The other types of bending listed use specially designed tools or machines to perform the work. Note that some locations do not differentiate between the two different kinds of dies (punches and dies). Dies are usually stationary and located under the material on the bed of the machine. A die with a long rail form tool that has concave or V shaped lengthwise channel that locate the outside profile of the form is called a die. Punches are usually attached to the ram of the machine by clamps and move to produce the bending force. A die with a long rail form tool with a radiused tip that locates the inside profile of the bend is called a punch. The configuration of the tools for these three types of bending are nearly identical. These three are Air Bending, Bottoming and Coining. There are three basic types of bending on a press brake, each is defined by the relationship of the end tool position to the thickness of the material.
