Bending die assembly with split die and method for using

A die assembly configured to be combined with a bending machine for bending a workpiece, the die assembly comprising:

• a bending die having:
• a post;
• a first plate secured to an upper portion of the post and a second plate secured to a lower portion of the post;
• at least two movable plates secured between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the movable plates are movable along the post between a first position and a second position;
• a channel at least partially formed in one of the movable plates and configured to receive the workpiece, the channel having a width;
• a wedge plate positioned between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the wedge plate is configured to be movable relative to the movable plates between a retracted position and an engaged position, wherein movement of the wedge plate from the retracted position to the engaged position is configured to cause the movable plates to move to from the first position to the second position reducing the width of the channel;
• and
• a clamp die configured to move toward the bending die after the workpiece is positioned within the channel to help secure the workpiece between the bending die and the clamp die, the clamp die configured to engage the wedge plate and move the wedge plate from the retracted position to the engaged position.