Presses

A press uses immense force to change the shape, cut, or deform a metal workpiece (typically sheet metal) by applying concentrated pressure. They are essential for metal forming and can be classified by their function and the mechanism they use to generate force. In a fabrication shop, the term “press” most commonly refers to the following specialized machines:

Press Brake

The most common type of press used in sheet metal fabrication.

• Function: Bending and forming sheet metal into precise, long shapes like channels, brackets, enclosures, and structural components.
• Mechanism: It works by forcing a punch (upper tool) down onto a flat sheet of metal that rests on a corresponding die (lower tool). The force causes the metal to bend to the desired angle (e.g., 90∘ or 45∘).
• Power Source: Modern press brakes are typically hydraulic (using pressurized fluid for controlled force) or electric/servo-driven (for high speed and energy efficiency). Many are controlled by CNC (Computer Numerical Control) systems for extreme accuracy and repeatability.

Punch Press (or Turret Press)

• Function: Cutting or punching holes, notches, and other shapes out of sheet metal.
• Mechanism: It rapidly drives a sharp punch through the workpiece and into a corresponding die below, cleanly shearing out the material. A turret punch holds many different tools (punches and dies) in a rotating head (the “turret”) for fast, automated processing.

Hydraulic Shop Press

• Function: General-purpose force application for straightening, crushing, assembling, and disassembling parts.
• Mechanism: Consists of a simple H-frame or C-frame structure with a large hydraulic cylinder to apply force over a large work area.
• Use: Often used for pressing bearings onto shafts, straightening bent metal rods, or pressing two interference-fit parts together.

Stamping Press

• Function: Forming or shaping metal using a complete die set.
• Mechanism: A heavy-duty machine used for high-volume production, where the press forces a die onto a sheet metal blank to create a finished three-dimensional part in a single stroke (e.g., deep drawing car body panels).

FAQs: Common Buyer Questions

How do I choose the right type of industrial press for my needs? When selecting a press, you must first define its primary function. Are you looking to bend sheet metal (Press Brake), punch holes and cut shapes (Punch Press), apply general force (Hydraulic Shop Press), or engage in high-volume deep drawing (Stamping Press)? Our team is available to help assess your production requirements and guide you to the correct machine category.

Are used presses reliable? Yes! We utilize our wide network of partners and customers to source reliable, ready-to-use fabrication equipment. We aim to pair you with high-quality used machines from the world’s leading manufacturers, such as Amada, Cincinnati, and others.

Can I get financing for my purchase? We work with a financial partner to help make machinery investment easier for businesses. 

What major press manufacturers do you typically carry? We sell equipment from a wide range of top fabrication machinery manufacturers. Our inventory often includes machines from trusted names like Amada, Cincinnati, Accurpress, LVD, and many more.

Why Buy a Used Press From Jordan Craig Machinery

At Jordan Craig Machinery, we use our wide network of partners and customers to pair you up with the best available used fabrication equipment. We sell ready to use equipment that you can rely on from the world’s leading manufacturers including Amada, Cincinnati and more. Contact us today to learn more.