Press Brakes Tooling, Attachments & CNC
Indespensible for Metal Working
In workshops across Australia, from regional metal shops to major urban fabrication centres, one machine remains indispensable — the press brake. Used extensively in steel and sheet metal fabrication, the press brake is the workhorse that delivers precision bends, repeatable shapes, and structural reliability across a wide range of applications.
But as fabrication demands evolve, so do the machines themselves. Today’s conversations aren’t just about the press brake. They’re about press brake tooling, attachments, and advanced CNC systems that bring automation, accuracy, and efficiency to the forefront.
This page focuses on press brake tooling and attachments, not press brake machines. If you are keen to view our selection, view our full range of press brakes here.
1. Press brake Tooling: Precision at the Edge
Press brake tooling refers to the set of punches and dies used to create specific bends, radii, and forms in metal. Quality tooling directly affects bend accuracy, edge finish, and cycle time — key metrics in high-throughput shops.
Common types of press brake tooling include:
- V-dies (standard for most operations)
- Gooseneck punches (for return bends)
- Hemming tools
- Radius dies
- Multi-opening dies (for varied thicknesses)
In Australia, it’s crucial to invest in tooling compatible with local standards (often Euro-style or American-style) and readily available for servicing or replacement. Ermaksan are one of the world’s leading suppliers of extensive tooling options, including custom orders for complex profiles.
2. PRESS BRAKE ATTACHMENTS: EXPANDING CAPABILITIES
Modern press brakes can be fitted with attachments to increase versatility and efficiency. A press brake attachment can dramatically reduce setup time or allow for specialised tasks such as:
- Sheet followers: Support large panels during bending to reduce operator fatigue.
- Crowning systems: Compensate for deflection on long bends.
- Segmented tooling holders: Enable quick tooling changes and custom part fabrication.
- Angle measurement systems: Provide real-time bend angle feedback.
- Robotic arms: Common in automated CNC cells for high-volume operations.
Adding these attachments transforms a standard press brake into a multi-functional station, especially beneficial for mid-sized fabrication workshops looking to grow without investing in entirely new machines.
3. CNC Compatible Tooling Systems
Modern press brake tooling is increasingly designed to work hand-in-hand with CNC control systems, not just the punch and die themselves. CNC-compatible tooling brings automation and precision to the tool-change process itself, not only the bend.
Advantages of CNC compatible tooling:
- Tooling libraries: Store tool profiles and dimensions directly in the controller, so the correct punch/die combination is recalled automatically for each job
- Automatic material compensation: Tooling and control system work together to adjust for springback, thickness and hardness variations job to job
- Error prevention prompts: The controller flags incorrect or incompatible tooling setups before a bend is made, reducing scrap and tooling damage
- Segmented and quick-change holders: Purpose-built for CNC workflows, allowing fast reconfiguration between jobs without manual realignment
Popular CNC controllers, including Delem and Cybelec, are built around these tooling libraries, with interfaces suited to both experienced operators and newcomers learning the system.
Advantages of CNC press brakes:
- 3D simulation of bend sequences before production
- Automatic material compensation (springback, thickness, hardness)
- Tooling libraries and error prevention prompts
- Remote programming and job loading
Popular CNC controllers include Delem and Cybelec, with user-friendly interfaces suited to both skilled operators and newcomers.
4. Who uses modern Press Brake Tooling Technology?
- Construction and Architecture: Façade panels, louvres, flashings, and stair treads
- Agriculture: Structural components for silos, spreaders, and fencing systems
- Transport: Utes trays, toolboxes, and chassis reinforcements
- Defence and Aerospace: Precision-grade enclosures and brackets
- Custom Fabrication: Furniture, signage, and artistic metalwork
5. Australian Perspective: What Matters when buying?
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Tooling Range across tonnage/length | Match the thickest and longest bends in your workflow |
| Tooling Compatibility | Ensure easy availability of replacement press brake tooling locally |
| CNC Controller | Choose one with local support and intuitive interface |
| Attachment Flexibility | Grow your capabilities without buying new machines |
| After-Sales Support | Critical for minimising downtime — prefer suppliers with Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane service hubs |
Our Press Brake Options
Ermaksan is a leading manufacturer of high-quality press brakes and press brake tooling options and attachments. They are a proven, stable and reliable business with high priority given to after-sales support. These machines come at a reasonable price and represent excellent value.
Looking for the machine itself? View our full press brake range
Conclusion
As fabrication in Australia becomes more competitive and tech-driven, businesses must rethink their approach to bending and forming. The humble press brake is no longer just a bending machine, it’s a precision CNC-controlled station, powered by smart press brake tooling, advanced attachments, and local service support.
Whether you’re fabricating farm gates in Dubbo or producing architectural panels in Melbourne, investing in the right tooling, attachments, and control systems will shape not just your metal but your bottom line.
If you are unsure which tooling would best suit your business’ needs, call us on (02) 8445 8555 or email your requirements and we will get right back to you.
We also sell all metal fabrication machinery including metal bandsaws and guillotines, section bending rolls and plate rollers, cold saws, fibre lasers and more.