Sheet metal bending is the process of applying a force to a sheet of metal to produce a radius. The most common way to achieve this is a press brake. The process involves deforming the metal to an angular shape through the application of force on a workpiece, which must exceed the material’s yield strength to achieve plastic deformation. There are several methods of sheet metal bending, including roll bending, V-bending, U-bending, rotary bending, edge bending, and wiping.
Types of sheet metal bending
Roll bending
V-bending
U-bending
This unique sheet metal forming process uses sets of rollers that feed (and bend) the metal stock to the desired curvature. Roll bending can form metal sheets into various cross-section profiles, consisting of several bending curves.
This method employs a V-shaped die and a punch to bend metals at desired angles. The V-shaped punch forces the sheet metal workpiece into the “V-shaped” groove in the die, forming sheet metals with different bend angles.
This method is similar to V-bending, but instead of a V-shaped die, a U-shaped die is used. The punch presses the sheet metal workpiece into the U-shaped groove in the die, forming sheet metals with different bend angles.
Rotary bending
Edge bending
Wiping
This method involves rotating the sheet metal around a central axis while applying pressure to bend it. It is commonly used for forming cylindrical or conical shapes.
Also known as wipe bending, this method is used to bend sheet metal edges. The sheet is properly pushed onto the wipe die, and the slack between the wipe die and the punch plays an important role in getting a good result.
This method is similar to edge bending, but instead of bending the edges, the sheet metal is bent along its length. The sheet is properly pushed onto the wipe die, and the slack between the wipe die and the punch plays an important role in getting a good result.
Selecting a bending service provider
- Technical Expertise: Look for a provider with solid technical expertise in various bending techniques and a proven track record of delivering high-quality products.
- Advanced Technology: Choose a service that utilizes the latest technology like MCY’s laser-guided precision and 3D printing capabilities to enhance precision and efficiency.
- Customization Capabilities: Ensure the provider can deliver customized solutions tailored to your specific needs, whether for automotive, aerospace, or HVAC applications.
- Quality Assurance: Opt for a service with robust quality control measures to ensure every bend meets the highest standards.
- Pricing and Value: Evaluate the pricing structure while ensuring you get high-quality services and products at competitive prices.