Everything You Need to Know About Press Brakes
A Brief History of the Press Brake The press brake , also known as a brake press, is one of the most time-honored tools in metalworking. Its origins date back over a century—remarkably, the first press brake was patented in 1882. Known as the cornice brake, this early model was constructed from custom-cast iron components attached to finished oak pieces. It operated manually, using a hinged leaf to bend clamped sheet metal along a straight line—a true testament to the craftsmanship and labor-intensive methods of the era. Today, press brakes have undergone a dramatic transformation. Modern versions are powered by advanced hydraulic systems and sophisticated computer controls. These innovations allow for precise and efficient bending of sheet and plate metal, serving a wide range of industries with both simple and complex components. Press Brake Forming: Understanding Tonnage and Bending Length Press brakes form metal by using a punch and die set at specific angles to be...