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

Specification	Value
Product Type	Relieved Blankholder Tool
Alternative Name	Upper Clamping Tool with Clearance Profile
Tooling Category	Panel Bender Tooling
Application	Flexible Panel Bender / CNC Panel Bending Center
Overall Height	261 mm
Maximum Overall Width	108 mm
Central Body Width	60 mm
Connection Block Outer Width	97 mm
Clamping Opening Width	62 mm
Standard Length	1400 mm
Material	42CrMo Alloy Steel
Heat Treatment	Overall Quenching / Through-Hardening
Hardness	HRC46–52
Installation Position	Upper Clamping Position
Main Function	Sheet Clamping and Bending-Line Positioning
Special Feature	Relieved Lower Working Profile
Construction	Long Continuous Tool
Custom Dimensions	Available
Machine Compatibility	According to Confirmed Interface Dimensions

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

Feature	Standard Blankholder	Relieved Blankholder
Main Function	Sheet clamping and positioning	Sheet clamping and positioning
Lower Working Profile	Standard profile	Optimized relief profile
Clearance Near Bending Zone	Conventional clearance	Increased working clearance
Complex Flange Access	Depends on workpiece geometry	Improved for suitable profiles
Typical Use	General panel bending	Long panels, return flanges and interference-sensitive parts

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.

Blankholder Tools

261mm Relieved Blankholder Tool for Flexible Panel Bender

261mm Panel Bender Blankholder Tool with 62mm Clamping Opening