Stainless Steel Bending
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- ISO 9001:2015
Press brake forming is a metal fabrication process that utilizes a press brake machine to bend flat sheet metal into a desired shape. This process involves applying force between a punch (upper tool) and a die (bottom tool), allowing for the creation of linear bends in various metal materials and thicknesses. To ensure precision and repeatability, all press brakes are equipped with CNC controllers for accurate part positioning. This method is particularly effective for producing components such as U-bends, flanges, channels, and internal bends. Lead times for qualified formed parts can be as short as three days.
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In this guide to CNC machining, you’ll learn how to create efficient, manufacturable metal and plastic parts for prototyping and production.
Sheet Metal Forming Design Guidelines and Capabilities
For consistent quality and efficient production times of formed sheet metal parts, please follow these guidelines:
| Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| Maximum Bend Length | 165.00 in.(4191mm) |
| Minimum Qualifying Part Size | 0.05 in. x 0.05 in. (12.7mm x 12.7mm) for formed parts |
| Maximum Pressing | 200 tons |
| Bend Angles | 1 degree ‘kick’ to 135 degrees |
| Bending Output | Linear bends --external and internal flanges |
| Maximum U-Channel Ratio | 2:1(width:height) |
| Internal Radius Tooling Options | 0.01 in. to 1 in.(standard tooling increments) |
| Offsets | Standard offset tooling sizes |
| Hems | Closed hems up to 47 in.(1193.8mm) |
Sheet Metal Materials and Thicknesses for Formed Parts
It is worth noting that the thickness of different metal materials leads to variability in maximum bending capacity
| Material | Grade | Thicknesses Available |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 5052; 6061 | 0.025 in. - 0.025 in. (0.635mm - 6.35mm) |
| Steel | 1018; 4140; 1045; 4130; A514 | 0.025 in. - 10.000 in. (0.635mm - 25.4mm) |
| Stainless Steel | 304 - 2B; 304; 316 - 2B | 0.025 in. - 0.65 in. (0.635mm - 16.51mm) |
| Copper | C1010; C1100 | 0.025 in. - 0.125 in. (0.635mm - 3.175mm) |
| Brass | C260 | 0.125 in. - 0.125 in. (0.635mm - 3.175mm) |
Applications for Press Brake Formed Parts
Press brake forming is a common manufacturing process in the construction materials, food processing equipment, chemical equipment, automotive parts, and energy industries. Common laser cut parts include:
- brackets
- busbars
- covers
- panels
- mounts
- housings
- enclosures
Resources
We stock more than 30 production-grade plastic and metal materials that are suitable for various part applications and industries.
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