Using a bending machine to bend sheet metal is very common in lots of different industries. In recent years, the need for bending machines has risen but alongside the increase in demand, there have been bending machines made of varying levels of quality. In this blog, we will explore what to look out for when choosing a bending machine.
Material Type and Thickness
The type of metal material (steel, aluminium, stainless steel etc.) and its thickness will determine the bending force and tonnage capacity required from the machine.
Different metals have different strength properties that make some harder or easier to bend than others. For instance, bending stainless steel requires more force than mild steel because stainless steel is stronger and gets even harder as you bend it.
The thickness of the metal piece also makes a big difference as the thicker the metal, the more resistance there is to bending it without causing any cracks or other defects. Thin metals are easier to bend smoothly into the right shape.
Controls and Programming
More advanced bending machines offer computerised controls, programming capabilities and integration with CAD/CAM systems for efficient setup and operation. The latest high-end bending machines have very advanced control systems with lots of smart features to make setup, operation and integration with other manufacturing systems more efficient and the bending process much quicker.
Bending Length and Capacity
The bending length is the longest piece of material the bending machine can bend in one movement. This length is important because it determines the maximum size of the part or component the machine can make in a single bending operation. If you require a horizontal bending machine, fabrication machinery specialists such as ww.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/euromac-bending-machines/horizontal-bending-machines can help.
Production Volume and Speed
If you have high-volume production needs, you may require a faster, more automated bending machine with higher throughput capabilities. If you need to produce high volumes of parts, the speed and throughput capabilities of the bending machine become really important. A slow machine may not be able to keep up with the high demand, causing delays and backups in production.