A press tool is a type of machinery used in manufacturing and fabrication. It applies force to materials, typically metal, to shape, cut, or form them according to specific designs. Press tools are commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics for creating parts and components.

Here's a breakdown of some common types and their functions:

1. Punch Press: This tool uses a punch to cut or shape material by forcing it through a die. It's often used for stamping holes or creating intricate shapes in sheet metal.

2. Hydraulic Press: This utilizes hydraulic cylinders to apply a large amount of force to compress or shape materials. It's versatile and can handle a wide range of tasks, from forging to molding.

3. Mechanical Press: This press uses a mechanical system, like a crank or flywheel, to apply force. It’s known for its speed and precision, making it ideal for high-volume production.

4. Reversible Press: This tool allows for the reversal of the die and punch, which can be useful for creating complex parts or performing multiple operations on a single machine.

5. Blanking Press: This is specifically designed to cut out flat shapes from a sheet of material, creating blanks for further processing.

6. Forming Press: This type of press is used to shape materials by applying force in a manner that molds them into specific forms, such as in deep drawing operations.

Press tools can be manual or automated, depending on the production requirements. The choice of press tool depends on factors like the type of material, the complexity of the part, and the production volume.