The Problem
When bending flat parts the operator will often come across several obstacles:
- They hit the short leg and hold the weight of the blank outside the machine.
- When bending, both legs leave the support plane.
- After bending, the operator must support the weight of the part and guide the sheet metal back down.
- When working with large components or thin and buckling-sensitive bent parts, two to three operators are quickly required to assist and avoid damage, which is reflected in higher unit costs.
- Sometimes a crane may even be required for large and heavy sheets.
The constant hitting of each individual bend, the manual turning of the blanks when changing the bending direction and the slow raising and lowering of the sheets considerably increase the bending times and the costs per part.
What’s more, the synchronous lifting of the sheets requires great skill on the part of the operators in order to prevent reverse bending in the die area.
We’ve heard many stories of human error caused by fatigue and poor concentration throughout the day because of the physical toll this can take. Even experienced operators can make mistakes that lead to wastage.
Many operators complain of shoulder and joint pain from the constant lifting motion. A shortage of skilled workers can also make it difficult to find or train good and experienced benders.
There has to be a better way, surely?
The Solution – Swivel Bending
This bending process is perfect for flat bent parts.
During swivel bending, the sheet metal lies on a table. A stop system positions the board on the bending line. The upper and lower beam clamp the blank.
The bending beam pivots to the programmed angle and bends the leg protruding at the front. Many RAS folding machines with UpDown bending technology fold all subsequent bends on one side of the blank automatically and without further operator intervention.
The automatic bending sequences do not cause operator fatigue and lead to shorter bending times. Many users report that they are twice as fast with medium-sized sheets compared to die bending.
With larger parts, the time saving can easily reach up to 3-4 times. This allows much lower unit costs to be achieved.
Swivel bending with a sheet metal folding machine not only reduces costs but also increases the precision of bent parts.
The RAS product portfolio includes the widest range of folding machines you’ll find anywhere in the world and Press and Shear are pleased to supply these to the UK market.
Machines for sheet metal work are available, as well as fully automatic bending centres, machines for thin and thick sheet metal, machines with and without tool changers, machines for very small bent parts and machines for profiles up to 8 meters long.
Let’s talk!
Ready to increase productivity, especially when bending flat components?
We’re here to show you how. Give us a call on 01827 250000, schedule a showroom visit or download our latest sheet metal equipment brochure today.
