Dobra de chapa metálica: guia básico e dicas

Sheet Metal Bending: Basic Guide and Tips

Sheet Metal Bending

Sheet metal bending is one of the most basic manufacturing processes in sheet metal processing. It is also sometimes simply referred to as bending, folding, bending, or sharpening. Sheet metal bending is the deformation of a workpiece to bring it to a specific desired geometry.

Since the growing demand for customized products, sheet metal has expanded its scope. Sheet metal bending involves several processes and requires several techniques before a product takes its original shape. This article describes in detail all the necessary bending methods and processes. Before we delve into the processes, let's look at the basic definition of sheet metal bending.

What is sheet metal bending?

Sheet metal bending is a method of bending/shaping sheet metal to produce a product with a specific geometry. It is also a fundamental process for the production of stamped metal parts. Using a sheet metal bending machine, a force is applied to a part to change its geometry and obtain a product of the desired shape. The process is not as simple as it seems, however there are certain dimensions and rules that must be followed when performing a sheet metal bending operation, such as: How to check the product material, calculate the K factor, metal shape and much more . The malleability of the metal makes it very special for bending operations.

In the manufacturing industry, there are several machines that perform bending work. A machine may use different bending methods to perform the same job. All products that require bending in their manufacturing process go through the same methods, which are explained in more detail in this article. Let's dive right into sheet metal bending techniques.

What are the common methods for bending sheet metal?

All sheet metal parts have the same purpose, which is to bend a sheet of metal to obtain a specific product shape. However, these methods differ in the way they are carried out. These different types of sheet metal bending are carried out with the help of machines. Different sheet metal bending processes differ in bending angle and bending radius with the same objective along with standard techniques that ensure not only precise working performance but also an aesthetically better product of the part. Below are some of the most important bending methods and types in sheet metal processes.

1. V-Bend

V-bending is the most commonly used sheet metal bending process. Machine tools called dies and punches are used. The die used in this bending process is a V-shaped die while the punch is also V-shaped. The punch presses the sheets into a V-shaped die and this is how the V-bend of the sheet is achieved. V-curvature

2. Roll folding

In this sheet metal bending technique, sheets are bent into curved shapes. This technique uses the criterion of bending sheets using rollers, which uses three rollers, a hydraulic press system and a brake. The distance between the three rollers allows the manufacturer to bend the sheets into curves. Roll folding

3. U-Bend

U-bending is the same as the V-bending process. This process uses a U-shaped punch along with a U-shaped die. The only difference between V-bending and U-bending is that the resulting sheet metal is shaped U shape instead of V shape. U-curve

4. Rotational flexion

The spin bending process is used whenever a bend of more than 90 degrees is required. It can also be considered similar to V-bending, but the result in this process is more uniform and aesthetic because the sheet metal bending machine used in this process does not scratch the sheet surface. Rotary folding

5. Edge Fold

This sheet metal edge bending technique helps the manufacturer to bend the edges without damaging them. The sheet metal edge bending method is most often used on sections of sheet metal that are shorter than the rest of the metal part. It helps eliminate sharpness in corners and improves the aesthetic appearance of the result. Edge fold

6. Clean the fold

This bending method uses a cleaning tool. The sheet is carefully placed into the cleaning tool and pressure is applied to the sheet with a pressure pad. The stamp is then used to create the desired bend in the sheet metal. Clear Fold

Some techniques for sheet metal bending processes are explained above. These are just some basic techniques to provide an overview of these methods. On the other hand, each of these methods is divided into relevant categories. Let us now focus on the material requirements for a sheet metal bending process.

What materials are suitable for sheet metal bending processes?

You cannot bend an elastic-plastic material in a press brake. If you try, you may also damage your machine. Special care is required when selecting materials that will be subjected to sheet metal bending in the manufacturing process. Let's look at some of the good materials recommended for sheet metal forming and bending.

    These are some of the best materials used in various sheet metal bending processes. Carbon steel is the most commonly used material among the above materials. There are many other metals that can be useful in the bending process. However, be sure to do thorough research before choosing the material.

    Sheet Metal Bending

    Tips for bending sheet metal

    To ensure that metal bending goes smoothly, we will give you some tips that you can consider in your sheet metal bending techniques.

    Take advantage of flex tolerance

    Bending tolerance is a property of metal that indicates how far it can be bent. We recommend that you perform bend tolerance calculations to determine the length of sheet metal required for a bend with a specific angle and radius. Taking bending tolerance and bending force into consideration during the manufacturing process will provide a cleaner product result. You also receive a precisely flattened production model.

    Use heat for thick/strong curves

    Some metals have a tendency to break or crack when bent under force. Such metals require the application of heat rather than force to achieve the desired bend in the sheet. Hot forming and annealing are two technical terms when it comes to bending using heat. Annealing helps soften a metal – making it more flexible. Hot bending, on the other hand, simply uses heat until the metal turns red and then applies force to bend it. These tricks greatly reduce the risk of metal breaking and cracking.

    Bending Sheet Metal Parts

    Do not bend to a sharp inner corner

    Sharp folds of the inner corners mean greater internal stresses. Even though the metal is ductile and malleable, it can eventually crack. This problem can be largely avoided if you take the radius of the bending tool into consideration. You should slowly work back and forth between the fold lines until the sheet is bent to the desired angle. Pay attention to the internal radius of curvature, which must correspond to the thickness of the sheet to be formed. An example: If you bend a metal sheet with a thickness of 3 mm, the inner bending radius should also be 3 mm. The same applies to the curvature angle, which means it cannot be greater than the total thickness of the sheet.

    These are some tips you should keep in mind when bending sheet metal. If you follow all the tips above, you will be able to produce a product more efficiently.

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