What is sheet metal bending?

Sheet metal bending is a specialist process used to form metal into various shapes and structures such as parts, enclosures, or brackets. Bends can range from just a few degrees to in excess of 90.

What metals can be used?

Commonly used metals in sheet bending include stainless steel, mild steel, copper, brass, and aluminium. These are chosen for their various attributes such as corrosion resistance, aesthetic appeal, and malleability.

Metal bending techniques and advantages

There are quite a number of different metal bending methods. The most-commonly used are probably V-bend, U-bend, air bend, bottom bend, and roll bend. Each of these have their own specific characteristics and advantages which makes them suitable for different requirements.

The main advantages of sheet metal bending are efficiency, accuracy, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

Metal bending machines

There are a number of commonly-used types of metal bending machines. These include press-brake machines, folding machines, rotary bending machines, CNC bending machines, and hand brake machines. All of these are able to bend different types of metal in different ways.

Bending machine experts

If you feel that your business could benefit from having a bending machine, specialists such as www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/euromac-bending-machines/horizontal-bending-machines/ can offer a range of choices, including several Euromac bending machines.

Which industries use metal bending, and what for?

Sheet metal bending is used in a variety of different industries for multiple purposes.

Automotive

Within the automotive industry, sheet metal bending is used to produce components such as car brackets and panels. The complex panel shapes are precision-designed to be both aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing.

Aerospace and Aviation

Aircraft support structures and panels have to be bent to precise angles to meet strict safety and performance standards.

Consumer goods and appliances

Bent metal parts provide the framework for appliances like refrigerators and ovens, whilst bending enables the production of numerous shapes and designs that meet consumer needs.

Construction and architecture

The sheet metal bending process is used in the manufacturing of various roofing and cladding products. You will often see curved metal on building facades.