Apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a portable sheet metal folding apparatus that folds a sheet metal panel profile into a different predetermined shape, the profile having straight elements joined together by arcs. The apparatus has consecutive roller die sets configured to perform a series of folds on a first element of the profile toward a second element of the profile. Each roller die set has opposing roller dies operably contacting only the first and second elements, not contacting any arc. The opposing roller dies are arranged to define a minimal gap between them equal to or more than the radius of the arc joining the first and second elements together. The gap provides a material relief space that is sized to clearingly permit the arc to positionally shift during folding to relieve stress and strain.

A crowning method is applied to a bending process by a press brake comprising an upper table and a lower table as being vertically opposed to each other, wherein the lower table comprises slits respectively opened in right and left directions, to bend a workpiece put and deviated rightward or leftward on the lower table so as to extend the workpiece over at least one of upper portions of the slits, the crowning method comprising: deforming end sides of the upper portions of the slits of the lower table so as to warp the one of the upper portions upward to carry out a crowning regulation.

A crowning method is applied to a bending process by a press brake comprising an upper table and a lower table as being vertically opposed to each other, wherein the lower table comprises slits respectively opened in right and left directions, to bend a workpiece put and deviated rightward or leftward on the lower table so as to extend the workpiece over at least one of upper portions of the slits, the crowning method comprising: deforming end sides of the upper portions of the slits of the lower table so as to warp the one of the upper portions upward to carry out a crowning regulation.

A lower tool for a bending machine, in particular die bending machine, includes a longitudinally extended base body, which has, on its bottom side, a tool shank for being received in a guide slot of a tool holder and optionally tool shoulders in the transverse direction, and at least one friction reduction device on the bottom side of the base body for reducing a frictional force between the bottom side and the tool holder in the event of a displacement of the lower tool in the longitudinal direction, wherein the at least one friction reduction device is configured such that a weight force of the lower tool acting on the tool holder, while applying a prestressing force in the direction of the weight force, causes a resulting normal force of the lower tool onto the tool holder that is lower relative to the weight force.

A press brake machine for bending metal having an angle measurement system. The angle measurement system having at least one angle measurement device configured to measure the bend characteristics of the workpiece. The angle measurement device including an actuator, a position sensor, and a contact segment. The actuator of the measurement device is configured to abut the contact segment to the workpiece. The position sensor is configured to send data to a press brake controller to adjust the bending of the workpiece depending on the reading of the angle measurement device.

A press brake machine for bending metal having an angle measurement system. The angle measurement system having at least one angle measurement device configured to measure the bend characteristics of the workpiece. The angle measurement device including an actuator, a position sensor, and a contact segment. The actuator of the measurement device is configured to abut the contact segment to the workpiece. The position sensor is configured to send data to a press brake controller to adjust the bending of the workpiece depending on the reading of the angle measurement device.

A press brake for bending workpieces includes: a fixed table beam with a lower tool holder, a displaceable press beam with an upper tool holder, wherein the press beam is formed so as to be displaceable relative to the table beam, and a graphic display for displaying information. In the displaceable press beam, a recess is formed, in which the graphic display is accommodated, wherein the graphic display has a display height and a display width.

A press brake for bending workpieces includes: a fixed table beam with a lower tool holder, a displaceable press beam with an upper tool holder, wherein the press beam is formed so as to be displaceable relative to the table beam, and a graphic display for displaying information. In the displaceable press beam, a recess is formed, in which the graphic display is accommodated, wherein the graphic display has a display height and a display width.

A method for forming large titanium parts includes forming bends into a titanium plate for form a bent part. The bent part is then roll-formed to form contours into the bent part. The surfaces of the contoured part are rough-machined, and the part is then secured to a bladed form fixture. The bladed form fixture comprises a plurality of header boards that secure the part to the fixture. The fixture part is placed in a thermal vacuum furnace and a stress-relieving operation is performed. The part is removed from the fixture and final machining takes place.

A method for forming large titanium parts includes forming bends into a titanium plate for form a bent part. The bent part is then roll-formed to form contours into the bent part. The surfaces of the contoured part are rough-machined, and the part is then secured to a bladed form fixture. The bladed form fixture comprises a plurality of header boards that secure the part to the fixture. The fixture part is placed in a thermal vacuum furnace and a stress-relieving operation is performed. The part is removed from the fixture and final machining takes place.