261mm Relieved Blankholder Tool for Flexible Panel Bender

The 261mm Relieved Blankholder Tool is an optimized upper clamping component developed for flexible panel benders and automated sheet metal bending centers. Installed in the blankholding system, it works with the fixed counterblade to clamp and position the sheet accurately along the programmed bending line.

This model has an overall height of 261 mm, a maximum tool width of 108 mm and a 60 mm central body section. Its upper connection structure features a 97 mm outer block width and a 62 mm clamping opening. The continuous tool length is 1400 mm, making it suitable for long-panel bending and extended clamping-line applications.

Compared with the previous standard-profile blankholder, this version incorporates a relieved lower working section. Material has been removed from the area above and behind the clamping tip to create more open space near the bending zone. This optimized geometry helps reduce potential interference between the blankholder body, projecting sheet flange, previously formed workpiece and moving bending blades.

The blankholder is manufactured from 42CrMo alloy steel and undergoes overall quenching and through-hardening to HRC46–52. Precision machining, controlled heat treatment and inspection of the long continuous profile help maintain stable clamping, accurate alignment and reliable operation.

WYS Machinery can manufacture replacement and custom blankholder tools according to original tooling drawings, physical samples, machine-interface dimensions and customer workpiece requirements.

Key Features

• Optimized blankholder tool for flexible panel benders
• Overall tool height of 261 mm
• Maximum overall width of 108 mm
• Central body width of 60 mm
• Connection block outer width of 97 mm
• Clamping opening width of 62 mm
• Long continuous tool length of 1400 mm
• Relieved lower working profile provides additional clearance
• Helps reduce interference around the bending zone
• Works with the counterblade to clamp and position the sheet
• Suitable for long panels and partially formed components
• Manufactured from 42CrMo alloy steel
• Overall quenched and through-hardened
• Finished hardness of HRC46–52
• Custom interfaces, profiles and lengths available

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

During the panel bending cycle, the sheet is positioned between the upper blankholder and fixed lower counterblade. The blankholder moves toward the sheet and applies controlled clamping force, securing the material along the required bending line.

After the sheet is clamped:

• The upper bending blade can perform a controlled downward bend.
• The lower bending blade can perform a controlled upward bend.
• The counterblade remains the fixed lower support.
• The blankholder maintains sheet position throughout the forming movement.

This relieved blankholder performs the same essential clamping function as the standard version, but its optimized lower profile creates additional working space around the sheet edge and blade movement area.

Optimized Clearance Profile

The main structural advantage of this model is its relieved working end. Compared with a conventional straight or fuller blankholder profile, the optimized geometry provides more open space behind the clamping tip.

This clearance can help:

• Reduce contact between the tool body and projecting flanges
• Provide additional room for partially formed sheet metal parts
• Reduce interference during upper and lower blade movements
• Improve access around box-shaped workpieces
• Accommodate more complex panel geometries
• Support long-panel and enclosure bending
• Provide clearance for adjacent bends or return flanges
• Expand the range of profiles that can be processed

The actual clearance benefit depends on the machine trajectory, workpiece dimensions, flange height and complete tooling arrangement.

Difference from the Standard Blankholder Tool

The relieved version is not automatically better for every application. Tool selection should be based on the panel bender structure, workpiece geometry and required clamping position.

Upper Connection and Clamping Interface

The upper installation section has a 97 mm outer connection block width and a 62 mm clamping opening. These dimensions define the interface between the blankholder and the corresponding machine mounting component.

Accurate interface machining supports:

• Reliable tool retention
• Correct installation height
• Stable clamping-force transmission
• Consistent vertical alignment
• Reduced movement during repeated cycles
• Accurate positioning across the full 1400 mm length
• Efficient replacement and maintenance

Because machine interfaces can vary, compatibility should be confirmed with an original drawing, sample or verified dimensional data.

1400mm Continuous Construction

The long 1400 mm construction provides a continuous clamping surface for extended panel bending applications. A one-piece blankholder avoids intermediate joints across the working length.

Important manufacturing considerations include:

• Consistent working height
• Straightness across 1400 mm
• Parallel clamping and mounting surfaces
• Controlled heat-treatment deformation
• Stable interface dimensions
• Uniform relieved working geometry
• Correct alignment after installation

Alternative continuous lengths or segmented blankholder configurations can be manufactured when required.

42CrMo Material and Heat Treatment

The tool is manufactured from 42CrMo alloy steel and receives overall quenching and through-hardening to HRC46–52.

