Folding vs. Bending

1
Folding vs. Bending

• A Better Way!

2
Bending

• Gauge the Flange
• Sheet overhangs out front of the press.
• Operator supports material.
• Semi-skilled operator involved.

3
Bending
R a m
Side Frame

• Penetration of the ram and
• angle of the tooling determines
• the degree of bend.

4
Disadvantages of Bending
Different bottom dies are needed for material
thickness changes.
1/2 opening
1 opening
16 Gauge
11 Gauge
Rule of thumb 8 times material thickness
5
Disadvantages of Bending

• Gauge the Flange
• Sheet has to be held during the bending process
• Sheet has to be supported
• Operator fatigue
• Bending marks on polished materials

6
Disadvantages of Bending
Two operators are needed for long parts Whip-up
or back bending can occur
RAM
7
Disadvantages of Bending
Tolerances are accumulated during the bending
process
RAM
RAM
1.990
2.000
90 deg.
89 deg.
8
Folding Components
Backgauge
9
Folding
Position the part
Backgauge
10
Folding Action
Backgauge
11
Folding Action
Clamp the part
Backgauge
12
Folding Action
Fold the part
Backgauge
Folding Beam
13
Folding Action
Fold complete
Folding Beam
Backgauge
14
Folding Action
Speed optimizer can decrease run time as much as
15
Backgauge
Folding Beam
15
Folding Action
Bottom of bend Backgauge Fingers drop down so
operator can rotate the part.
Backgauge
16
Folding Action
Bottom of bend Backgauge Fingers drop down so
operator can rotate the part.
Backgauge
17
Folding Action
Bottom of bend Backgauge Fingers drop down so
operator can rotate the part.
Backgauge
18
Folding Action
Ready for next bend
Backgauge
19
Folding Action
Backgauge
20
Folding Action
Backgauge
21
Folding Action
Backgauge
Folding Beam
22
Folding Action
Folding Beam
Backgauge
23
Folding Action
Backgauge
Folding Beam
24
Folding Action
Backgauge
25
Advantages of Folding

• Sheet is not held by operator.
• No operator fatigue
• Material supported by Backgauge
• Operator only positions the part. No hands, no
  involvement

26
Advantages of Folding
No die changes for material thickness'
Backgauge
27
Advantages of Folding
No die changes for material thickness'
Backgauge
28
Advantages of Folding
No die changes for material thickness'
Backgauge
29
Advantages of Folding
No die changes for material thickness'
Backgauge
30
Advantages of Folding
No die changes for material thickness'
Backgauge
31
Advantages of Folding
No die changes for material thickness'
Backgauge
32
Advantages of Folding

• More Accurate Parts made with less experienced
  operator.
• Flat Pattern parts do not have to be exactly
  square.
• Less operators needed for large parts.
• Material thickness variations do not effect
  angles as much as Press Brakes.