WHAT IS METAL FOLDING?
Metal folding is a way of quickly forging large metal products into a desired shape using powerful machinery. The process involves applying force to sheet metal to create specific shapes and components.
Metal folding is a widely used process used to fabricate a wide range of beams, joists, parallel flange channels and other structural metals. Metal folding can be performed using a variety of bending techniques and equipment, including manual folding, brake pressing, and roll forming. Manual folding is typically done by hand using a bending tool, while brake pressing and roll forming use specialised machines to fold the sheet metal. Selecting the appropriate techniques and equipment is essential for achieving precise results in different sheet metal folding projects.
METAL FOLDING PROCESS
CNC press brakes, a type of press brake used for metal folding, allow us to provide our metal bending services. Known as one of the most common methods for bending steel, the material is placed on top of a V-shaped die whilst a powerful punch head forces it to fold into the die’s angle. Air bending is a common technique used with press brakes, allowing for adjustable bend angles and less tool wear. CNC press brakes are highly accurate and precise, allowing for reliable bends and complex shapes to be produced with maximum consistency. CNC press brakes are used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing.
The system of CNC press brakes enables operators to achieve accurate results by manipulating the geometry of the sheet metal and accounting for factors such as bend radius, material thickness, and load. Applying pressure in a controlled manner is essential, and the area of contact (matter) between the folding blade and the workpiece affects the precision of the bend. The degree of the bend and the bend radius are calculated based on the material thickness and the desired outcome.
METALS THAT CAN BE FOLDED
Steel
Steel offers incredible strength properties which can be used to provide support for different building structures such as RSJ beams. Mild steel is a popular choice for metal folding due to its workability and cost-effectiveness. Stainless steel is also frequently used, especially when corrosion resistance and durability are required. Its strength and durability make it the ideal metal for construction
Aluminium
Aluminium is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it the perfect metal where weight reduction is important such as in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Copper
Due to copper being resistant to corrosion with excellent conductivity properties, it’s frequently used in electrical wiring and plumbing. It’s also commonly used for decorative purposes.
Brass
Brass is typically used where corrosion resistance and applications that require low friction are required such as locks, gears, valves and bearings.
