Metal bending plays an important role in many industrial settings. If you are looking into metal bending to help your business, there are a number of things that you should be aware of and that you should consider.
Which materials are suitable for bending?
Some of the most commonly used sheet metals for bending include mild steel, 5052 aluminium, copper, brass and titanium.
Mild steel is a very malleable material and it is usually easy to bend cold without any issues.
5052 aluminium is one of the best kinds of aluminium to use for bending. It is unlikely to crack or wear, has good corrosion resistance, high malleability, and a medium to high strength.
Copper is super malleable, easy to bend, corrosion-resistant, durable, sustainable and aesthetically appealing.
Brass is fairly malleable and simple bends should not be a problem.
Titanium is a super-strong material but can be bent. Bear in mind that it will need a larger internal bend radius to avoid cracking, and it needs to be overbent due to having a low modulus of elasticity.
Experts in bending machines
If you would like professional assistance or would like to know more, there are a number of specialists with expertise in bending and bending machines who can help.
CNC technology is here to help
CNC technology in metal bending is able to ensure increased precision and significantly speed up production. It is especially useful for high-volume, repetitive projects, and is much faster than manual setups. It helps to reduce waste/save materials which enhances sustainability, and is also considered safer.
Importance of bend direction and angle
The choice of bend direction and angle are extremely important factors. They can affect the function, overall quality, and look of parts/components.
Don’t bend to inside corners
Bending sheet metal to a sharp internal corner adds significant internal stress, even when using materials which are malleable. This can cause cracking or weakening. This can be avoided by ensuring the inside bend radius on the tool is adequate.
