Did you know that sheet metal bending can be used to create something other than the usual curving for doors, cabinets and furniture? If you don't then read on. Metal Sheet is a thin, flat metal material that comes in various gauges from 16 gauge up to 22 gauge thicknesses. It is usually used in construction and manufacturing applications because it has a multitude of uses. When sheet metal bending is applied, the table or press brake bends the sheet into an angle with regard to one edge of the material.
This allows for a curved sheet metal design that cannot be achieved through rolling or by hand methods alone. There are many tools that can be used for metal sheet bending. A good cheap option is hand tools and a good vice. However, you may want to consider using small power tools or even modern machinery like electric shears and presses as they work faster than hand-bending methods.
The benefits of metal bending are:
- It saves time and money because you do not have to roll the metal for a curvature or tight fit.
- There is less material wastage compared to rolling methods used in the car industry which cuts down on costs.
- It is quicker than hand benders as you don't need to set up a table and the machine has cutting capabilities too.
- This can be cheaper than rolling as there will be no need for materials, lubricants or equipment fees involved in rolling methods of bending required by the car industry and so forth.
In fabrication projects, if you want to get a great look out of your sheet metal design then it is important that you pay attention to the angles of the bends, their spacing and if any reverse bends are necessary or it's best to ask the experts.