Abstract: A folding press is disclosed having a frame supported by a fixed base; a fixed beam and a ram beam supported by the frame, the ram beam being movable relative to the fixed beam; a pair of folding blades attached to the beams for folding a sheet of metal; and manipulation means for grasping the sheet of metal and introducing the sheet of metal between the folding blades, the manipulation means being attached to the ram beam. The folding blades are so disposed as to produce a horizontal working stroke relative to the fixed base, and the manipulation means comprises a plurality of arm members rotatable in relation to each other. In operation, the manipulation means grasps a sheet of material and introduces it between the blades while maintaining the sheet of material in a substantially vertical position relative to the fixed base, thereby minimizing folding errors caused by a horizontal disposition of the sheet of material.

Abstract: A folding press, comprising at least two fixed beams: a first fixed beam (2.sup.1) and a second fixed beam (2.sup.2), to which are connected counterblades (5.sup.1, 5.sup.2), and a ram beam (3) being disposed between these first fixed beam (2.sup.1) and second fixed beam (2.sup.2), and to the ram beam (3) being connected two thrust blades (6.sup.1, 6.sup.2) on both parallel margins of the ram beam, whereby the counterblades and thrust blades constitute a first pair of folding blades (5.sup.1, 6.sup.1) and a second pair of folding blades (5.sup.2, 6.sup.2) while the ram beam (3) serves as joint ram for both pairs of folding blades. A force member (4) has been arranged to produce bidirectional working stroke of the ram beam (3) optionally toward the first or second fixed beam. A manipulation arm (7) is arranged to serve the first as well as the second pair of folding blades.