Abstract: A system and method for producing braces for a cavity die having a predetermined shape are disclosed. The system includes an input file containing information about the shape of the cavity die and a bracing program running on a computer. The bracing program produces an output file based on the input file and brace parameters. The output file includes information about the design of the braces. The computer instructs a brace-making machine to produce the braces based on the information in the output file. The method includes the steps of: a) providing input information about the shape of the cavity die and the brace parameters to the computer; b) processing the input information by the computer to produce an output file containing information about the design of the braces; and c) producing the braces in accordance with the information from the output file.

Abstract: The present invention is a bending machine for bending material such as steel to form cutting dies for products such as cloth, leather or the like. Coiled material is fed through a material washer, straightener and printer by a material feeder to a bending head. If required the material is forwarded through the bending head to a heating unit and retracted to the bending unit to aid in bending. A nicking tool is also provided ahead of the bending tool to nick the material. The nicks enable the cutting die to cut notches in the product being cut. A support surface at the output end of the machine supports the material as it is bent into the required form.

Abstract: The present invention is a bending machine for bending material such as steel to form cutting dies for products such as cloth, leather or the like. Coiled material is fed through a material washer, straightener and printer by a material feeder to a bending head. If required the material is forwarded through the bending head to a heating unit and retracted to the bending unit to aid in bending. A nicking tool is also provided ahead of the bending tool to nick the material. The nicks enable the cutting die to cut notches in the product being cut. A support surface at the output end of the machine supports the material as it is bent into the required form.