Power press brakes are metalworking machines used in manufacturing to create precise bends and forms in metal parts. They offer versatility and precision, allowing operators to produce complex shapes by adjusting the angle and depth of the bend.  ANSI B11.3-2022: Safety Requirements for Power Press Brakes sets safety requirements for power press brakes, machines designed specifically for bending metal.

Understanding the Difference Between Press Brakes and Power Presses

A press brake and a power press are two different types of machines used in metalworking and sheet metal fabrication. While both machines serve to alter the shape of metal, their functions, applications, and capabilities in metal fabrication vary.

• A press brake is a machine used for bending and shaping metal sheets. It forms expected bending by clamping the workpiece between the corresponding top punch and bottom die. It uses punch-and-die mechanisms to bend and shape sheet metal with exceptional accuracy—especially with computer numerical control (CNC) control. While typically slower, it is ideal for handling thick materials and customized designs.
• A power press is a machine used to shape, stamp, or cut materials by applying force through a die containing the desired shape. This force is usually generated mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically. It delivers high-speed, high-force impacts—perfect for cutting, stamping, and forming in high-volume production. Though less precise, it is cost-effective for rapid manufacturing environments, such as electronics or large-scale automotive parts.

Ultimately, the right tool depends on your priorities. Regardless of what tool you use, adhering to safety guidelines is essential, and ANSI B11.3-2022 helps manufacturers and operators assure that press brakes are used in accordance with modern safety practices—addressing hazards such as point-of-operation risks, control systems, and emergency stop functionality.

What Is ANSI B11.3-2022?

The requirements of ANSI B11.3-2022 apply to machines classified as power press brakes (or “press brakes”), which are designed and constructed for the specific purpose of bending material. ANSI B11.3-2022 is classified as a Type‑C (machine‑specific) standard, meaning it provides detailed safety requirements tailored to power press brakes.

This American National Standard excludes other machinery types, including mechanical power presses, hydraulic/pneumatic presses, folding machines, hand brakes, tangent benders, apron brakes, and similar metal‑bending machines. 

What Products Are Made Using a Power Press Brakes?

Power press brakes are used to precisely bend metal into various shapes for many products across numerous industries, such as automotive, construction, aerospace, and appliance manufacturing sector.

• Automotive: Body panels, chassis components, brackets, and structural reinforcements for cars and trucks. 
• Construction: Metal roofing, structural supports, building frames, and ductwork for HVAC systems. 
• Aerospace: Components for aircraft airframes and structural elements. 
• Appliances: Parts for refrigerators, washers, ovens, and air conditioning shells. 
• Electrical: Junction boxes, electrical enclosures, and cabinet panels. 
• Furniture: Metal frames, desks, filing cabinets, shelving, and other furnishings

What Is the ANSI B11 Standards Series?

ANSI B11.3-2022  is part of the ANSI B11 series, a family of standards focused on the safety of machinery and machine tools. Each standard addresses specific machines or safety principles. The goal of the ANSI B11 series of machinery safety standards is to devise and propose ways to eliminate or minimize risks of the potential hazards associated with the required tasks. This can be accomplished either by an appropriate machine design or by restricting personnel or other individuals’ access to hazard zones, and by devising work procedures to minimize personnel exposure to hazardous situations.

You can learn more about this series in our blog post: ANSI B11 Standards (Safety of Machinery).

Where to Find ANSI B11.3-2022

ANSI B11.3-2022 is developed by B11 Standards.

Please direct any technical questions relating to this American National Standard to the developer. You can find the contact information for all standard developing organizations (SDOs) here: Who to Contact for Standards Related Questions.

ANSI B11.3-2022: Safety Requirements for Power Press Brakes is available on the ANSI Webstore as well as in the following Standards Packages:

• ANSI B11. Machine Tools Safety Package
• ANSI B11.1 / ANSI B11.2 / ANSI B11.3 – Power Presses Package
• ANSI B11.1 / ANSI B11.3 / ANSI B11.19 – Mechanical Power Presses and Brakes Safety Package