Sheet metal bending

Introduction to sheet metal bending

On this page:

• The metal bending process in Minifaber

• Aluminum bending

• Steel bending

• Ferrous material bending

• Stainless steel bending

• Copper Bending

• Custom sheet metal bending.  

Minifaber has more than 50 years of expertise in sheet metal bending: a cold metalworking process that involves a machine, called a press brake, which applies pressure to the flat sheet metal to obtain different shapes by means of a blade and a V-die.

Along with the shearing and stamping processes, metal bending is used on metal surfaces to obtain semi-finished products. It can be applied to different types of surface: we specialize in bending aluminum, stainless steel, iron and copper.

The metal bending process in Minifaber

At Minifaber, we perform sheet metal bending after a thorough project analysis and detailed conversation with the customer. The first step is to communicate with the customer to understand its needs. Only mutual feedback and a feasibility analysis of the project can form the basis of a good fabrication process.

We then proceed with the actual metal bending stage, which is completed with extreme precision, thanks to seven technologically advanced, state-of-the-art brake presses and the work of qualified personnel.

Specifically, the actual sheet metal bending process is done in several stages.  

• Programming the press brake: the press brake is controlled by a computer numerical control (CNC) system, so the coordinates and angles of the desired bends have to be programmed.

• Positioning the sheet metal: the sheet metal is positioned accurately on the press brake, aligning it with the programmed backgage. 

• Bending: the press brake exerts a force at the bending point on the sheet metal using a controlled blade or punch. The sheet is bent at a specific angle when the blade descends, according to the project specifications.

• Quality control: the sheet metal is checked for bend angle accuracy and integrity of the resulting shape. Measurement tools such as gages and protractors are available to ensure that specifications are met. Our presses are equipped with automatic bend angle control.

• Process repetition: if the project requires multiple bends or complex shapes, the process is repeated to achieve the desired final shape. Each successive bend takes account of the previous bends to maintain accuracy and alignment.

Metals and the bending process

Aluminum bending

Bending sheet aluminum is one of the simplest processes because of its well-known properties: malleability and lightness mean it can be bent as required by the customer, without causing defects. In addition, aluminum bending is a very versatile process that can be used to create a wide range of shapes and angles. We can make any bend shapes that customers request. 

Stainless steel bending

The most distinguishing property of stainless steel is its resistance to corrosion. Therefore, when bending steel, it is essential to take specific measures to achieve a consistently optimal result. Thanks to our fleet of state-of-the-art machines, we can work stainless steel as required by the customer.

It is particularly in demand in sectors such as food and medical because of its high corrosion resistance and hygienic qualities, and in the household appliance sector because of its aesthetic qualities. We perform stainless steel bending for these sectors.

Iron bending

Ferrous materials are the most common of all metals worked in industry. It is therefore easy to understand how they have an incredibly broad range of applications. Due to the combination of low cost and strength, ferrous materials (including coated) are proving indispensable among the metals worked by Minifaber. By bending ferrous materials, flat sheet metal can be transformed into semi-finished parts of different shapes. 

Copper Bending

Extremely high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance make copper one of the most sought-after metals for applications such as those in the electromechanical and automotive sectors. For these specific requirements, at Minifaber copper bending complements bending of other metals. In particular, its ductility and malleability means that copper bending can be carried out quickly and easily, while ensuring excellent results. 

Custom sheet metal bending 

Minifaber offers a custom sheet metal bending service. Our fabrication process is precise and highly customizable to ensure the best possible result, while adapting to customers' needs in terms of shape and size. 

Our experts will listen to your needs to understand how to exploit advanced bending techniques and technologies for a high-quality output that is in line with your requirements.