Patent ID: 8322173

Claim:
A method for utilizing a bending machine die layout with a bending machine, comprising: designating a die layout of the bending machine, the designated die layout being defined by existing arrangements of replaceable punches and replaceable dies installed on the bending machine; extracting, in the designated die layout, portions in each of which a punch and a die face overlapping to each other to be actually used for one of bending processes, as virtual die stages based on punch attachment positions and punch lengths of the punches, and die attachment positions and die lengths of the dies; assigning, by a calculation unit by using a sheet metal shape model of a bent workpiece planned to be made by the bending machine, bend lines on the sheet metal shape model corresponding to actual bend lines of the bent workpiece, to the virtual die stages; and utilizing the die layout of the bending machine, including the replaceable punches and the replaceable dies installed on the bending machine, for forming the bent workpiece.