BENDING AND FOLDING
THE FOLDING FACTOR
We highlight a selection of the latest new global folding innovations in the market .
“ Flanges are bent to the correct angle with flat tooling that eliminates scratching or sliding on the workpiece .”
Sheet metal folding machines ( folders ) are a valuable addition to any fabrication shop , giving a sheet metal product its shape . Fast , efficient and precise , they service a range of industry sectors for many different products and project types . Customers are generally prepared to invest in folding machines with high uptimes and low levels of maintenance that deliver parts safely ; consistently deliver accurate parts with the smallest possible tolerances and deliver parts at low operational cost .
Folders are easily identified by their large support tables and swinging ‘ folding beam ’
material is clamped , the iconic swing-beam folding arm will drive in an arc , carrying the flange to the desired angle . On manual machines , this referencing happens for each bend ; on semi-automated systems , this reference step happens only once per side ; on fully automated solutions , this reference occurs only once per part ,” explained folding specialist , RAS .
Folders are easily identified by their large support tables and swinging ‘ folding beam ’, which bends the flange while the workpiece remains flat on the support table . These machines are suitable for many scenarios , especially for large blanks that would otherwise be difficult to handle .
“ Folding machines operate in a similar way as historic hand brake bending . Depending upon the level of automation , a workpiece is referenced against CNC-controlled backstops that are nested in the support table . A clamping axis , called the upper beam , is driven by servo-electric motors to a specific position to hold the blank in place . Once the
Flexible applications
There are many levels of folding machines , but all of them follow the same sequence for air-bending a desired angle : position - > clamp - > bend . The process is perfect for flexible applications because the tooling is not specific to the material thickness or angle required . “ Universal ” tool geometries allow for unlimited angle possibilities and are rated up to the maximum machine capacity and height . These tools should last for many years because of the unique process of swing-beam folding . Flanges are bent to the correct angle with flat tooling that eliminates scratching or sliding on the workpiece . Not only does this equate to better quality parts , but it also means that there is almost zero tool wear .
There are several types of folding machines . On systems equipped with segmented clamping tools , a new part can be set up by rearranging the tool segments on the tool rail . Machines without automatic tool changers still simplify the set-up process by advising the operator where to put tool stations . This common tooling allows for rapid changeover between parts and makes it easy for a single employee to program , operate and set up the machine for any compatible part .
The clamping tool of a folder enables the folding beam to form an acute angle bend
50 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR April 2021