What is a gooseneck punch?
A gooseneck punch has a deep, offset profile that sweeps back from the tip, so the punch body clears an upstand that has already been formed. It is the standard solution for return flanges, box sections and pan work.
When do I need a gooseneck punch?
Whenever a flange that has already been bent would collide with the straight body of a normal punch. The deeper the return flange, the deeper the gooseneck profile has to be.
| Situation | Profile needed |
|---|---|
| Shallow return flange | Standard gooseneck |
| Deep return flange | Deep or extra-deep gooseneck |
| Closed box section | Gooseneck plus a bend sequence that forms the middle first |
| Acute angle as well as reach | Acute gooseneck, accepting a lower load rating |
How much reach does a gooseneck punch have?
The reach is the horizontal distance the profile clears, measured from the tip back to the body. It has to exceed the height of the flange that will be in the way, plus a clearance for handling.
- Measure the flange that must clear the punch, then add clearance.
- The deeper the neck, the thinner the section and the lower the rated load.
- A deep profile also reduces the height available above the die.
- If no single punch clears the flange, change the bend sequence instead.
Why is a gooseneck punch rated lower than a straight punch?
The swept profile removes material from the section, so the same bending force is carried by a thinner neck. The tip and the neck both have a lower load per metre rating than the equivalent straight punch.
Can a gooseneck punch bend a closed box?
It can reach into the box, but a closed box usually also needs a bend sequence that forms the middle bends before the outer flanges. Where even that is not possible, a special punch or a different forming route is needed.
If the box has a very small internal dimension, no standard profile will reach, and the part has to be formed in more than one setup or made in pieces.
Related technical pages
Bend sequence and collision
When reach alone is not enough and the order has to change.
Press brake punches
All profiles, compared.
Tooling load calculator
Check the lower rating of a deep neck.
Hemming dies
Pre-bends that also need clearance over an upstand.
Next step
Send the flange depth and the machine details and we will recommend a gooseneck profile that clears it.
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