Press Brake Tooling Chart: Punch, Die, V-Opening, Bend Radius & Tonnage Guide
Last Updated: August 2026
A press brake tooling chart helps operators, engineers, buyers, and production managers quickly select the correct punch, lower die, V-opening, bend radius, minimum flange, and approximate bending force for a sheet-metal job.
This YRS Industrial reference guide combines the most important press brake tooling relationships into one page, including material thickness, V-die opening, natural inside radius, minimum flange length, tonnage, punch type, die type, material correction, and special tooling selection.
The charts below are intended as practical starting points for normal press brake air bending. Actual results depend on material grade, tensile strength, sheet thickness tolerance, punch radius, die shoulder radius, bending method, tooling material, machine rigidity, crowning, and springback.
Press Brake Tooling Quick Rule
For common mild-steel air bending: a V-opening around 6–8 × sheet thickness is often used as a starting range.
Larger V-opening: lower tonnage, larger natural radius, longer minimum flange.
Smaller V-opening: higher tonnage, tighter radius, shorter minimum flange.
Always verify: material strength, required radius, flange length, tooling load rating, and machine capacity before production.
Related guides: Press Brake Tooling Guide, Press Brake Dies Guide, Multi-V Die Guide, Press Brake Radius Guide, and Press Brake Tonnage Calculator.
Table of Contents
- Master Press Brake Tooling Chart
- V-Opening Selection Chart
- Inside Bend Radius Chart
- Minimum Flange Length Chart
- Approximate Tonnage Chart
- Punch Selection Chart
- Die Selection Chart
- Material Adjustment Chart
- Acute Punch Selection Chart
- Gooseneck Punch Application Chart
- Radius Punch Selection Chart
- Hemming Tool Selection Chart
- Offset Tool Selection Chart
- Which Press Brake Tool Do I Need?
- Common Tooling Selection Mistakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related YRS Industrial Guides
- Contact YRS Industrial
1. Master Press Brake Tooling Chart
The following chart gives a practical starting reference for common mild-steel air bending.
| Sheet Thickness | Typical V-Opening | Approx. Natural Inside Radius | Approx. Minimum Flange | Typical Punch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 mm | V6 | ≈ 1.0 mm | ≈ 4–5 mm | Standard / acute |
| 1.0 mm | V8 | ≈ 1.2–1.4 mm | ≈ 5–6 mm | Standard / acute |
| 1.5 mm | V10–V12 | ≈ 1.6–2.0 mm | ≈ 7–9 mm | Standard / gooseneck |
| 2.0 mm | V12–V16 | ≈ 2.0–2.6 mm | ≈ 9–12 mm | Standard / gooseneck |
| 2.5 mm | V16–V20 | ≈ 2.5–3.2 mm | ≈ 12–15 mm | Standard / gooseneck |
| 3.0 mm | V20–V24 | ≈ 3.2–4.0 mm | ≈ 14–18 mm | Standard / gooseneck |
| 4.0 mm | V24–V32 | ≈ 4.0–5.0 mm | ≈ 18–24 mm | Standard / heavy-duty |
| 5.0 mm | V32–V40 | ≈ 5.0–6.5 mm | ≈ 24–30 mm | Heavy-duty / radius |
| 6.0 mm | V40–V50 | ≈ 6.5–8.0 mm | ≈ 30–38 mm | Heavy-duty / radius |
| 8.0 mm | V50–V64 | ≈ 8–10 mm | ≈ 38–48 mm | Heavy-duty |
| 10 mm | V64–V80 | ≈ 10–13 mm | ≈ 48–60 mm | Heavy-duty / large radius |
Important: These values are approximate starting references, not guaranteed production values.
2. V-Opening Selection Chart
| V-Opening | Typical Sheet Thickness Range | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| V6 | 0.6–1.0 mm | Thin sheet, short flanges |
| V8 | 0.8–1.2 mm | General thin-sheet bending |
| V12 | 1.2–2.0 mm | Cabinets and enclosures |
| V16 | 1.5–2.5 mm | General fabrication |
| V20 | 2–3 mm | General fabrication |
| V24 / V25 | 3–4 mm | Medium sheet |
| V32 | 4–5 mm | Medium plate |
| V40 | 5–6 mm | Medium/heavy plate |
| V50 | 6–8 mm | Heavy bending |
| V64 | 8–10 mm | Heavy plate |
| V80 | 10–12 mm | Heavy plate / larger radius |
Read our Multi-V Die Guide for detailed V-opening selection.
