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7 PRODUCTS

THAT COULD COME FROM A PRESS BRAKE

A press brake or brake press (same thing), is a machine that is used for bending sheet and plate material, most commonly metal, into a variety of forms and shapes. It takes a large amount of force to bend metal, so unfortunately you can’t just use any ole machine to get the job done. If you’re looking for an accurate, quality bend; you’ll probably need to use a brake press. 

So, what kind of products would this equipment be useful for?

  1. Countertops

Stainless steel kitchen countertops, unlike wood or stone countertops, are both heat and rust resistant. They are also impervious to stains, so when you spill oil, wine, etc. you won’t have to worry about the color or smell lingering. You will however, want to be somewhat careful with your metal cookware making contact with stainless steel countertops. Especially if you purchased a countertop with a higher gauge (thinner material).

Picture above: https://www.choppingblocks.com/products/john-boos-stainless-steel-countertop-24-to-96-long-25-wide

2. Brackets

A bracket is a structure and/or component for fixing one part to another part. The scope of brackets is so large, because brackets are used in a variety of industries and may vary in size. From a small bracket that holds your braces together to an architectural bracket that may hold up part of a building structure. Not all brackets are made with a brake press, but if you’re trying to make a bracket from metal, a brake press can definitely come in handy!

3. Corner Braces

A corner brace is used for reinforcement for corner joints. These pieces can be very useful for shelf installations and connecting pieces of wood together.

Picture Above: https://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-a15062600ux0139-Corner-Brackets-Connector/dp/B015GOCN9U 

4. Hinges

Look, I know you probably know what a hinge is, but I’m going to put what it is anyway. A hinge is a movable joint that connects two objects, allowing for a limited angle of rotation between the two objects. Most hinges are typically made of steel, stainless steel or brass. You can make hinges using other tools, but a brake press comes in handy when you want to make hinges on a larger scale and/or make precise, quality hinges.

Photo Above: https://www.uniquehardware.co.nz/hinge

5. Shims

A shim is a washer or thin strip of material used to align parts, make them fit or reduce wear. Wood shims are typically used in small house projects and metal shims are used for industrial, construction projects. Not all shims will require a bend, but there are cases where they do! That’s where a brake press comes in.

6. Dimples

No, not the dimples on your cheeks when you smile. Dimples made on sheet metal. 

Dimple dies are typically designed to reduce weight in sheet metal fabrications, while also adding strength and rigidity. Those who take part in racing/motor sports love this concept because there is potential for a lighter, stronger vehicle. This concept is also used for engineering in the aerospace industry.

Picture Above: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/stainless-steel-dimple-plate-perforated-metal_60718081340.html

7. Door Frames

A door frame is the framework supporting a door. This framework includes the sill, jamb and head. Door frames can be made from wood, fiberglass, vinyl, steel or aluminum. To find out which frame is best for your project, browse the following websites: 

https://www.compdoor.com/door-materials/

https://www.lifetimewindows.net/door-frame-materials/

https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/the-most-common-exterior-door-materials/

These three articles do a nice job at summarizing each material’s advantages and disadvantages.

Those are just a few products that could come from a press brake. A press brake can cost anywhere from $250 to over $100,000. It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish! No matter the size of your press brake or project, you’ll want to make sure you’ve done your research, shopped around and have the proper personnel to run the press. 

If you aren’t sure whether or not to purchase a brake press yourself, you can always sub out your metal bending projects to a local job shop or manufacturing facility. You’ll find that this may save you a lot of time, money and headaches.

1311 Pilot Grove Rd Pilot Grove, IA
weld@steffweld.com
(319) 469-3961

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