A metal sheet bending machine is a machine pressing tool for bending sheet and plate material, most commonly sheet metal. It forms predetermined bends by clamping the workpiece between a matching punch and die.
Types of Metal Sheet Bending Machine
There are two primary types of metal sheet bending machine: hydraulic and electronic.
Hydraulic press brakes are the oldest press brakes and as such are more common than their electronic counterparts. Hydraulic press brakes can handle the heaviest workloads. While 100-300 tons is the commonly found tonnage, they have been manufactured in sizes up to 3000 tons and 50 feet in length.
Electronic press brakes are less common than hydraulic press brakes as they are newer to the scene. However, they offer many features not found in hydraulic brakes. Being completely electronic, there is no need for hydraulic oil and therefore no oil leaks. Operating costs are further reduced as energy needs are lower because motors are not continuously run. Electric brakes tend to be more accurate, quicker, and smaller in size coming in under 50 tons, although machines can range in sizes up to 300 tons.
Press Brake Tooling
Tooling tolerances should be checked each time a punch and die are selected to use. Ensuring the tooling fits the manufacturer’s specifications is the operator’s responsibility, as well as making adjustments when necessary.
- Rocker-Type Dies: These dies bend metal by moving up-and-down and side-to-side.
- Gooseneck Dies: Used to clear rims that protrude from workpieces also known as flanges.
- V-Dies: Used for creating v-shaped bends.
- Acute-Angle Dies: Used to create acute, obtuse, and right angles.
- Seaming Dies: Create seams in sheets and tubes.
- Multiple Bend Dies: Made to form specific shapes. Depending on the project, these dies can form several bends in one motion.
- Curling Dies: Used to curl and coil the edges of sheets.
- Offset Dies: Punch and die sets that create two angles with a “Z” shape.