3. Approximate Inside Bend Radius Chart
For common mild-steel air bending, a practical natural-radius estimate is often related to the V-opening.
| V-Opening | Approx. Natural Inside Radius |
|---|---|
| V8 | ≈ 1.2–1.4 mm |
| V12 | ≈ 1.8–2.0 mm |
| V16 | ≈ 2.4–2.6 mm |
| V24 | ≈ 3.6–4.0 mm |
| V32 | ≈ 4.8–5.2 mm |
| V40 | ≈ 6–6.5 mm |
| V50 | ≈ 7.5–8.0 mm |
| V64 | ≈ 9.5–10.5 mm |
| V80 | ≈ 12–13 mm |
These are approximate values. Stainless steel, aluminum, and high-strength steel can form different natural radii with the same V-opening.
Read our Press Brake Radius Guide.
4. Approximate Minimum Flange Length Chart
| V-Opening | Approx. Minimum Flange |
|---|---|
| V8 | ≈ 5–6 mm |
| V12 | ≈ 8–9 mm |
| V16 | ≈ 10–12 mm |
| V24 | ≈ 15–18 mm |
| V32 | ≈ 20–24 mm |
| V40 | ≈ 25–30 mm |
| V50 | ≈ 32–38 mm |
| V64 | ≈ 40–48 mm |
| V80 | ≈ 50–60 mm |
5. Approximate Air-Bending Tonnage Chart
Approximate force varies by tensile strength, thickness, bend length, and V-opening. The table below is a general reference for common mild steel and should be verified before production.
| Thickness | V-Opening | Approx. Force per Meter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | V8 | ≈ 8–12 T/m |
| 1.5 mm | V12 | ≈ 12–18 T/m |
| 2 mm | V16 | ≈ 18–25 T/m |
| 3 mm | V24 | ≈ 28–38 T/m |
| 4 mm | V32 | ≈ 38–50 T/m |
| 5 mm | V40 | ≈ 48–62 T/m |
| 6 mm | V48–V50 | ≈ 58–75 T/m |
| 8 mm | V64 | ≈ 75–95 T/m |
| 10 mm | V80 | ≈ 95–120 T/m |
For actual calculations, use our Press Brake Tonnage Calculator.
6. Press Brake Punch Selection Chart
| Punch Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Standard Straight Punch | General-purpose bends |
| Gooseneck Punch | Boxes, return flanges, channels |
| Acute Punch | Acute bends, hemming, overbending |
| Radius Punch | Large-radius bending |
| Offset Punch | Z-bends, joggles, step bends |
| Hemming Punch | Flattening and hemming operations |
| Custom Punch | Special profiles |
7. Press Brake Die Selection Chart
| Die Type | Best Application |
|---|---|
| Single-V Die | Dedicated repeat production |
| Multi-V Die | Mixed thickness production |
| Acute Die | Acute bending / hemming preparation |
| Hemming Die | Flattening pre-bent hems |
| Offset Die | Z-bends and joggles |
| Radius / Forming Die | Large radii and special forms |
| Rotary / Low-Mark Die | Cosmetic stainless and aluminum |
Read our Press Brake Dies Explained Guide.
8. Material Adjustment Chart
| Material | Tonnage vs Mild Steel | Springback | Typical Tooling Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | Baseline | Moderate | General-purpose tooling |
| Stainless Steel | Higher | Higher | Consider larger V and surface protection |
| Aluminum | Often lower | Varies by alloy | Check cracking and marking |
| High-Strength Steel | Much higher | High | Larger radii and high-capacity tooling |
9. Acute Punch Selection Chart
| Acute Punch Angle | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 30° | Hemming preparation, deep overbend |
| 45° | General acute bends |
| 60° | Moderate acute bends and springback compensation |
Read our Acute Punch Guide.
10. Gooseneck Punch Application Chart
| Application | Gooseneck Recommended? |
|---|---|
| Simple open flange | Usually not necessary |
| Box bending | Yes |
| Return flange | Yes |
| Deep channel | Often yes |
| Heavy straight bend | Prefer straight punch if clearance allows |
Read our Gooseneck Punch Guide.
11. Radius Punch Selection Chart
| Requirement | Recommended Tool |
|---|---|
| Normal air-bend radius | Standard punch + correct V-die |
| Large fixed radius | Radius punch |
| Very large radius, mixed jobs | Bump bending |
| Large radius + return flange | Radius gooseneck punch |
Read our Radius Punch Guide.
12. Hemming Tool Selection Chart
| Hem Type | Typical Tooling |
|---|---|
| Open Hem | Acute pre-bend + controlled flattening |
| Closed Hem | Acute pre-bend + flattening die |
| Teardrop Hem | Acute tooling + controlled closing geometry |
Read our Press Brake Hemming Tool Guide.
