With unmatched forming and stamping capabilities, we can deliver customized components according to your specifications with a diverse lineup of press brakes, punch presses, and CNC turret presses.
Learn more about the different technologies we use to produce high-quality metal components and explore the ways Behen Custom Fabrication can help your business succeed.
Press Brakes
At Behlen Custom Fabrication, we operate 17 press brakes with a capacity of 1,000 tons and up to 25'.
A press brake is a machine tool used in metal fabrication to bend sheet metal and plate material. It's a vital piece of equipment in manufacturing processes where precise bending of metal components is required to produce brackets, enclosures, panels, and chassis for automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics applications.
Here's how our press brakes work:
Setup
First, the operator selects the appropriate tooling based on the desired bend angle, material thickness, and other factors. The tooling is installed securely onto the press brake, with the die mounted on the bed and the punch mounted on the ram.
Material Placement
The sheet metal or plate material to be bent is then placed onto the bed of the press brake, aligning it with the backgauge to ensure accurate positioning.
Bending Process
The operator activates the press brake, causing the ram to descend and apply force to the workpiece. The material is clamped between the punch and die, and as the ram continues to press down, the metal bends to conform to the shape of the die.
Release
Once the desired bend angle is achieved, the ram retracts, and the bent workpiece can be removed from the press brake.
Press Brake Components and Features
- Frame: The frame of a press brake provides the structural support for the machine. It's typically made of heavy-duty welded steel to withstand the high forces generated during bending operations.
- Ram: The ram, or upper beam, is the moving part of the press brake that applies force to the workpiece. It's powered by hydraulic cylinders, electric motors, or mechanical systems, depending on the type of press brake.
- Bed: The bed, or lower beam, is the stationary part of the press brake that supports the bottom of the workpiece during bending. It also houses the tooling, such as the die, against which the material is bent.
- Hydraulic System: Many modern press brakes use hydraulic systems to generate the force needed for bending. Hydraulic cylinders apply pressure to the ram, which, in turn, exerts force on the workpiece.
- Backgauge: A backgauge is a positioning device located behind the bed of the press brake. It helps ensure accurate and consistent bending by precisely positioning the workpiece relative to the bending tool.
- Tooling: Press brakes use various types of tooling to perform different bending operations. The most common tooling consists of a punch (mounted on the ram) and a die (mounted on the bed). The shape and dimensions of the punch and die determine the final bend angle and radius.
Punch Presses
We have more than 20 punch presses with up to 500 tons of capacity at Behlen Custom Fabrication.
A punch press, also known as a mechanical press or power press, is a versatile machine tool used in metalworking and manufacturing to punch holes, cut or shape metal sheets, and form various components through a process called stamping. Used in automotive, aerospace, electronics and appliance manufacturing industries, it operates by using a mechanical or hydraulic mechanism to apply force to a tool (usually a punch) that contacts the workpiece, deforming or cutting it to the desired shape.
Here's a breakdown of its key components and how it works:
Setup
The operator selects the appropriate punch and die tooling based on the desired operation and workpiece specifications. The tooling is securely mounted onto the ram and bed of the punch press.
Material Placement
The operator places the metal sheet or workpiece onto the bed of the punch press, ensuring proper alignment with the punch and die.
Operation
When the punch press is activated, the ram descends rapidly under the force of the drive mechanism. The punch makes contact with the workpiece, penetrating through it to create a hole or form a shape determined by the die.
Retraction
After the desired operation is completed, the ram retracts to its initial position, and the workpiece can be removed from the punch press.
Punch Press Components and Features
- Frame: The frame provides the structural support for the punch press. It's typically made of heavy-duty welded steel to withstand the high forces generated during operation.
- Bed or Bolster Plate: The bed, or bolster plate, is the flat surface where the workpiece is placed for processing. It ensures stability and support during punching or forming operations.
- Ram or Slide: The ram, also known as the slide, is the moving part of the punch press that carries the punch and applies force to the workpiece. It moves vertically (or sometimes horizontally) and is powered by a mechanical crank, hydraulic system, or pneumatic mechanism.
- Punch and Die: The punch is the tool mounted on the ram that makes contact with the workpiece, while the die is the corresponding tool mounted on the bed that provides support and defines the shape of the punched hole or formed feature. Punches and dies come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different cutting and forming requirements.
- Clutch and Brake: Punch presses are equipped with a clutch and brake mechanism to control the motion of the ram. The clutch engages and disengages the drive mechanism, while the brake stops the ram's motion quickly and precisely after each stroke.
- Control System: Modern punch presses may feature electronic control systems with programmable settings for adjusting stroke length, speed, and other parameters. This allows for precise and efficient operation, as well as automation integration for high-volume production.
CNC Turret Presses
A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) turret punch press is a type of machine tool used in metal fabrication for punching holes, forming, and cutting various shapes in sheet metal. It combines the versatility of turret punching with the precision and automation capabilities of CNC technology and is commonly used in industries such as automotive, electronics, appliance manufacturing, and signage.
Here's an explanation of how it works:
Setup
The operator loads the sheet metal onto the worktable of the CNC turret punch press and secures it in place using clamps or vacuum systems. They also select the appropriate tooling based on the part design and material specifications.
Programming
Using CAD software, the operator creates a part program that specifies the punching operations, tooling selections, part dimensions, and other parameters. The program is then transferred to the CNC control system of the turret punch press.
Operation
When the CNC program is initiated, the turret rotates to select the required punch and die set for each operation. The ram descends, and the selected tooling punches holes, forms features, or cuts profiles in the sheet metal according to the programmed instructions.
Automation
The CNC control system automates the movement of the turret, ram, and worktable, ensuring precise and consistent punching operations across multiple parts. The operator monitors the process and may make adjustments as needed.
Unloading
After the punching operations are completed, the finished parts are removed from the worktable, and the process can be repeated for the next batch of parts.
Key Features & Components
- Turret: The turret is a rotating tool holder that holds multiple punch and die sets. These punches and dies are mounted on the turret in a circular arrangement, allowing for quick tool changes and a wide range of punching operations without the need for manual intervention.
- Frame: The frame provides the structural support for the CNC turret punch press. It's typically made of heavy-duty welded steel to withstand the forces generated during punching operations.
- Ram or Punching Mechanism: The ram, equipped with a punching mechanism, moves vertically (or sometimes horizontally) to punch holes and form shapes in the sheet metal. The punching mechanism may consist of hydraulic cylinders, servo motors, or mechanical actuators, depending on the design of the machine.
- Worktable: The worktable is the flat surface where the sheet metal is placed for processing. It may feature clamps or vacuum systems to secure the material in place during punching operations.
- CNC Control System: The CNC control system consists of a computer and software that program and control the movements of the turret punch press. Operators use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create part designs and generate CNC programs that specify the punching operations, tooling selections, and other parameters.
- Tooling: The tooling on a CNC turret punch press includes punches and dies of various shapes and sizes for punching holes, forming features, and cutting profiles in the sheet metal. The tooling is selected based on the specific requirements of the part being produced.