Most shops that process heavy-gage materials use press brakes. Light-gage metal typically forms through bending machines, described as leaf, pan, or box brakes, wing folders, and as swivel benders. Bending equipment groups into these categories: * Mechanical press brakes with motor-driven flywheel for power, 3- to 4-in. stroke length. * Hydraulic press brakes have a stretched C-frame. Hydraulic cylinders supply force, usually downwards, with a stroke length usually exceeding 6 in.* Hydraulic-mechanical press brakes combine forces to push the ram toward the bed. * Pneumatic press brakes provide low-tonnage bending. * Automated folding equipment for light-gage, short-run, precision bending. * Custom-built benders and panel formers designed for specific applications. PRESS BRAKES In press-brake bending, a workpiece placed between upper and lower dies forms through the force and pressure exerted by lowering the ram. It is a specialized type of press consisting of a long, narrow ram and bed. Manufacturers offer press brakes in a variety of sizes and capabilities, ranging from hand-operated units to machines with a capacity of 3,000 t. or more. Mechanical press brakes operate with eccentrics forcing the ram down for bending. They offer speed and accuracy, but little flexibility compared to hydraulic brakes. With a hydraulic brake, the operator can program changes to bend angle and gage repositioning in a sequence, making a complete part per material-handling cycle.Mating a hydraulic power source to a mechanical linkage, the hydromechanical press brake combines the benefits of hydraulics- flexibility and programmable CNC-with the accuracy and repeatability of mechanical devices. Conventional press brakes operate in a down-acting mode-the upper ram and its punch travel downward toward lower tooling attached to a stationary bed. Conversely, up-acting machines stroke upward with the top beam stationary. PRESS BRAKE DIES