Tricks of the Trade
Q: Is there a better way to bend tread plate without die marking on the finished product?
A: Tread plate is generally a highly cosmetic finished part that cannot have die marking. Solutions to remove marking include over sizing the die opening, increasing shoulder radius size on the die or bending with a backer plate – none of which are the most desirable for a variety of reasons.
Wilson Tool offers the V-Series die that will prevent the tread from being marked and crushed. A superior finish is possible since the material is sliding on a flat surface rather than the traditional grabbing action on a radius on the shoulder of a die. When selecting the correct size V-Series die, make sure to include the height of the tread as part of the material thickness. (i.e. commonly tread plate that is called out at .180" is actually .250" thick from the bottom of the material to the top of the tread). The Wilson Tool press brake sales desk will help you select the correct die based on your application. The V-Series die works very well for short or tapered flanges as well.
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