Which tool is used to bend sheet metal?

Sheet metal bending machines come in a variety of types, designed for different kinds of bends and materials. Some of the most common machines used in sheet metal bending include:

1. Press Brake

Function: A press brake is a machine that bends sheet metal using hydraulic, mechanical, or electric power. It has a V-shaped die and punch where the sheet metal is pressed to create precise bends.

Types:

Hydraulic Press Brake: Uses hydraulic power to apply force on the sheet metal.

Mechanical Press Brake: Uses mechanical components for the bending operation.

CNC Press Brake: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are programmable and capable of highly accurate, complex bends.

2. Folding Machine

Function: This machine clamps the metal and then lifts it along a predefined angle to create the bend. It’s often used for larger or longer sheet metal pieces.

Advantage: Provides high accuracy, especially for large panels.

3. Roll Bending Machine

Function: This machine bends metal into curved or cylindrical shapes by passing the sheet metal between rollers.

Types:

Three-Roll Bending Machine: Most common, with three adjustable rolls.

Four-Roll Bending Machine: Provides more control over the rolling process.

4. Slip Roll Machine

Function: Similar to the roll bending machine but generally used for smaller projects and thinner metal sheets. It creates smooth curves or cylinders.

Types: Manual, electric, and hydraulic slip roll machines.

5. Box-and-Pan Brake (Finger Brake)

Function: Used for creating box shapes by adjusting removable fingers. The segmented “fingers” allow for more flexible bending configurations than a standard brake.

6. Section Bending Machine

Function: A specialized type of bending machine used for bending metal beams, channels, or sections into curved shapes.

7. Swing Beam Shear

Function: Primarily a cutting machine, but some variations also allow for limited bending operations.

8. Wiping Die Bending Machine

Function: This machine uses a punch and a die. The sheet is placed in the die, and the punch applies pressure to form the bend.

9. Air Bending Machine

Function: Bends metal by pressing it between a punch and a die with a gap in between. The depth of the punch determines the angle of the bend.

10. V-Bending Machine

Function: Uses a V-shaped die and punch to create sharp or shallow bends. This is one of the most common bending methods.

These machines vary in terms of precision, power, and the type of metal or thickness they can handle. The choice of machine depends on the type of material, the desired bend, and the production scale.