Abstract: A system for preventing scratches, dents and die marks on sheet metal parts during bending and forming operations. The system holds a supply of protective material, such as plastic film, canvas or sailcloth, on a roll or other convenient form and applies the protective material across the die and/or the punch of a press brake or other sheet metal bending or forming equipment. The system is configurable to cover a die or punch of practically any size from a few inches to several feet. The system is programmable to advance the protective material a preset amount after a given number of cycles of the equipment. Different configurations of the system are described which advance the protective material longitudinally along the punch or die or transversely across the punch or die of the press brake.