Sheet metal bending permanently deforms the metal through a bending action. It can be carried out with a specific procedure called press braking. This technique bends metal sheets with a special machine that works quickly and automatically, leaving the nature of the metal unchanged. The result is a flat semi-finished product that can be adapted to any use.
Press braking uses a press brake to produce flat, U-shaped or V-shaped semi-finished parts, depending on whether or not there is a radius at the bend. This process is mainly used on iron and aluminium, but can easily be applied to any ductile alloy. Cold bending, possible on most types of sheet metal, gives precise and repeatable bends.
During press braking, the outer fibres of the metal are stretched while the inner fibres are compressed, creating internal stresses. These internal stresses are known as “springback”.
Why does press braking matter?
Metal press braking is very important because it gives a material a new life. Through press braking, sheet metal can be turned into parts for household appliances, platforms, canopies and all kinds of furniture.