Method and machine for bending metal including adjustable die

An adjustable die for a press brake including a ram and a support beam, comprising:

• a pair of movable die members extending in a longitudinal direction separated by a recess having a width in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the width of the recess is adjustable by moving the die members;
• wherein the die members are releasably engaged with the support beam, and wherein the die members move horizontally in the longitudinal direction to disengage from the support beam to thereby allow for lateral movement of the die members to adjust the width of the recess, wherein the horizontal and lateral movements are in perpendicular directions;
• and
• a movable locking member connected to the die members that moves to lock and unlock the die members from the support beam.

A press brake for bending a workpiece comprising:

• a movable ram and a support beam, wherein the ram and the support beam are connected to a supporting frame;
• a punch connected to the ram, and a longitudinally extending die connected to the support beam;
• wherein the punch and the die are separated by a gap and wherein the press brake is configured to receive the workpiece in the gap;
• wherein the ram is configured to be driven towards the support beam to thereby close the gap between the punch and the die;
• wherein the die includes a pair of die members extending in a longitudinal direction and separated by a recess having a width in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the width of the recess is adjustable by moving the die members;
• and
• a movable locking member connected to the die members and engaged with the support beam, wherein the locking member moves with the die members horizontally in the longitudinal direction from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow the width of the recess to be adjusted, and wherein the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the lateral direction and perpendicular to a direction of movement of the ram when the ram is driven towards the punch.