What are the Characteristics of CNC Press Brake Dies

Characteristics of CNc Press Brake Dies

Press Brake Dies are auxiliary tools used by press brakes to form and process sheet metal. These tools are composed of various parts, with different dies consisting of different components and shapes. They primarily achieve the shaping of material items (mainly metal sheets) by altering the physical state of the forming material under the pressure of the press brake, thereby obtaining the desired shape.

Structurally, press brake dies can be divided into two categories: upper dies and lower dies. The upper die is mostly the active die (the moving die, as the upper die moves), and the lower die is the passive die (the stationary die, as the lower die remains fixed). However, due to different working modes of press brakes, this can sometimes be reversed, but the overall form remains consistent.

In terms of usage, press brake dies are generally classified into standard dies and special dies. Typically, the die tip angle is 30 degrees (actual angle 26-28 degrees), and the lower die groove angles are 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 80-90 degrees, etc., or 60 degrees, 78-88 degrees, etc.

From a shape perspective, press brake upper dies can be categorized into sharp dies, radius dies, goose-neck dies, and forming dies. Generally, sharp dies are mostly 30 and 60 degrees, with occasional special specified angles like 45 and 55 degrees. Radius dies are primarily designed with different arc diameters and lengths. Goose-neck dies are mainly used for clearance in "U"-shaped workpieces or multi-step bends. The most complex are forming dies. Forming dies can be integrated or combined. Typically, combination dies are designed, manufactured, and assembled from upper and lower dies. From a production cost perspective, the manufacturing cost of integrated forming dies is much higher (especially for large dies), and precision is difficult to control. Combination dies offer significant advantages for large dies and dies for complex shapes.

Functionally, press brake dies can be divided into single-function dies and multi-function dies. Single-function dies can only produce one type of workpiece, while multi-function dies can process different types of workpieces. Some can be disassembled and assembled, also known as compound dies, such as step dies and forming dies.

Based on the number of grooves, press brake lower dies can be roughly divided into single-V dies, double-V dies, and multi-V dies. As the names suggest, single-V and double-V dies have only one or two die grooves on their surface, which are common in CNC press brakes and offer high precision. Because they have a fixed reference point, they are also called concentric dies and can be replaced arbitrarily. Multi-V lower dies are mostly square dies with multiple grooves of different sizes on their four surfaces. The advantage is the numerous grooves, allowing adaptation to bending plates of various thicknesses.

Today, with continuous social progress, product requirements are also constantly increasing, as are the various demands for bent products and materials. Press brake lower dies are also continuously developing. Embedded lower dies, non-marking lower dies, and adjustable-opening lower dies have been widely applied across various industries.

Embedded dies are mainly used to improve die material utilization or to bend special materials.

Non-marking lower dies include ball-type non-marking lower dies, flip-plate type non-marking lower dies, and polyurethane (优力胶) non-marking lower dies. Non-marking lower dies are primarily used to avoid scratches, marks, and indentations on the material surface.

Adjustable-opening dies include plug-in type, insert type, wedge type, and rack-and-pinion type. Adjustable-opening dies not only improve die material utilization but also greatly enhance work efficiency, reducing die changeover time and labor intensity.