Abstract: Sheet metal plates are automatically fed for processing to a computerized numerically controlled sheet shear arrangement by means of the feeding apparatus. This feeding apparatus comprises a feeding bar arranged parallel to the cutting blades of the sheet shear arrangement and movable perpendicular thereto. Elevationally displaceable or movable holding elements are arranged on opposite sides of the feeding bar. On the side of the cutting blades the holding elements retain a first sheet metal plate intended to be cut and on the opposite side grip a second sheet metal plate which has been elevated by suction elements. During the cutting operation performed upon the first sheet metal plate the second sheet metal plate is drawn to a working table within an overlapping time interval and placed upon the working table.

Abstract: Bending presses equipped with the tool arrangement permit sheet blanks or metal plating to be bent in series in accordance with predetermined programs without having to perform time consuming tool exchange operations after each single operative or working step. The tool arrangement comprises a first tool and a second two-piece auxiliary tool. Both parts of the auxiliary second tool are subdivided into segments as is the case also for the first tool and the tool holding fixture or support and are supported at a hydraulic cushion. The segmental matching design of the tool holding fixture, the first tool, the auxiliary second tool and the bottom dies additionally enables the two types of tools and their associated bottom dies to be simultaneously controllably directed into a respective operative position over part of the length of the bending press.

Abstract: The apparatus forms upon a pallet an orderly arrangement of stacks of sheet metal sections or cuttings at predetermined places with the aid of supporting rake means and abutment means following sheet metal shears. Scrap metal cuttings obtained by trimming or at the end of a sheet metal plate are received by a separate waste scrap metal collecting means positioned beneath a sheet metal feeding or infeed table and movable below the sheet metal shears. The sheet metal sections or cuttings are caught and entrained by automatically controlled catching means, such as an entrainment bracket, disposed at the supporting rake means, so as to be able to be moved horizontally in order that large accelerations and velocities can be achieved during the stacking of the sheet metal sections or cuttings.