What is bending?
Bending is a metalworking process typically used to bend sheet metal or other metal workpieces into a desired shape along a straight line. This process bends metal to a desired angle or bend radius by applying pressure. Bending is one of the common methods for making metal parts and building metal structures.
Key elements of bending include:
1. Workpiece: The workpiece is usually a metal sheet such as steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc., although it can also be applied to other materials such as plastics.
2. Bending tools: Bending tools usually consist of an upper die and a lower die, which are used to clamp the workpiece and apply pressure to bend it. The shape and size of the upper and lower dies will vary depending on the desired bending angle and shape.
3. Bending force: Bending force is usually applied to the workpiece through hydraulic machinery, mechanical presses, or other types of mechanical devices to cause it to bend.
4. Bending radius: Bending radius refers to the curve radius required to bend the workpiece, which can be an acute angle or a larger arc, depending on the design requirements.
5. Angle control: It is very important to accurately control the bending angle. CNC bending machines or other precise equipment are usually used to ensure that the bending meets the design requirements.
Bending has a wide range of applications, and it can be used to manufacture a variety of products and components, including metal boxes, cantilever beams, chassis, body parts, steel components, etc. It plays an important role in industries such as manufacturing, construction, automotive manufacturing, electronics and aerospace.
Precision and quality control of the bending process are important to ensure the performance and appearance of the final product. Therefore, before bending, engineering planning and mold design are usually required to ensure that the bending operation meets the design requirements.
