FOCUS ON FOLDERS
The Schröder Group.
“ Folders can produce an aesthetically pleasing product without tearing, stretching or cutting. Users can curve and fold fascinating and elegant shapes from a single sheet of material.”
THE FOLDING FACTOR
We unveil a selection of the latest new global CNC folding innovations, technologies and software.
Sheet metal folders excel in precise, complex bends with fewer set-up and tooling changes. They are particularly suitable for the manufacture of components such as roofs, pans, trays and lids. New models, with greater capabilities and features, are continuously being launched into the market.
Folders create a scratch-free outcome. A metal folder‘ air-bends’, meaning that the machine system doesn’ t bottom or coin the material. Because of this, there is little to no wear in tooling for most folding applications. They can produce an aesthetically pleasing product without tearing, stretching or cutting. Users can curve and fold fascinating and elegant shapes from a single sheet of material. They are designed to make precise and consistent folds, saving time and effort, as well as processing a variety of sheet metal materials of varying thicknesses.
Folders feature an integrated support back gauge that holds up the weight of the items for the operator. There is no need for operators to push large sheets through from the front. The bending technique also makes it easier for operators to bend multiple set-up parts that would typically call for additional manual interference.
For items using thin materials that are long and wide with short flanges, folders are a good fit. This is because they allow the material to rest on the folder bed for easier handling. 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 can bend all angles with a single set of tools. The machine automatically adjusts to the material thickness. Higher automated folding machines come with an automatic tool-changer.
90 | ismr. net | ISMR October 2025