Sheet metal bending is one of the processes used in metal processing and manufacturing. This process is mainly done by bending a sheet metal around a corresponding die under force to form the desired shape. This includes automotive, aerospace, electronics, etc. It involves using bending machines or other tools to reshape the flat metal into the desired form or shape. The precision required and the processing capabilities vary from industry to industry. Then you need to understand the services of an OEM sheet metal bending plant to choose the right one. In this guide, we will discuss OEM sheet metal bending, the types of sheet metal bending processes, and the factors to consider when choosing a factory for OEM sheet metal bending services.
- What is sheet metal bending?
- Types of OEM Sheet Metal Bending
- Factors to consider when choosing an OEM sheet metal bending service
- Conclusion
What is sheet metal bending?
Sheet metal bending forms sheet metal by bending it around a die. The process is to deform the sheet metal along the die by applying a force to one or more areas of the sheet metal. The die used is usually provided with a V-groove, and the sheet metal is held in place by a fixture, which then bends or forms the metal into the desired shape by force applied by the machine. The sheet metal used for bending is generally thin and can be bent from 0.5 mm to 6 mm thick, depending on the industry’s product.
Nowadays, OEM sheet metal bending services are generally used in the market to manufacture more parts and products in the consumer field, which include brackets, housings, panels, etc. The sheet metal bending process is a versatile and cost-effective manufacturing process that produces high-quality, accurate results.
Types of OEM Sheet Metal Bending
Several types of OEM sheet metal bending processes exist today, including air bending, bottom bending, coin bending, bottom loading, stamping, and folding. Air bending involves using a bending machine to apply pressure to the sheet metal, but not enough to force it to touch the bottom of the die. Bottom bending, however, involves applying enough force to the sheet metal to bring it into contact with the bottom of the die. Coin bending is a type of bending that involves applying a significant amount of force to the sheet metal to create the same bend. Common sheet metal bending processes are described as follows.
1. Air Bending. This is the most common type of bending process used in sheet metal fabrication. It involves bending the sheet metal material by applying a force to the top half of the metal while the bottom half is held in place. This results in bending at an angle greater than the punch angle used in the process.
2. Bottom loading. This type of bending involves pressing the sheet metal material onto the bottom of a V-shaped die. The punch used in this process has a tip that fits into the V-shaped die, resulting in a precise bending angle.
3. Stamping. This precision bending process involves pressing the sheet metal material between the punch and the die. The resulting bending angle is accurate and precise, but this process requires more force than other types of bending.
4. Folding. This process involves bending the sheet metal material at an angle to form a flange or edge. This process can be done manually or with a folding machine.
5. Rotary bending. This type of bending involves bending sheet metal material around a rotating axis to create a curved shape. This process is typically used to create a cylindrical or conical shape.
In addition to the above five processes, there are many other types of sheet metal bending processes on the market, but these are some of the most common. The sheet metal bending process type depends on the material used, the desired shape and angle, and the equipment available.
Factors to consider when choosing an OEM sheet metal bending service
When choosing an OEM sheet metal bending plant to provide you with the relevant services, you should analyze whether the plant you choose can meet your OEM sheet metal bending production needs based on the parts needed for the project as well as the requirements and a comprehensive approach needs to be taken to ensure that the plant can provide the quality work and reliable service you need. Here are some factors to consider.
1. Capacity and capability. Determine if the factory has the necessary equipment and personnel to handle the size and complexity of your project. Check the range of OEM sheet metal bending capabilities the plant offers to ensure they can handle the specific materials and thicknesses you need. If you choose a factory that is not large enough to support your required part quantity requirements, then this can cause delays in getting your product to market.
2. Quality control. Evaluate the factory’s quality control processes and procedures to ensure the finished product meets your specifications. Look for certifications such as ISO 9001 or AS9100 to ensure the factory meets industry standards. OEM sheet metal bending factories with certifications have generally been in business for a long time, and such factories are more comfortable working with them.
3. Production process. Understand the factory’s production process, including the type of equipment used and the workflow to complete the project. Ensure the factory has an efficient process to meet your schedule and budget. If necessary, visit the relevant OEM sheet metal bending factory on-site so the factory does not cheat you for orders.
4. Experience and expertise. Consider the factory’s experience and expertise in sheet metal bending, especially in the type of bending required for your project. Look for a factory with a proven track record of delivering quality work and working with customers in your industry. If you can ask a friend to refer you to an OEM sheet metal bending plant that he has already worked with, it will take a lot of the guesswork out of choosing a plant to work with.
5. Communication and customer service. Choose a factory with clear communication lines to respond to your inquiries and requests. Good customer service ensures that your project runs smoothly and that problems can be resolved quickly and effectively.
6. Price and delivery time. Compare prices and delivery times offered by factories to ensure that you get a fair price and that the project can be completed within your timeline.
By analyzing these factors, you can choose a factory that can meet your OEM sheet metal bending production needs with quality work, reliable service, and competitive pricing.
Conclusion
This article has gone through the sheet metal bending process and the types of sheet metal bending, and most importantly, how to tell an OEM sheet metal bending factory that will meet the requirements. Through this article, most people who need to work with a sheet metal bending factory will be able to understand the basic requirements. If you need OEM sheet metal bending services, you can contact ANPLLO.