Last Updated on October 13, 2023 by assistant
Sheet metal fabrication is an important process in the forming of sheet metal products. Sheet metal processing actually has many processes. Depending on the actual sheet metal parts, the required processing technology is also different. Generally speaking, the sheet metal processing process includes design, procurement, planning, cutting (CNC stamping, laser cutting), bending, stamping, welding, grinding, surface treatment, spraying, silk screen, assembly, packaging, and other processes, to deliver goods. In the previous article, we talked about the five steps of sheet metal processing, including the bending process in sheet metal processing. Therefore, in this article, we mainly explain the bending process in sheet metal manufacturing.
Definition of the bending process
Sheet metal bending refers to using the mobility of pressure equipment (bending machine) to change the shape of the sheet to achieve the desired part appearance. The sheet metal bending process is an effective method to manufacture products of different shapes using different processes. Bending methods typically use jigs or dies to hold the workpiece in place and strategically apply force to areas of the workpiece. During this process, the volume of the metal plate does not change but is affected by the pressure. Process different groove shapes, such as V-shaped and U-shaped, to form the designed part graphics.
Sheet metal bending method
The most common methods of sheet metal bending include V-bending, roll bending, U-bending, wipe bending, flip bending, die clamping bending, and rotational bending. The different uses of sheet metal parts determine which bending method is used. Although each bending method operates differently, its ultimate goal is to convert cut sheet metal structures into customized graphics. Therefore, when performing sheet metal processing, the requirements for processing masters are very high, because they need to understand factors such as the thickness, bending radius, and bending size of bent sheet metal parts. At Ruitai Platform, we have many masters who are proficient in sheet metal bending technology and can meet the needs of the above processes.
The following is the sheet metal bending process shown by Ruitai. Through the graphic display, you can have a general understanding of sheet metal bending. Details are as follows:
Suspension bend
Suspension bending is the general term for V-shaped bending and U-shaped bending. It refers to placing sheet metal parts on the mold. At this time, there is a certain space between the workpiece and the sheet metal. When the punch moves downward, a force is exerted on the workpiece. Bend upward and form an angle. There is an inverse relationship between the depth and angle of the sheet metal mold. The deeper the punch presses the workpiece into the die, the smaller the angle becomes.
Mold clamping and bending
Mold clamping and bending refers to the process in which when the punch presses the workpiece completely into the die, there is no gap between the die and the workpiece. This process requires that the punch and die must be precisely aligned with each other until the machine tool control system reaches the set value. It ends when the angle gradually stabilizes and the workpiece cannot be pressed downwards. Mold clamping and bending is an important process to solve the problem of eliminating springback.
Flip bending
Guide the machining process through the coordination of upper and lower molds and experienced sheet metal fabrication operations. Flip bending is the most commonly used sheet metal process. The swing arm bending machine it is equipped with is in semi-automatic operation. Due to its flexibility and high speed, it has become an efficient processing method for low-volume sheet metal production.
Rotational bending
Rotational bending is an ideal bending method. The processing principle is to press the sheet metal workpiece placed on the platform into the required shape through the pressure rotation of the fixed mold. This processing technology is suitable for processing bends greater than 90 degrees. It has advantages over wipe bends or V-bends when working on workpieces, as it protects the surface of the workpiece material well and avoids serious scratches. 
Wipe bend
Wipe bending is another method used to bend metal edge panels. This process is to accurately push the sheet metal workpiece onto the wiping die through the interaction between the punch core and the wiping die. In this process, the trimming mold is mainly relied on, because it also plays an important role in determining the inner radius of the sheet metal bend.
Roll bend
Roll bending is a method of bending sheet metal into a rolled or curved shape. It can be used to form cones, tubes, and hollow shapes because it uses the distance between the rollers to create bends and curves. The process uses a hydraulic press, a press brake and three sets of rollers to perform different bends or large circle bends.
Summarize
The above is about the bending process in sheet metal processing. Sheet metal processing has never been easy. If you are looking for online metal bending services, then you should choose Ruitai, bending processing services, we are professional. If you are looking for an excellent sheet metal processing service provider, then you should choose Ruitai. We are at the top of the sheet metal fabrication industry. Contact us today, simply upload your files and we will contact you within 24 hours. If you are considering a quote fee then don’t worry, we offer you a free quote service.
Finally, we have prepared the following video process for you about sheet metal processing: