How to bend > How to press brake > How to set up the work piece

Maintenance of Press Brake Tooling

Maintaining press brake tools is essential for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the machine.

Regular maintenance helps prevent premature wear, reduces the required press force, and ensures consistently high-quality bent parts.

Here are some general maintenance tips for press brake tooling:

  • Conduct routine visual inspections of all tooling components, including punches and dies. Look for signs of wear, damage, or abnormalities—especially on edges and surfaces that come into contact with the material.

  • Inspect for damage such as cracks, chips, or dents. Damaged tools can compromise bend quality and pose safety risks. Replace any damaged tools promptly.

  • Measure the punch radius to ensure it is not worn down. A worn punch often results in a smaller radius than expected, which can affect bend accuracy.

  • Keep tools clean from dust and material residues. Regular cleaning of tooling surfaces helps prevent contamination and scratching of the workpiece during bending.

  • Apply appropriate lubrication to tooling components. Lubrication reduces friction, minimizes wear, and ensures smooth operation. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding type and frequency of lubrication.

  • Ensure proper alignment of punches and dies. Misalignment can cause uneven wear and reduce bend accuracy. Check and adjust alignment regularly.

  • Verify that side rollers (if present on the die) move smoothly and are not obstructed.

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The information in this report is only applicable to SSAB’s products and should not be applied to any other products than original SSAB products. 


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