Metal folding has become an indispensable part of most industries today. Its prevalence stems not only from its outstanding advantages but also from its wide application across various fields. This article opens the door to explore the technique of metal folding and its intriguing applications at Towavina Mechanics. Let’s explore together!
Metal folding is the process of creating curved or folded shapes at desired angles from metal sheets. To carry out this process, tools such as folding blades and folding blocks are used. There are four different techniques for metal folding: free bending, profile bending, edge folding, and sheet metal bending.
Sheet Metal Folding Services
In any metal folding technique, the use of at least one of the following tools is essential:
Folding Blade: Known as the “folding hammer,” the folding blade is a powerful tool used to create various curved lines on metal sheets. It is commonly employed in most folding techniques, from free bending to curved folding. Crafted from materials like 42CrMo (or T7A, T8A), the folding blade offers exceptional durability and hardness, resistant to corrosion and possessing high impact resistance.
Folding Block: The folding block comprises various types such as flat blocks, 1V blocks, 2V blocks, and is typically used alongside the folding blade. These blocks usually share a similar shape to the folding blade and are made from materials like 42CrMo (or T7A, T8A), known for their robustness and excellent load-bearing capacity.
Overall, the tools used in sheet metal folding services are meticulously manufactured to ensure quality and adhere to high technical standards. The quality and precision of the final metal product heavily rely on the folding blade and folding block.
Metal Folding Techniques
Metal Folding Techniques
Each metal folding technique holds distinct characteristics:
Free Bending: In this method, the metal sheet is pressed down by the folding blade without contact with any folding block. The angle after bending depends on the depth and shape of the folding blade, creating various angles.
Profile Bending: Here, the metal sheet is pressed down by the folding blade onto a predefined folding block. The final shape of the metal piece after bending entirely relies on the shape of the folding block and the folding blade.
Edge Folding: This process creates folded edges on the metal, causing them to completely interlock. Subsequently, the metal sheet becomes sturdier, offering better protection to the detailed edges. This process involves two steps: folding a 30° angle first, followed by completely pressing it flat.
Sheet Metal Curving: The resulting metal sheet after curving takes on a continuous C-shaped curvature, commonly applied in the production of roof sheets and similar products.
Each of these techniques offers unique properties and applications in shaping and processing metal according to the specific needs of the final product.
Metal Folding Techniques
Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Folding Processing
– Advantages
• Material Diversity: Applicable to various types of metals, from stainless steel to carbon steel and aluminum, allowing flexibility in manufacturing diverse products.
• Precision and Consistency: Enables precise and uniform processing of complex details that require high accuracy effectively.
• High Productivity and Reduced Labor Dependency: Capable of increasing production efficiency and minimizing reliance on labor through automation during the processing.
– Disadvantages
• Tooling Costs: Tooling expenses can be substantial, especially for products in limited quantities, leading to increased costs per unit for individual or small quantities of products.
• High Technical Skill Requirement: Operators of folding machines need high technical expertise and experience to ensure an efficient and accurate processing operation.
Metal Folding Techniques
Applications of Metal Folding Processing
Metal folding processing finds basic and widespread applications such as: Everyday items: Used in daily life to manufacture durable items like stainless steel tables and chairs, various types of stainless steel cabinets, electrical cabinets, kitchen utensils, and partition frames. Manufacturing industries: In precision-demanding industries such as electronic machinery manufacturing, automobile frame construction, and aircraft manufacturing, metal folding techniques are utilized to create high-precision parts and durable frame structures.
Implementing metal folding processing not only facilitates the production of high-quality products but also caters to diverse needs across various societal and industrial sectors.
In conclusion
I hope this information is helpful for you. Towavina specializes in providing reliable metal folding processing services in the market, committed to meeting all customer requirements to the highest standards. For detailed service inquiries, please contact us. Our team of consultants and technicians is dedicated to assisting you in achieving the desired product.
