There are a number of reasons why the press brake is a powerful instrument - issues like repeatability, precision and power come to mind. Let's not overlook CNC management either, which turns a piece of valuable sheet metal fabrication gear - like a press brake - into a veritable monster.

But the one main reason why press brakes are so versatile lies in the tooling.

The press brake is not just a souped-up sheet metallic brake; we have to remember that it is, in reality, a type of hydraulic press. Obviously then, there isn't a good reason why it could not form sheet metal in a method most frequently related to stampers and punch presses. Press brake tooling manufacturers have that discovered too, and may deliver punches and dies for a variety of duties, corresponding to rib forming, flattening, offsetting, radius forming and plenty of extra. Thus, a press brake may assume the function of a roll former and simply be used to make one thing like half- and quarter-round profiles, like rain gutters and the like. Curling could be performed too, so combine that with radius forming instruments of the correct, and you're set to make rain gutters.

Making offset bends is one other chance. Anything from very shallow bends, resulting in a vague offset; to much deeper angles making for z-formed offsets is obtainable. Hemming, double flange standing seams, standing ribs, return flanges, teardrops, you name it - they can all be finished.

With all this selection then, the question arises: What exactly do you want when it comes to tooling?

Before you go out and buy one of each, attempt to listing the number of various forming operations you will be doing in your every day work. Usually, a single punch/die combo can do more than one type of bend or shaping, so make certain to talk to your tooling supplier about your needs. When you will have that conversation, don't simply buy anything prompt to you - insist on getting probably the most potential flexibility from the least variety of instruments. On the other hand, you do need the right tools for the job, so do not omit necessary instruments out of your arsenal and miss out on important functionality, or force your operators to kludge a solution together, when the proper software would have made organising and producing the half a breeze.