Metal fabrication involves a wide range of processes, one of which is metal bending. Metal bending is the process that involves deforming a metal piece to an angle or shape different from its original form. There are several ways to achieve metal bending, but the most effective method for sheet metal is the use of Metal Bending Brakes.
What is a Metal Bending Brake?
A Metal Bending Brake is a machine used to bend and shape sheet metal. The brake can be used for a variety of bending applications, including forming box and pan shapes. The brake is also known as a bending machine or bending brake or in Britain as a sheet metal folder or just a folder. The tool is designed to apply even pressure to the material, enabling the metal to bend without cracking, splitting or causing damage to the metal.
Types of Metal Bending Brakes
Cornice Brake: The cornice brake is a basic metal bending brake used for simple bending and creasing. The brake uses a flat surface for bending the metal while the operator presses down on the metal with a bending bar to create the required angle.
Box and Pan Brake: The box and pan brake enable the creation of more complex bends and shapes. The brake uses removable fingers that are placed on the bed of the brake to enable the metal to be bent into various angles and shapes. The box and pan brake is also capable of creating enclosed shapes, such as boxes and pans, and can be used to create a wide range of shapes and forms.
Hydraulic Brake: The hydraulic brake is the most advanced and efficient type of metal bending brake. The brake uses hydraulic pressure to bend, shape and form the metal. The hydraulic brake is capable of bending thicker metals and creating sharper and more complex shapes.
Why use a Metal Bending Brake?
Accuracy: Using a metal bending brake ensures that the metal is bent according to the required angle or shape, resulting in a precise and accurate bend.
Efficiency: A metal bending brake is an efficient tool that enables quick and easy bending of sheet metal. The efficient tool reduces the amount of time and effort needed to achieve the desired bend, making it an ideal tool for small shops and large-scale manufacturing companies.
Versatility: The metal bending brake is capable of bending a wide range of metals, including aluminum, brass, copper, and various types of steel. The tool can also be used for a variety of bending applications, making it a versatile tool in metal fabrication.
Safety: Using a metal bending brake ensures the safety of the operator. The brake applies even pressure to the metal, reducing the risk of the metal folding or warping and causing injury to the operator.
Conclusion
The Metal Bending Brake is an essential tool for sheet metal fabrication. The brake enables accurate and efficient bending of sheet metal, reducing the amount of time and effort required to achieve the desired angle or shape. There are various types of metal bending brakes available, including the cornice brake, box and pan brake, and the hydraulic brake. Using a metal bending brake ensures that the metal is bent according to the required angle or shape, resulting in a precise and accurate bend. The brake is also versatile, capable of bending a wide range of metals and can be used for a variety of bending applications. Whether you're a small shop or part of a large-scale manufacturing company, a metal bending brake is an essential tool for efficient and accurate sheet metal fabrication.