A Beginner’s Guide to Sheet Metal Bending: What You Need to Know

Date Posted:6 March 2023

Sheet metal bending is common in many forms of industrial fabrication, and it is important to understand the principles and processes involved in using the technology effectively. This article acts as a guide to sheet metal bending, outlining the essential information you must know.

What Is Sheet Metal Bending?

Sheet metal bending is the process of forming a flat sheet of metal into a desired shape, such as a corner, a curve, or an angle. It is achieved by applying mechanical pressure at specific locations across the metal, usually with the use of a press brake.

This process is often used to create complex three-dimensional shapes that would have otherwise been difficult or even impossible to form.

The Benefits of Sheet Metal Bending

Reduced Cost of Production: Sheet metal bending helps to keep costs down by using fewer materials and fewer labour hours.
Enhanced Precision: Quality control can be dramatically improved by using a press brake to form complex shapes accurately.
Improved Aesthetics: By forming professional-looking bends and curves, a product can be given a much more attractive appearance.

Types of Sheet Metal Bending

1. Air Bending

Air bending involves a tool to compress a metal piece into a desired shape. It consists of a V-shaped slot where the metal is inserted and squeezed into the desired angle. This technique is the most common and is used to form precise angles.

2. Coining

This is a specialized form of bending where the sheet metal is forcibly pressed against a die at very high pressure. It is used to form sharper bends with tighter radii than air bending allows and to provide more precise control over the bend angle.

3. Bottoming

In bottoming, the sheet metal is pressed against the bottom of the press brake die. This is an excellent choice for creating tight bends with minimal tooling.

Selection of Sheet Metal

When selecting sheet metal for bending, choose one suitable for the job. The type of metal used will depend on the design requirements, including the strength and stiffness of the product, as well as the strength versus weight ratio and cost.

Common materials include stainless steel, aluminium, and mild steel, but other metals such as brass, copper, and titanium are also used. You may also need to consider the thickness and gauge of the sheet metal, as this will affect the bendability and quality of the bends.

Press Brake Tooling

When sheet metal is bent, pressure must be applied in specific areas to achieve the desired shape. This is achieved with press brake tooling, tools used in the press brake machine. Standard tools may include punches and die, both of which come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes for different applications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When bending sheet metal, you must take precautions to avoid common mistakes. These include the following:

Overbending: This can cause the metal to crack or break.
Tooling Damage: Always check the tooling for signs of wear and tear before use.
Poor Lubrication: Dry or insufficient lubrication can lead to inaccurate bending.
Poor Workpiece Setup: It is essential to ensure the workpiece is positioned correctly on the press bed before bending.

Conclusion

Sheet metal bending is an essential part of the fabrication process and is used to create various shapes. This beginner's guide discusses some of the basics of the process, including the types of bends, selection of sheet metal, and tooling. Additionally, you must be aware of common mistakes to avoid when using a press brake. With this knowledge in mind, you should be well-equipped to start bending sheet metal.

National Welding and Industrial Supplies is committed to providing the best welding parts and industrial supplies. We carry a variety of tools and equipment that can help you with your next sheet metal bending job. Call our welding supply store at 02 96045222 for more details!

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