A forming press, commonly shortened to press, is a machine tool that changes the shape of a work-piece by the application of pressure.[1] The operator of a forming press is known as a press-tool setter, often shortened to tool-setter.
Presses can be classified according to
- their mechanism: hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic;
- their function: forging presses, stamping presses, press brakes, punch press, etc.
- their structure, e.g. Knuckle-joint press, screw press, Expeller press
- their controllability: conventional vs. servo-presses