.svg)
Press Brake
A machine tool that uses a punch and die set to form precise bends in sheet metal and plate. Press brakes are rated by tonnage capacity and bed length, and range from small bench units to large floor-standing machines capable of forming heavy plate.
Press brakes represent a fundamental pillar of the fabrication process, converting flat laser-cut or sheared blanks into three-dimensional formed components through controlled bending between a matched punch and die set. These machines range from small manual brakes for light-gauge work to massive CNC hydraulic models capable of bending plate several inches thick across lengths of 20 feet or more.
The core operating principle is straightforward: the upper ram drives a punch downward into a V-die, forcing the material to conform to the desired angle. Modern CNC press brakes add sophisticated control over every variable, stroke depth, speed, back gauge position, and crowning, enabling rapid changeover between part numbers and consistent quality across production runs.
The versatility of press brake forming makes it essential for producing everything from simple bracket angles to complex multi-bend enclosures and structural components.
Price Your Project
Receive a free, custom quote for you project. Midwest Metal Fabrications can handle any job, small or large and is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 Certified.