Additive-manufactured press brake tools get users forming fast

Bryan Rogers explained during a video interview at FABTECH 2019 how Wilson Tool’s unique Bend3D program is designed to get press brake operators up and forming fast.

A user of the service receives an aluminum holder that’s fitted with additively manufactured polymer inserts robust enough to form metal. The inserts are used during the initial stages of a job, Rogers said. “They (users) can get their qualification done, get their customer approval—and the lead time is shorter than for steel tooling.” A polymer insert takes five to 10 days to turn around compared to four to eight weeks for steel, he said.

During this preproduction phase, steel tooling can be produced that fits into the same holder used for the polymer inserts.

Rogers also said that since May, Wilson has been conducting internal tests to determine if metal powders are suitable for 3D-printing metal tooling.

The Additive Report Editor Don Nelson interviews Wilson Tool’s Bryan Rogers at FABTECH 2019. The Additive Report