Metal Bending as a Process of Sheet Metal Forming
The most basic characteristic of the processes involving sheet metal forming is its capability of applying force to a piece of sheet metal in order to change its shape rather than get rid of any kind of matter from it. Whenever the force is applied to the piece of sheet metal, there is an accompanying disturbance on its yield strength. Because of the applied force, the material becomes deformed and thus stretching and bending of the sheet into the desired geometry, whatever it is, become possible.
There are various processes of sheet metal forming. One of the most common processes is metal bending in which the concept of applying a force to the piece of sheet metal is valid. As the piece of sheet metal is bent at a particular angle, the shape that is preferred is achieved. A single operation of metal bending can be done in order to trigger twisting along one alignment. On the other hand, a sequence of many varying operations can be carried out if an intricate part is desired.
Parts that underwent the process of metal bending vary when it comes to size. There are bent parts that are as small as a bracket, and there are bent parts that are as large as a chassis. Apart from size, there are also other parameters that relate to the bent part such as bend line, bend length, bend angle, bevel angle, and mold line distance.
The sheet metal, when executed with metal bending experiences compression and tension. There is a stretching of the outside section of the sheet metal due to tension. Conversely, there is a shortening of the inside section of the sheet metal as a consequence of compression. But then again, there is a section of the sheet metal wherein neither compression nor tension is in power—it is the neutral axis which bounds the section of the inner portion and the outer portion. Because of the absence of tension and compression on the middle section of the sheet metal, its length stays the same.
One typical machine used in order to execute metal bending is known as press brake. This is a machine that Williamsburg Metal considers as one of its competent machines because of its capability on making the bending process possible. There are several types of press brakes depending on the size. Taking into consideration the given specification, there is a proper press brake for the desired result.
The press brake has to components: the punch and the die. The punch is the upper tool of the press brake while the die is the lower tool. The sheet metal is usually placed between the punch and the die. The die functions as a holder of the sheet metal in place while the punch works as the applicator of the forces bending the sheet metal.
The use of press brake is just one of the many capabilities of Williamsburg Metal whenever the subject is about sheet metal forming. With its rich resources and equipment needed, Williamsburg Metal is equipped on performing many operations.