A forming press, commonly shortened to press, is a machine tool that changes the shape of a workpiece by the application of pressure. Presses can be classified according to

• their mechanism: hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic;
• their function: forging presses, stamping presses, press brakes,  punch press, etc.
• their structure, e.g. Knuckle-joint press, screw press
• their controllability: conventional vs. servo-presses