All Midwest Press Brake Dies, unless otherwise indicated, will be made from chrome-carbon brake die steel of a mean 280 Brinell hardness throughout. This steel has excellent wear characteristics, high compressive strength, and tends to work harden. It can be modified or re-machined when necessary without needing to be annealed.

Standard Tongue Dimensions

A standard 1/2″ x 5/8″ American style tongue is furnished on punches unless otherwise requested.

Hook Tongue or Safety Tongue

When a punch is to be segmented (i.e, as in box forming, or where weight or stripping pressure can cause punch to leave ram slot) we recommend the addition of a tongue with a standard type safety lip.

Flame Hardening

Where extra durability or wear life is needed, such as maintenance of radii or wear surfaces, we can supply flame hardened dies for an additional charge.

Die Finish

While every effort is made to provide a good surface finish on each Midwest Die, we suggest that when forming materials requiring a minimum of marking, that they be supplied with a super fine polished finish of approximately 10 micro-inch for which there is a nominal additional charge.

Die Reconditioning

Reworking or resurfacing of existing dies is available for a small fee. Special consideration is given to completion of this type of work, but we do suggest contacting our main facility to arrange timing of die return to ensure minimum delay.