What Is Sheet Bending
Sheet metal bending may sound simple in theory, but it is a very complex practice that requires technique and strength. In order to change the shape of the metal, a force has to be applied. This process involves deforming a sheet of metal to create a desired outcome. Some of the shapes include flanges and corrugations. Tools like press brakes and rollers are often used for metal sheet bending. Interestingly, the art of bending metal sheets originated from Leonardo da Vinci. However, his concept has been much improved and modernised since then, and other various methods have also been introduced in the iron steel industry.
Methods Of Sheet Metal Bending
There are several methods of bending. They include the following.
1. Roll Bending
Roll bending is one of the oldest techniques of sheet metal bending. However, this method has been improved in recent years for better outcomes. A set of rollers that rotate and bend the metal into a desired shape are used. Most curved shapes of the metal are a result of roll bending; other shapes include cones and tubes. Roll bending can be used to create longer sheet metal parts, such as tracks.
2. Rotary draw bending
This type of bending is almost similar to roll bending. However, the technique is different. In this process, a tube is clamped to the bend die, which is a rotating form die, and the other end is held firm by a pressure die. The size of the bend die determines the outcome. Rotary draw bending creates consistent bends, making it ideal for mass production in steel plants. It is also a cost-effective method for high bending volume.
3. Wipe bending
This methodology is also known as edge bending. The sheet is placed on a specialised tool with a shearing surface called a wipe die. A pressure pad is used to hold the metal sheet in place. After that, a punch is used to apply pressure to the sheet, causing it to bend, and the angle of the bend is controlled by the punch. Wipe bending is mostly used to create smaller profiles such as flanges, panel products and protective edges.
4. Air bending
In the steel-making process, air bending is one of the many methods that is used to shape the metal. It involves the use of a press brake that is equipped with a punch and a V-shaped die. The pouch applies pressure to the sheet metal causing it to change shape. This particular method has its merits that include flexibility, lower tonnage and less damage of the metal sheets. Demerits of air bending are springback and lower accuracy compared to other forms of bending.
All of the aforementioned methods of metal sheet bending have proven to be very effective; they are unique in their own way. The use of these different techniques depends on the type of metal and the expected outcome. Sheet metal bending is one of the common processes in the iron steel industry, and it has been evolving to keep up with the times and technology. BK Steel company is one of the best metal distributors that offer quality and excellence. They value quality over quantity; from them, you are guaranteed nothing but the best service.
