Abstract: The invention involves staged press brake tooling combinations. In some embodiments, the invention provides a staged press brake setup. In other embodiments, the invention provides a staged quick-change multiple forming recess press brake die.

Abstract: Press brake tool holders suitable for holding press brake tools for punching and/or otherwise deforming workpieces, such as sheet metal. Provided in some embodiments is a press brake tool holder. Some embodiments provide the tool holder in combination with a press brake tool. Methods of using press brake tool holders are also provided. In certain embodiments, the tool holder has a tool-seating mechanism adapted for moving a tool parallel to a pressing axis of the tool holder.

Abstract: A press brake die holder for holding a press brake die having an upper, work-contacting portion and a lower, elongated tang. The die holder has an elongated body with a channel bounded by confronting walls, the channel being configured to receive the tang of the press brake die.

Abstract: A press brake tool and tool holder. The tool has a body terminating downwardly in a workpiece-engaging surface and a tang extending upwardly from the body and adapted for reception in a tool holder, the tang having a first wall defining a vertical surface and a second wall on the opposite side of the tang having a recess formed therein having a contact surface. The tool holder has an opening therein for reception of the tool tang, a vertical surface engagable with the vertical surface of the tang, and a clamping pin movable transversely of the opening for clamping the tool in the holder. The pin has a camming surface configured to engage the contact surface of the tang in line contact to exert a force on the tang having vertical and horizontal components, the ratio of the vertical component to the horizontal component desirably changing as the clamping pin clamps against the contact surface of the tang.

Abstract: The invention provides press brake and press brake tooling technology. Certain embodiments of the invention provide a press brake tool that has an elongated, retractable safety key. In certain embodiments, the invention provides click-in/slide-out press brake tools. In some of these embodiments, the tool has a safety key defining a flat (i.e., a planar wall section/planar surface) that is adapted for sliding along a surface of a tool holder when the tool is dismounted from the holder by moving the tool horizontally out of the holder. In certain embodiments, the flat has a longitudinal length of at least about 0.008 inch (in some cases, at least about 0.010 inch, at least about 0.015 inch, or at least about 0.020 inch), ranging up to the full longitudinal length of the tool. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool and a tool holder in combination. Finally, the invention in some embodiments provides methods of press brake operation.

Abstract: A press brake tool that is adapted to be mounted in a tool holder. The tool has a lockable safety key that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The press brake tool has a lock that is operatively coupled to the safety key and is movable between a locked position wherein the safety key is locked in the extended position and an unlocked position wherein the safety key is permitted to move between the extended position and the retracted position. Also provided is a press brake tool having a particularly advantageous, longitudinally-elongated safety key.

Abstract: A press brake tool and tool holder. The tool is provided having a body that terminates downwardly in a work piece engaging surface and that includes a tang extending upwardly from the body for reception in a tool holder. The tang has a first wall defining a vertical surface for engagement with a cooperating vertical surface of a tool holder, and a second wall on the reverse side of the tang that defines an arcuate, concave surface engagable with a clamp of the tool holder. The concave surface includes an upper contact surface tangent to a plane that is downwardly convergent with respect to the vertical surface such that a force delivered to the contact surface includes an upward component tending to lift the tang into the tool holder. The upper contact surface may be formed on a first radius about a horizontal axis and is tangent to a first plane that is downwardly convergent with respect to said vertical surface.