Bending is a metalworking operation in which a metal blank is deformed into the required three-dimensional shape. Sheet, strip and round stock can be bent at an angle and to a specified radius to form curves of various shapes, such as angles, loops and brackets.
Sheet metal bending is performed on specialized press brakes. By operating principle, metal-bending machines can be divided into several types:
- Universal. With this machine, the sheet is placed in a fixed die and shaped with a punch. Punches are made in several forms and sizes, for example with different angles. The die usually has an angle-shaped groove.
- Swivel. This machine consists of a crossbeam, also called the bending beam, a bending beam and a back gauge. The clamping beam fixes the metal sheet to the frame, while the bending beam performs the bend and serves as the machine main working element.
- Rotary. This equipment may include several shafts or rolls that rotate around their axes. The working rolls can also move vertically. The metal sheet is placed between the rolls, and moving them vertically adjusts the bending radius. After passing between the rotating rolls, the sheet takes the required shape.
