool against which the press forces the sheet metal is what we refer to when we speak of press brake dies. They come in many different configurations, and it’s important to know the available options when buying a press brake die, because an inadequate selection can spoil your desired end product.
Following are some of the most popular types of press brake die:
- Single-V Dies. A die with “V” in the title somehow features a groove that looks like the twenty-second letter of the English alphabet. They do not have to be set at any particular angle, and they’re mostly differentiated by the number of V shapes they possess. Single-V dies are the most common kind of press brake die used today. Sometimes they’re called 90-degree dies or acute-angle dies based on a die’s particular measurements.
- Two-Way Self-Centering V Dies. This subset of V dies features a pair of V shapes that are intended to allow a press-brake operator to perform different kinds of bends without switching out to another die.
- Multi-V Dies. These dies take the design philosophy behind two-way V dies and expands it to dies with three-or-more Vs, which facilitates multiple kinds of bends in short periods. However, these sorts of dies often require shutting off a press and manually adjusting the die to accommodate a new bend. Additionally, the placement of the various Vs may preclude certain kinds of bends.
- U-Bend Dies: These sorts of dies often look like a socket into which a square peg would fit and produce U-shaped bends in sheet metal. They function according to the same principles as V dies.
- Z-Bend Dies: Similarly, Z-bend dies fold metal into terraced sections that resemble a Zeta with the final result varying according to angle and fold length.
- Channel Dies: Channel dies function similarly to U-bend dies, although they also offer additional functionality, such as making four simultaneous bends.
- Radius Dies: In metal bending, a radius is a way to describe various elements of a curve, and a radius die is designed to impart a single, specific curve to a piece of metal. It is typically paired with a rounded punch.
- Hemming Dies: Hemming dies work in a manner similar to a tailor hemming a pair of slacks. After a 30-degree bend gets made, a hemming die folds the metal back onto itself, creating a flat surface.
- Seaming Dies: Hemming and seaming dies perform the same function, the primary difference being how much energy is required to produce the desired result in the sheet metal. Whereas a hemming die makes a fold in a single piece of metal, a seaming die typically joins together two different pieces. Doing so requires much more force.
- Beading Dies: When matched with an appropriate punch, beading dies produce bead-shaped indentions in sheet metal.
- Box Dies: These sorts of dies produce boxes of various dimensions. Similar to beading dies, box dies must be paired with a specific kind of punch, namely a segmented punch, to create boxes of different shapes and sizes.
- Corrugating Dies: Similar to Z-bend dies, corrugating dies press metal into terraced or wavy shapes. However, these dies may feature gentle curves rather than the sharp angles of Z-bend dies.
- Urethane Dies: Most dies are crafted of metal, but some projects require gentler working that doesn’t mar the surface of a sheet. For these end products, a die made from urethane will minimize dings or scratching. Other options include traditional metal dies with nylon inserts.
Single Dies vs Two-Way Dies vs Multiple-V Dies
As we alluded to in the previous section, certain kinds of dies come in configurations that allow multiple different bends without incurring significant operational downtime to configure a press. (Understand that most of these dies are V dies, which also happen to be the most common kind of dies you’ll encounter.) Two-way dies are applicable examples. They’re quite versatile, allowing operators to perform multiple kinds of bends, including short bends since the grooved sections sit near the end of the die.
Multiple-V dies provide even more bending opportunities. These dies have any number of grooves from three up. While this reduces the need to purchase additional dies, it can cause operational complications. The more complex a die becomes, the greater the challenge of making bending surfaces accessible. Operators must typically rotate the die manually when attempting different bends.
Of course, single dies offer minimal flexibility and only bend metal at a single angle. Still, they also provide more stability and durability than multi-groove options.
What to look for when buying Press Brake Die
You have many options when buying a press brake die, and you’ll need to keep various factors in mind when looking for new or used press brake for sale. They include the following:
- Requirements for the type of job. The most important thing you should do before looking for press brake dies for sale is to thoroughly understand what you will require for the job you need to perform. Will you need to make a perpendicular bend? An acute bend? A flat bend? Will you need to make many different kinds of bends or just one? What kind of punch does your die require? Will you need to avoid scratching on your finished product? Answering such questions will necessarily feed into the considerations listed below.
- Press brake dies parameters. Every die has a number of technical parameters that you’ll need to account for. Total length, clean-up buffer, gauge size, radius, and angle are all standard. Ensure that they’ll work with your press and your end project’s needs.
- Minimum length of the flange or leg. When looking for brake press dies for sale, understand that its flange length generally can’t be smaller than 77 percent of the die to which it’s attached. That’s a hard limit, and those requiring shorter flanges or legs will likely need to look at smaller dies.
- Price. Careful consideration of your budget is always important to take into account!
- Bending material. The bending of different materials may necessitate different dies and (in certain cases) perhaps even a different press.
- Die material composition. As we stated previously, most dies are metal, and they offer superior precision in most circumstances. Some jobs, though, need to prioritize the surface appearance of the metal, and this may require a gentler nylon or urethane die.
- Need for a corresponding punch. While many kinds of dies function completely adequately with a wide array of punches, some dies require specific types of punches (e.g., beading dies). Make sure to plan for punches when selecting a die.
Applications for Press Brake Dies
It’s impossible to separate press brake die applications from the press brake itself since it’s an integral part of the machine. Press brakes are extensively employed in sheet metal fabrication and all associated tasks, including uses such as:
- Carbon tool steel
- Household furnishings
- Low alloy tool steel
- Automobile manufacturing
- High carbon and high chromium tool steel
- Agricultural equipment
- High-speed steel
- Civil infrastructure
- Basic steel
- Computer manufacturing
- Cemented carbide and steel-bonded cemented carbide
- Electrical equipment
Accessories for Press Brake Dies
Aside from nylon covers, corresponding punches, and other complimentary dies intended for use with different bends, there aren’t many accessories that press brake dies require. However, they’re an essential part of a press brake, and other useful press-break accessories related to dies include the following:
- Angle gauges and protractors
- Lubricants (e.g., wax, grease, oil)
- Personal protective gear (e.g., gloves, face protection)
- Press-related protective gear (e.g., fencing, guard plates, motion detectors)
Finding Press Brakes Dies on Surplus Record
At Surplus Record, we understand that the process of searching for press brake dies can prove challenging. However, if you use the information in this buying guide and thoroughly search the listings here on Surplus Record, you’re almost certain to find the ideal die for your particular application.
Once you’ve determined what kind of die you need, it’s easy to search the inventory listed on Surplus Record. You can use the search bar anywhere on our website and type in “Dies for Press Brakes.”
Top manufactures available on Surplus Record for press brake dies include Amada, Wila, and Wilson Tool.
We also work with a variety of dealers who specialize in press brake dies. You can also find dealers in your area or by name who specialize in press brake dies.
