Machine press
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A press, or a machine press is a tool used to work metal (typically steel) by changing its shape and internal structure.
A forge press reforms the workpiece into a three dimensional not only changing its visible shape but also the internal stucture of the material. A stronger part results from this process than if the object was machined
Bending is a typical operation performed and occurs by a machine pressing, or applying direct pressure, to the material and forcing it to change shape. A press brake is a typical machine for this operation
An easy to understand type of machine press is a set of rollers. Metal is fed into the rollers, which are turning to pull the material through. The space between the rollers is smaller than the unfinished metal, and thus the metal is made thinner and/or wider.
Another kind of press is a set of plates with a relief, or depth-based design, in them. The metal is placed between the plates, and the plates are pressed up against each other, deforming the metal in the desired fashion. This may be coining or embossing or forming
Machine presses are used extensively around the world for shaping all kinds of metals to a desired shape. A typical toaster (for bread) has a metal case that has been bent and pressed into shape by a machine press.
History
Machine presses started as a hand-held hammer banging away at a piece of metal to shape it to the desired form. Later, larger hammers were constructed to press more metal at once, or to press thicker materials. Adding wind or steam power allowed for stronger presses. Most modern machine presses use a combination of electric motors and hydraulics to achieve the necessary pressure.