This combination helps provide:

• Reliable structural strength
• Consistent hardness through the tool body
• Resistance to repeated clamping loads
• Improved wear resistance at contact surfaces
• Dimensional stability during industrial use
• A suitable balance between hardness and toughness

For a long continuous tool, controlled heat treatment is especially important for maintaining straightness and alignment.

Typical Applications

This relieved blankholder tool can support the manufacture of:

• Electrical cabinets
• Control enclosures
• Switchgear panels
• Elevator doors and panels
• Metal doors and frames
• HVAC and ventilation components
• Server and communication cabinets
• Storage cabinets and shelving
• Industrial equipment covers
• Stainless steel kitchen equipment
• Appliance panels and housings
• Metal furniture components
• Long sheet metal enclosures
• Box-shaped components
• Panels with return flanges
• Multi-sided and partially formed workpieces
• Customized industrial sheet metal profiles

Actual application suitability depends on the machine model, sheet material, material thickness, flange geometry and bending sequence.

Product Details and Manufacturing Quality

Each relieved blankholder can be produced from an original technical drawing, physical tool sample or confirmed machine-interface dimensions.

The manufacturing and inspection process may include:

• 42CrMo raw-material verification
• CNC profile machining
• Connection-interface machining
• Clamping-opening machining
• Clearance-profile machining
• Controlled overall quenching
• Through-hardening
• Precision machining after heat treatment
• Overall-height and width inspection
• Opening-dimension verification
• Straightness inspection
• Parallelism inspection
• Working-profile inspection
• Final dimensional and visual inspection

For a 1400 mm continuous blankholder, particular attention is given to straightness, consistent working height and uniform clearance geometry.

Replacement Panel Bender Blankholder Tools

This product can be supplied as a replacement upper blankholder or hold-down tool for flexible panel benders with a matching installation interface.

Customers should provide:

• Machine brand and model
• Original blankholder drawing
• Machine-interface drawing
• Existing tool dimensions
• Physical tooling sample
• Installation photographs
• Workpiece drawing
• Required bending clearance
• Required continuous or segmented length

Compatibility should be determined from the actual interface and profile rather than assumed from the machine brand alone.

Standard and Custom Panel Bender Tooling

WYS Machinery manufactures complete tooling solutions for flexible panel benders, including:

• Standard blankholder tools
• Relieved blankholder tools
• Blankholder segments
• Counterblades
• Upper bending blades
• Lower bending blades
• Long continuous tooling
• Special panel bender tools
• Custom replacement tooling

Available customization options include:

• Overall height and width
• Connection block dimensions
• Clamping opening
• Clearance-profile geometry
• Working contact position
• Overall tool length
• Continuous or segmented construction
• Installation interface
• Heat-treatment requirements
• Surface treatment
• Workpiece-specific relief areas

Customers can provide original tooling drawings, physical samples or finished product drawings. WYS offers free tooling evaluation and design support to develop a suitable panel bender tooling solution.

Why Choose WYS Panel Bender Tooling

• Standard and optimized blankholder profiles
• Tooling manufactured from drawings or samples
• 42CrMo alloy steel construction
• Controlled overall quenching and through-hardening
• Customized clearance profiles
• Long continuous and segmented tooling options
• Precision-machined mounting interfaces
• Replacement tooling for flexible panel benders
• Free tooling evaluation and design support
• Dimensional inspection before delivery
• Protective packaging for long industrial tooling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a relieved blankholder tool?

A relieved blankholder is an upper clamping tool with additional material removed around its working end to provide more clearance near the sheet and bending zone.

How does it differ from a standard blankholder?

Both tools clamp and position the sheet. The relieved version provides additional space for projecting flanges, partially formed components and bending-blade movement.

Does the relieved profile change the blankholder’s main function?

No. Its primary function remains clamping the sheet against the counterblade and establishing a stable bending line.

Is this the same as an upper bending blade?

No. The blankholder clamps the sheet, while the upper bending blade performs the forming movement.

What is the tool length?

The standard continuous length of this model is 1400 mm. Other continuous or segmented lengths can be customized.

What material and hardness are used?

The tool is manufactured from 42CrMo alloy steel, overall quenched and through-hardened to HRC46–52.

Can the clearance profile be customized?

Yes. WYS can modify the relieved area, working profile, length and interface according to the customer’s machine and workpiece drawings.

How is compatibility confirmed?

Compatibility is confirmed by checking the installation height, connection block, clamping opening, working profile and clearance requirements.