If you have heard about press brake tooling but wonder what it was, this write-up perfectly serves your knowledge appetite. It is a specialized type of tooling used to form metal parts in a press brake machine. This type of tooling is designed to withstand the high forces exerted by the press brake punches during the forming process. This specialized tooling does allow for a high degree of accuracy and repeatability when creating bends and shapes in sheet metal. It can be used to create various forms, including 90-degree angles, U-bends, V-bends, channels, and more.
Talking about its uses and demand, press brake tooling is used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace construction, electronics, and more. There are three main types of this tooling: American Precision Style, European Trumpf-Wila Style, and Chinese Style. Each tooling has its benefits and drawbacks, which will be discussed in more detail below.
American Precision Style Press Brake Tooling
American Style brake tooling is designed for use with CNC (computer numerically controlled) press brakes. This type of tooling is characterized by its precision and repeatability, which are made possible by the CNC controls of the press brake. It is also known for its durability, as it is typically made from a high-strength steel alloy. However, one downside of American Precision tooling is that it can be relatively expensive.
European Trumpf-Wila Style Press Brake Tooling
European Trumpf-Wila Style press brake tooling is designed for use with hydraulic press brakes. This type of tooling is known for its accuracy and repeatability and ability to form complex parts. However, one downside of European Trumpf-Wila Style press brake tooling is that it can be relatively expensive. Additionally, this tooling may require special adapters to be used with certain types of press brakes.
Chinese Style Press Brake Tooling
Chinese Style press brake tooling is designed for pneumatic or hydraulic press brakes. This type of tooling is known for its affordability and availability. However, one downside of Chinese Style press brake tooling is that it may not be as durable as other types of tooling. Additionally, this type of tooling may not be as accurate or repeatable as different types of tooling.
How to Choose the correct type of tooling?
There are three main types of press brake toolings: American Precision Style, European Trumpf-Wila Style, and Chinese Style. Every kind of tooling has its benefits and drawbacks that should be considered when selecting the correct type for your project. When it comes to precision and repeatability, the American Precision Style and European Trumpf-Wila Style are the clear leaders; however, these toolings can typically be more expensive than Chinese Style toolings. If affordability is your primary concern, then Chinese Style may be the right choice; however, you should keep in mind that these toolings may not offer the same level of precision and repeatability as other types.
Conclusion
Press brake tooling is a specialized type that allows for a high degree of accuracy and repeatability when creating bends and shapes in sheet metal. It can create various forms, including 90-degree angles, U-bends, V-bends, channels, and more. Press brake tooling is used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace construction, electronics, and more.
