What are the types of press brake dies?

Single-V, 2V, multi-V, urethane and adjustable or roll-bending dies. Single-V is the general-purpose type; the others solve specific problems such as multiple openings or a mar-free finish.

What is a multi-V die used for?

Job shop work where the material thickness or required radius changes often. Several openings in one body let the operator change the effective opening without changing the die.

What is the difference between a V die and a urethane die?

A V die forms the bend against steel shoulders and can mark the outside surface. A urethane die wraps the material around an elastomer insert, which avoids marking but produces a larger radius.

Does the die width affect the load?

Yes. Force is inversely proportional to the die opening, and a wider die body also carries the load over a larger section, so both the tonnage and the load per metre change.

Press Brake Die Types: Single-V, 2V, Multi-V, Urethane

What are the main press brake die types?

The main die types are single-V, 2V, multi-V, urethane and adjustable or roll-bending dies. Single-V is the general-purpose choice, multi-V lets one die serve several openings, and urethane produces a mar-free radius.

Die types compared

Choose the die for the opening and the finish the part needs. A single-V die is the default, and the others solve a specific problem.

Press brake die types
Die type	What it does	Use it when
Single-V	One V opening, one radius	General air bending; the standard choice
2V	Two different openings in one body	Two thicknesses or radii share a machine
Multi-V	Several openings machined into one die	Job shop work with changing radii
Adjustable / roll-bending	Opening or effective angle can be changed	Variable radius, or to correct springback
Urethane	Elastomer insert forms the radius	Cosmetic surfaces that must not be marked

How is a press brake die specified?

A die is specified by the V opening, the die body width and height, the shoulder radius, the overall length and the tool steel. The opening is the value that determines the bend radius and the tonnage.

V opening: normally about eight times the material thickness for mild steel.
Body width and height: must suit the machine's die rail or holder.
Shoulder radius: affects marking and the achievable minimum flange.
Length and segments: matched to the bend length and the clearance needed.
Tool steel: chosen for wear life and the rated load.

What is the difference between a 2V and a multi-V die?

A 2V die has two openings in one body, so it serves two thicknesses or radii. A multi-V die has several openings, usually four or more, and is aimed at shops that change jobs frequently.

Comparing multi-opening dies
Feature	2V	Multi-V
Openings	Two	Four or more
Height	Taller than single-V	Tallest of the standard types
Best for	Two recurring setups	Job shops with frequent changes
Load per opening	Same as single-V	Same as single-V per opening

Which die do I need for a mar-free finish?

A urethane die. The elastomer insert wraps the material around a radius instead of pressing it against steel shoulders, so the outer surface is not marked. The trade-off is a larger radius and a more limited pressure range.

For cosmetic surfaces, also consider a wider steel opening and an anti-mark film before moving to urethane, because a urethane die commits the job to a larger radius.

Does the die opening have to be exactly eight times the thickness?

No. Eight times is a starting point for mild steel that balances radius, force and minimum flange. The opening you actually need is the one that satisfies the drawing's radius and flange, within the machine and tooling load limits.