Bending Machines, Die bending & Panel bending
Bending machines are a kind of metalworking machine. It allows the bending of sheet metal. A cornice brake only allows for simple bends and creases. Also, a box-and-pan brake also allows one to form box and pan shapes. People call this type of machine as a bending machine or bending brake or in Britain as a sheet metal folder or just a folder.
The bending machine (brake) consists of a flat surface onto which the material is placed. Likewise, a clamping bar will come down and hold the material firmly during the bend. This clamping action may be manual, automatic, or operated using a foot pedal. The front, gate-like, plate of the machine is hinged and may be lifted. Meanwhile, forcing the material extended over a straight edge to bend to follow the plate.
The bends can be to any angle up to a practical limit of about 120 degrees, somewhat more in the case of a bar folder. If the area to be bent is narrow enough, a sharper bend can be made by inserting the bend under the clamping bar and lowering it.
Normally, bending machines are used in conjunction with other fabrication machines such as cutting machines, rolling machines, Notchers, English wheels, bead rollers, and Shrinkers & Stretchers.
