Understanding Folding Machines: Types and Applications

Among the steps in the sheet metal fabrication operation for thin materials is sheet metal folding. Most of the sheet metal bending and folding applications in the old days were done with conventional methods and equipment that required more human involvement. With the advent of  technology and the use of more thicker and complicated metals, the requirement of more advanced machines arose. This requirement has led to the development of more stronger, and efficient machines that are automatic and need little human involvement. 

An important and inevitable machinery for every sheet metal handling workshop is a folding machine, Since there are various types of sheet metal folding machines available today, it's often difficult to choose one that fits best for your project. 

Sheet Metal Folding

Sheet metal folding is process in metal working where the metal is pressed, bended and folded into the desired shape. This technique is made use of to create objects like panels, gutters, boxes, enclosures and more. In simple words it can be said that a sheet metal folding machine allows you to fold metals into any shape that you wish to. In normal cases, a simple folding machine or a press brake is used for this purpose, but with the advent of technology in the sheet metal industry specialized machineries have been designed and developed in order to automate the entire folding process with the help of Computer Aided Designs and programs (CAD).

Types of Sheet Metal Folding Machines

Sheet Metal Folding machines are mainly categorized into two - Box Forming Machines and Pan Brakes which has their own specific functionalities.

Box Forming Machines:

Box forming machines have the facility of storing the necessary tool set required by the operator inorder to reach downward into a space with side flanges formed. This are is called the ‘‘box’ frame. The beams on the upper side are arranged in such a way that it suits the requirements for folding and clamming. This arrangement is made by keeping together and matching the necessary tools. 

Pan Brake: 

Pan Brake machines are the simplest form of folding machines which helps you to bend the full material lengthwise. It’s also referred to as a leaf brake. These machines find their applications mainly in gutters or similar long spaces, flashing of roofs and on fully formed parts that do not have side flanges. 

These two types of folding machines are further categorized based on their way of operation.

Manual Folding machines 

Manual folding machines are tiny and are very popular in the industry as these machines are portable. Based on the material type, these tiny machines are highly suitable for operating on thin sheets of metal which are 18 gauge or even thinner. Since they are tiny, they can be easily carried to any job site and can be set up and controlled manually and easily.

Hydraulic Metal Folding Machines

Even Though some of the hydraulic folding machines can be manually operated, the hydraulics feature equipped in the machine offers an additional power which helps in bending of thicker materials. These types of machines are highly used in fabrication shops and are capable of folding materials of up to ¼  inches thick and more.

Computer Controlled Sheet Folders 

With the help of CAD and most modern technologies in CNC, sheet metal folding is now very easy and can be automated. These sheet metal folders feature a complex bending process in addition to offering extremely high accuracy and efficiency. These sheet metal folders are capable of bending metals many times and folding is possible at any odd angles.

How to choose the right folding machine?

Choosing the right metal folding machine finally comes to the point where your specific requirements of fabrication are met. Folding machines are the right machines that’s required by manufacturers creating goods that are very thin and at the same time that are lengthy, wide with short flanges. This is due to the fact that sheet metal handling is much easier when the material rests on the folder bed. In addition, the metal folders are more accurate in their raw form and when the folding process happens, accuracy is very important.

In comparison to folding machines, press brakes are capable of generating parts that has bends and side flanges upwards and downwards making them flexible. Pressbrakes are the best for bending metals of any thickness and are very affordable.

The type of folding machine required will be determined by the size as well as the thickness of the material to be folded. Apart from this, the level of expertise the operator has with sheet metal folders and the quantity of sheets to be folded also matters in choosing the right metal folding machines. Manual folding machines find their application best at basic job oriented fabrication shops. When it comes to manufacturing in huge quantities, it;s always best to choose CNC and hydraulic folding machines. 

Conclusion

At YES Machinery , we are specialists in metal bending and folding machines sales and service in the entire Middle East region. We can help you choose the right kind of machine for your requirements both in terms of cost and operation. We have high quality folding machines from Europe at our stock which you can come and have a look at our experience center, try it and understand yourself. For any discussion about your  sheet metal folding machine requirements, you are free to contact us anytime.