How Amada AFH Tooling Revolutionizes Setup Times in Precision Sheet Metal Bending

In a world of “Just-in-Time” manufacturing, the longest part of the bending process is no longer the bend itself—it’s the setup. Amada AFH (Amada Fixed Height) tooling was designed to solve this. At MIHARTING, we have perfected the manufacturing of AFH-compatible tools to help Amada users achieve zero-setup-time goals.

1. The Physics of Fixed Height (AFH)

The core concept of AFH is that every punch, regardless of its shape (Straight, Gooseneck, or Acute), shares a common “Shut Height.”

Why it matters: In traditional tooling, if you switch from a 90° punch to a 30° punch, you must re-program the machine's ram stroke because the tool heights differ. With MIHARTING AFH series, the tip of the tool is always at the same coordinate relative to the ram.

• Common AFH Specs:

Punch Height: 120mm / 150mm / 160mm

Die Height: 60mm / 90mm / 120mm

2. Stage Bending: The Ultimate Profit Driver

With MIHARTING's Amada AFH tooling, operators can perform “Stage Bending.” This involves placing different tool profiles side-by-side on the press brake.

• Technical Synergy: Because all tools share the same height, the operator can move the workpiece from one station to the next in a single program. This reduces part handling by up to 70%.

  
  

3. Material Integrity and High-Speed Compatibility

Because AFH tools are often used in high-speed Amada machines with Automatic Tool Changers (ATC), they must meet rigorous physical standards.

• MIHARTING's ATC Ready Design: We ensure that every punch neck and tang is precision-milled to allow the ATC grippers to engage without friction or jamming.

• Load Bearing Capacity:

  Standard AFH Punches: Up to 100 Ton/Meter

  Heavy Duty Series: Up to 250 Ton/Meter

  
  

4. Segmented for Versatility

A key feature of MIHARTING’s AFH range is our Standard Sectionalization. This allows for the bending of complex 5-sided boxes without the need for custom-width tools.

• Our Typical 835mm Sectionalized Set includes:

  10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 40mm, 50mm, 100mm, 200mm, and 300mm segments, plus 2 x 100mm “Ear” pieces for return flange clearance.

  
  

5. Maintenance Insights: Protecting Your AFH Investment

To maintain the ±0.01mm height tolerance, MIHARTING recommends:

1. Cleaning the Tangs: Any dust between the tool and the ram will ruin the “Fixed Height” advantage.

2. Lubrication: Use a thin film of non-acidic oil to prevent oxidation on the ground surfaces.

3. Correct Clamping: Ensure your hydraulic clamps are delivering uniform pressure across the entire tool length.

   
   

Conclusion: The MIHARTING Promise

Choosing MIHARTING's China press brake tooling means investing in the future of your shop’s efficiency. By combining the legendary AFH geometry with MIHARTING's superior 42CrMo heat treatment, we provide a tool that doesn’t just fit—it performs.