13. Offset Tool Selection Chart
| Feature | Recommended Tooling |
|---|---|
| Two widely spaced bends | Standard tooling in two operations |
| Closely spaced Z-bend | Dedicated offset tool |
| Joggle / overlap step | Dedicated joggle tool |
| High-volume fixed step | One-hit offset tooling |
Read our Press Brake Offset Tool Guide.
14. Which Press Brake Tool Do I Need?
| Your Requirement | Recommended Tool |
|---|---|
| Simple 90° bend | Standard punch + single-V or Multi-V die |
| Box / return flange | Gooseneck punch |
| Acute angle | Acute punch + acute die |
| Large radius | Radius punch / bump bending |
| Hem | Acute punch + hemming/flattening tool |
| Z-bend / joggle | Offset punch and die |
| Cosmetic stainless/aluminum | Low-mark / rotary die |
| Many sheet thicknesses | Multi-V die |
| Special profile | Custom tooling |
15. Common Press Brake Tooling Selection Mistakes
- Using the same V-opening for every material thickness.
- Choosing the smallest die opening without checking tonnage.
- Ignoring minimum flange length.
- Assuming the punch-tip radius always equals the finished radius.
- Ignoring material tensile strength.
- Using gooseneck tooling when a stronger straight punch would work.
- Using acute punches above their rated load.
- Changing V-opening without updating bend allowance or bend deduction.
- Ignoring surface marking on stainless steel or aluminum.
- Exceeding the tooling manufacturer’s tonnage-per-meter rating.
16. Frequently Asked Questions About Press Brake Tooling Charts
What is a press brake tooling chart?
It is a reference table used to select punches, dies, V-openings, bend radius, flange length, and bending force.
What is the 8× thickness rule?
For many common mild-steel air-bending jobs, a V-opening around eight times sheet thickness is a useful starting point.
Is V = 8T always correct?
No. Material strength, target radius, flange length, tonnage, and part geometry may require a different opening.
What V-die should I use for 2 mm steel?
V12–V16 is a common starting range for ordinary mild-steel air bending.
What V-die should I use for 3 mm steel?
V20–V24 is a practical starting range for many mild-steel jobs.
What V-die should I use for 4 mm steel?
V24–V32 is a common starting range.
What V-die should I use for 6 mm steel?
V40–V50 is a useful starting range depending on radius, flange, and tonnage requirements.
Does a larger V-opening reduce force?
Yes.
Does a larger V-opening make a larger radius?
Generally yes in air bending.
Does a larger V-opening require a longer flange?
Yes.
What punch should I use for a box?
A gooseneck punch is commonly used when previously formed flanges need extra clearance.
What punch should I use for hemming?
An acute punch is commonly used for the pre-bend stage.
What punch should I use for a large radius?
Use a radius punch or bump bending depending on the required radius and production volume.
What tooling should I use for a Z-bend?
Dedicated offset tooling is ideal for closely spaced Z-bends and joggles.
Does stainless steel require more tonnage?
Generally yes compared with common mild steel of the same thickness.
Can aluminum use the same V-opening as steel?
Sometimes, but alloy, temper, minimum radius, and surface marking should be checked.
What is minimum flange length?
It is the shortest flange that can remain properly supported by the die shoulders during bending.
Can I use a Multi-V die for different thicknesses?
Yes. That is one of its main advantages.
Can I use one punch with several V-openings?
Yes in many air-bending applications, provided angle, clearance, radius, and load capacity remain suitable.
Should I calculate tonnage before choosing tooling?
Yes. Required force must be checked against both machine capacity and tooling load rating.
18. Need Help Selecting Press Brake Tooling?
YRS Industrial supplies CNC press brakes and press brake tooling for sheet metal fabrication. We can recommend punches, dies, V-openings, tooling materials, bend radius, tonnage, segmentation, and special tooling according to your machine and parts.
YRS Industrial
Email: info@yrs-industrial.com
Website: https://yrs-industrial.com
WhatsApp: +86 180 0258 8351
Factory: Mingjue Industrial Park, Lishui District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
For a tooling recommendation, send your press brake model, clamping photos, material grade, thickness range, maximum bend length, target bend angles, required inside radius, minimum flange dimensions, part drawings, and production volume.
Technical Note
The tables in this guide are general reference values for tooling selection and should not be treated as guaranteed production data. Actual results vary with material tensile strength, actual sheet thickness, bend angle, punch-tip radius, die shoulder radius, V-opening, bending method, machine condition, tooling condition, and springback. Always verify machine and tool load ratings before production.