Sheet metal should be bent carefully to avoid marks and ensure a smooth finish. Reputed sheet metal products manufacturers in Faridabad use various techniques to bend it in a way that no marks are formed during the process. On the contrary, many fabrication companies struggle to prevent marks and scratches as they bend sheet metal. What should they do to avoid these marks? What techniques are established fabricators using to provide seamless finish even as they bend and mould sheet metal? Why is it important to avoid these marks? Let’s find out!
Different Sheet Metal Bending Techniques
Here is a look at the popular sheet metal bending techniques being used by fabrication companies in Faridabad as well as elsewhere:
V-bending – This technique makes use of die and punch. The die used in the process is V-shaped and the punch is in the shape of a V-angle. The punch presses on the sheet metal into a V-die to give way to V-bending. This technique of bending metals is quite common. Fabricators have been using it since a long time.
U-Bending – In this technique, U-shaped punch and U-shaped die are used to bend the sheet metal. The process gives way to a U-shaped sheet metal. It is quite like the V-bending technique.
Wipe Bending – Wipe die is used in this bending technique. During the process, sheet metal is carefully placed inside the wipe die and pressure is applied on it. Furthermore, punch is used to bend the sheet.
Roll Bending – Three rollers and a hydraulic pressing system with a brake are used in this technique. Using these items, the sheet metal is bent into a curved shape.
Edge Bending – Edges often incur scratches at the time of bending and moulding sheet metal. Edge bending is a special technique that protects the edges while the metal is bent to form different shapes. It evens out the edges and renders a polished look.
Rotary Bending – This bending technique is used in cases where the sheet metal needs to be bent for more than 90 degrees. The process ensures bending without marks and scratches. Automobile sheet metal companies in Faridabad make use of this technique.
Tips to Bend Sheet Metal without Marks
Here is how you can bend the sheet metal without incurring marks:
Heat the Metal – Metals that are stiff and heavy may not bend as it is. It is essential to apply heat to them in order to bend them. Merely applying force to give them shape may damage them.
Use Bend Allowance – Before bending a metal, it is important to calculate its capacity to bend. The bending process must be carried out keeping the bend allowance into consideration.
Do not Bend to Sharp Internal Corner – This creates high internal stress which may lead to cracking of sheet metal. Thus, it should be avoided.
Customize Bending Technique Based on the Material
Marks incurred while bending sheet metal can ruin its aesthetic value and even hamper its functionality. This is why fabricators must use correct techniques to avoid marks as they bend sheet metal to create different components. A bending technique that works well on one type of sheet metal might cause damage to another. Thus, it is imperative to choose the bending technique carefully considering the metal in use. Let us learn which technique is apt for which type of material:
Copper – This material is highly malleable and can be bent with ease even when it is in its original state.
Aluminium – Annealing must be done to bend 6061 aluminium. It cracks and breaks if it is bent cold. 5052 aluminium is comparatively easier to bend. It does not break in the process yet you must take caution while bending it. Aluminium is best for lightweight applications.
Mild Steel – It can be bent when it is in its original state. Since it is highly malleable, you do not require heating it to give it the desired shape.
Bronze – It is essential to use heat to bend this metal. It is quite hard and bending it in its original state can damage it.
Carbon Steel – It is a commonly used sheet metal material. It is flexible yet strong and can be bent to form different components.
Stainless Steel – High power sheet bending machine must be used to bend this metal and create different components from it.
Conclusion
Different techniques are used to give shape to sheet metal and create different components. V-bending, U-bending, roll bending and edge bending are among a few techniques used to bend sheet metal. However, you cannot use these techniques as it is on different metals. Some metals require heating or annealing before bending in order to avoid cracks and breakage. The bending technique must be customized depending on the material being used. The aforementioned information should help identify which technique is appropriate for which type of metal. Do let us know if you require further assistance in this regard.
