Working sheet metal requires technical skills and specific procedures to achieve the best results. Among the most important bending techniques is press braking, a fast, automated process. This article takes a closer look at metal press braking, explaining how to calculate a sheet metal bend and determine the bend radius.
What is metal press braking?
Metal press braking is a process that bends sheet metal without altering its nature. It produces flat semi-finished parts that can be adapted to many industrial applications. At its heart is the press brake, a machine that can make permanent or temporary bends as required.
Press braking is a cold process involving highly ductile, malleable materials. During bending, the outer fibres of the metal are stretched and the inner fibres compressed, creating internal stresses known as “springback”.
Types of press braking
There are two main types: U-bending, with square corners, and V-bending, with acute angles. These processes apply to many metals, provided the material is ductile.
Metal press braking is very important in many industrial applications. It turns sheet metal into useful components for household appliances, platforms, canopies and furniture.
To calculate a sheet metal bend, several factors must be considered, such as the thickness and type of metal. The bend radius depends on the desired shape and the material’s properties. This parameter affects the flexibility and strength of the metal after bending.