Bending
- DeSta::Microcut
What is bending - interesting facts about one of the most important forming processes
Bending is one of the forming processes and is also known as bending forming. Bending is an important technology, especially in sheet metal processing. Defined bending angles and radii can be precisely achieved. The desired geometry, including bending angle and radius, can thus be achieved precisely. There is no thermal influence on the sheet metal, as this is a cold forming process. This increases the strength of the formed sheet metal parts. Sheet metal housings and brackets as well as angles and covers are among the most common applications for bending.
How exactly does the bending process work? As already mentioned, sheet metal bending is a cold forming process in which one surface of the sheet metal panel is formed at a previously defined angle to the opposite sheet edge. The process can be carried out manually, but CNC-controlled folding machines are generally used. The CNC machine carries out the bending process based on key production parameters. These parameters include, for example, the material, material thickness and bending radius. Other parameters are calculated by the machine itself and can be adjusted as required. These include pressing force, bending compensation value and working path. The radius is largely determined by the bending tool used. Special tools, so-called “Z-bending tools”, are used for bends in close succession. This enables CNC machines to guarantee consistent quality and contour accuracy of the bent parts, even for large quantities. The sheet metal lies between the tools during the bending process. By lowering the punch into the die, the sheet metal can be shaped at an exact angle. With the machines used, the punch and die can usually be easily exchanged in order to bend the desired angles and radii. Sheet metal bending offers many possibilities and is an integral part of many manufacturing processes.
What are the challenges of folding?
A CNC-controlled press brake is a highly sophisticated sheet metal processing machine. It is operated precisely by a CNC control system and is usually driven hydraulically. Careful adjustment of the required parameters and procedures is essential for a high-quality and reliable bending process. At DeSta::Microcut, the focus is on bending metal sheets that have previously been processed using laser fine cutting or water jet cutting.
Low-quality or poorly maintained systems can lead to vibrations during the forming process, leaking hydraulic components and inaccuracies in the finished workpieces. The latter can lead to a high level of rejects.
To avoid bending marks, the choice of the right bending punch and die and production parameters such as pressing force are crucial and must be selected depending on the material. Bending marks such as scratches and abrasions can thus be avoided. If too much and/or the wrong force is applied, the material can also break. This also increases the risk of injury to the employee. By setting the machine parameters as is usual in practice and using experienced employees, the risks mentioned are significantly reduced and almost eliminated.
In which industries is bending used?
Bending is an indispensable process in manufacturing as it is precise, versatile and cost-effective. The process is therefore used in many industries for the production of folded parts:
- Mechanical engineering: machine and device housings, sheet metal parts for switch cabinets and control systems, components for transportation systems, etc.
- Vehicle construction: body parts for cars, trucks and buses, sheet metal and add-on parts for commercial vehicles, trailers and superstructures, bus bars, etc.
- Medical technology: autoclaves, storage baskets, utensil baskets, components for medical devices, etc.
- Electrical engineering: pins, plug connections, conductors, device housings, sheet metal parts for distributors and control panels, etc.
- Construction industry: gutters and sheet metal covers, trapezoidal sheets for roofs and walls, façade elements, etc.
- Furniture industry: cabinets and shelves, table tops and frames, metal parts for furniture
- Apparatus engineering: measuring device and fitting housings, tanks and containers, etc.
- Aerospace: sheet metal parts for aircraft fuselages and wings, interior paneling, components for satellites, etc.
Customers benefit from precisely folded components with an optimum fit and low error rate. Bending is a process that also ensures more efficient production, as fast assembly, a high degree of automation and fewer rejects can be guaranteed. The precise CNC-controlled bending process also reduces the amount of reworking required and enables the production of high-quality components with a longer service life.
Which technologies are used for folding?
CNC-controlled bending machines are generally used for bending. DeSta::Microcut uses CNC machines with an extensive range of tools and auxiliary equipment. The maximum installation height of the CNC machine is 295 mm and the maximum length is 900 mm.
What advantages does bending offer for production at DeSta::Microcut?
DeSta::Microcut specializes in the rapid production of small and medium series as well as prototypes. The company has a wide range of common raw materials in stock in order to complete the entire production process as quickly as possible. In combination with its focus on small and medium series, DeSta::Microcut is therefore able to ensure short delivery times. Quality assurance measures such as measurement protocols and end-to-end batch traceability from the raw material to the finished product are an integral part of the production process.
What else is there to know about folding?
The DeSta::Microcut team consists of experienced and long-standing employees with many years of expertise and extensive know-how. DeSta::Microcut stands for absolute precision in 2D machining with high standards of cleanliness and smooth surfaces.
DeSta::Microcut is your contract service provider for folding and other services.
