This rod bending application uses an additively manufactured press brake tool consisting of a carbon fiber reinforced lower die with urethane coated bearing. This configuration allows for the needed strength required to make the bend and also a material that will not mark the part as is common with standard steel tools. The punch is also a carbon fiber reinforced piece inserted into an aluminum holder.
Wilson Tool uses additive manufacturing to reduce production time, marking and increase versatility for bending rod on a press brake. Metal rod can be formed up to 1/4" [6.5mm] with a tensile of 75ksi. The tool can be configured to bend a single rod or ganged to create multiple rods at once or grid patterns.