Press Brake Setup Sheet Template
A press brake setup sheet captures how a part was formed the first time so the next operator can repeat it. This template records tooling, bend order, angles, backgauge values and a first-piece check.
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Press Brake Setup Sheet Template
Northline Metalworks - Press Brake Setup Sheet
Part: HE-2204-B rev C Job: WO-24817 Machine: Brake 2, 110 ton x 3.1 m Prepared by: J. Moreno on 2026-10-20
Material and tooling
Material: 5052-H32 aluminum, 2.0 mm Punch: Gooseneck 30 deg, 0.8 mm radius Die: Multi-V die, 16 mm opening, 88 deg Grain direction: Across grain Angle tolerance: +/- 1 degree
Bend sequence
| Bend # | Angle (deg) | Inside radius | Backgauge X | Backgauge R | Depth Y | Flange length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 90 | ||||||
| 2 | 90 | ||||||
| 3 | 90 | ||||||
| 4 | 90 | ||||||
| 5 | |||||||
| 6 |
Handling notes
Use urethane film on die to avoid marking. Check first piece angle with protractor before running the lot.
First piece check
| Feature | Nominal | Tolerance | Measured | OK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bend angle 1 | 90 | +/- 1 degree | ||
| Flange length A | ||||
| Overall height |
Approval
Backgauge columns follow common CNC brake terms (X for depth, R for height, Y for ram position) but the names vary by controller. Rename them to match your machine.
Attach setup data to ERP items
Optional: ideas for linking brake setup records to item masters and routings.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use the setup sheet
Fill the header and tooling fields from the program or the first successful run. Enter each bend in sequence, with target angle, inside radius, backgauge position and flange length. After the first piece, record the measured angle and flange. Store the sheet with the part number, so the next time that part comes up, the operator can pull the same tooling and the same backgauge values instead of re-learning the part.
Choosing a bend sequence
Bend from the inside features outward, and plan so that earlier bends do not collide with the punch, the die or the machine frame on later bends. Box shapes and returns often need a gooseneck punch or a different sequence. If the offline programming software generated the sequence, copy it onto the sheet so the printout matches the machine program.
- Form short flanges before long ones where possible
- Check for interference on closed shapes
- Keep the same tooling across bends to avoid extra changeovers
- Note any part flip or rotation between bends
Tooling and V opening
A common rule of thumb for mild steel is a V opening of about 6 to 8 times the material thickness, with smaller ratios for thin material and larger for thick. The minimum flange length is tied to the V opening, so a wide die limits short flanges. Always confirm with your tooling vendor chart and the machine capacity before running a new part.
Common mistakes
Leaving out the grain direction causes cracking on tight bends in some alloys, especially harder aluminum tempers. Another mistake is not recording the backgauge values after manual tweaks, which means the next run starts from the wrong numbers. Treat the setup sheet as a living record and update it whenever the proven values change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this replace my offline brake programming software?
No. Offline software generates the program and simulates collisions. This sheet is the human record: tooling, proven values and first-piece results that travel with the job or live in the part file.
What V opening should I use?
For mild steel a V opening around 6 to 8 times the thickness is a common starting point. Always check your tooling chart, the machine tonnage and the minimum flange length for the chosen die before running.
Why record grain direction?
Bending parallel to the grain increases cracking risk on tight radii, especially in harder aluminum tempers and some stainless grades. Recording it ensures the nested blank orientation is consistent from run to run.
Can I add more bends?
Yes. Export to Word or Excel and add rows to the bend table. The template starts with six rows, which covers most enclosure and bracket parts.
If you keep setup data in spreadsheets, we can help link it to the ERP item or routing so the right sheet prints with each work order.
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