Searching for plate forming NC press machines.

[vineethn88]

Hi
I am searching for information about NC press machines* which can be used for plate forming. eg: press machines for forming 3-d curvatures plates used in ship building.
I have heard that such pressing machines are quite common in European yards.
Kindly refer to some site or person ,which could be helpful for me .

*By saying NC controlled 3-d press machines i just indicate a pressing machine which can press and form 3-d curvatures of steel plates by inputting curve forms digitally.
if there is any apt term used for such machine please tell me that too.

[wardd]

are you referring to a drop hammer or press brake?

using a drop hammer is an art not easily digitized

[vineethn88]

I'm actually searching whether there is any alternative for "line heating" method.
I've come across a info that in European yards such complex 3D curvatures are made from hydraulic pressing machines.
I feel that the brake press machine is used for shaping 2-D curvatures in plates.
Isn't it ?
In some documentary also i came across such a shape forming machine .
A ship building documentary. A portion of a bulbous bow was under construction. A plate was placed in the machine in between two dyes (male & female dyes) then the hydraulic pressing is carried out.
I'm looking for information of that machine.

[wardd]

yes a press brake bends sheet and plate

were the dies circular in form one male and one female?

that would be new to me