plate bending machine

Types of plate bending machines

Plate bending machines are essential tools in metalworking and fabrication industries. They come in different types and are designed for various applications. Here are some common types of plate bending machines:

• Roll bending machine: Also known as a plate roll or rolling machine, it uses three cylinders to bend the plate into arcs or curves without changing the material's structural integrity. The upper roller is positioned centrally between the two lower rollers, which are fixed. The plate is fed into the machine, and the upper roller is lowered. As the upper roller lowers, it exerts force on the plate that causes it to bend around the lower rollers.
• Wheel bending machine: Also known as an overhead press or an inverted U-frame, this machine employs wheels mounted on a frame or arm. The metal is clamped to the frame, and the wheel is rotated to apply force to the metal to bend it into the desired shape.
• Finger press bending machine: Also known as a press brake or hydraulic press brake, it uses hydraulic or mechanical forces to bend metal into the desired shape. The brake consists of a large bending bed and a moving ram that applies force to the metal to bend it. A press brake can be used to make horizontal bends in the metal.
• Automatic CNC bending machine: This machine is computer-controlled for high-precision bending of metal plates. It has a back gauge and lift fingers that hold the sheet metal in place as it is bent. Automatic plate bending machines offer consistent accuracy and efficiency when bending large volumes of plates.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance of a plate bending machine is crucial to enhance the lifespan of the equipment and keep it in optimal working condition. Establish a scheduled inspection routine to catch any issues with the machine early. Check for loose or worn-out components like belts, bearings, chains, and gears, and replace them as necessary. Ensure that all moving parts of the plate bender are well-lubricated to reduce friction and prevent rapid wear. It may greatly help to put a damping machine on the plate deformation to absorb shocks and vibrations during operation.

Occasionally tighten lubricating and sealing parts to safeguard the machine against dust and debris. Keep the machine clean at all times, and promptly remove any dust or metallic residue using a damp cloth. Operators should continually monitor the heating elements and hydraulic system for leaks and ensure the parameters are set correctly to avoid overloading.

It is also prudent to train the operating staff well on proper handling techniques to avoid damaging the equipment. Handle the plates carefully to avoid introducing foreign objects that may damage the bender. Finally, create a maintenance log detailing inspections, repairs, and replacements to provide valuable insights and documentation for future reference.

Applications of a plate bending machine

Due to the machine's adaptability, many businesses use it to bend metals into various forms. Engineering industries frequently use the cylindrical bending machine to create large pipelines and cylindrical tanks. Shipbuilding companies utilize these machines to manufacture hull plates and ship bases. Additionally, schools and colleges have workshops equipped with this machine for instructional purposes where students practice learning how to handle such equipment safely.

Construction companies rely on this machine when erecting structures as it helps create framework components. Traders in the commercial sector supply wrought materials that were shaped using these machines since customers prefer buying products made from easily durable material with longer lifespans on them. Therefore, investing in a plate bender could prove lucrative if one intends to venture into commercial construction.

Automotive industries use roll plate bending machines to produce body panels, chassis components, exhaust systems, and structural parts. The presence of different machine types makes it easy for manufacturers to choose any that suits their production needs best.

How to choose plate bending machines

When buying a plate bending machine, it is important to choose one that will meet the needs of the intended application and may also be useful when reselling or looking for a customer.

• Production type

  The first step in choosing a plate bending machine is to identify the material to be shaped and the desired shape. This means that the end product shape must be determined before searching for a machine. Knowing the required bending capacity, plate thickness, and dimensions will help narrow the choices.

• Market demand

  If the machine will be used for resale, understanding the market demand can also help in choosing a machine. Popular, high-capacity machines are typically used for industrial-level work, while low-capacity machines are used in smaller workshops or businesses.

  In areas where high-capacity machines are used, CNC machines are standard because a nesting software makes them easy to use, while direct operator input is needed for lower-capacity ones. Hydraulic machines are typical in high-capacity ones, while mechanical machines are used in low ones.

• Energy source

  Depending on the workshop or factory set-up, the energy source of the machine is important. Whether it is electrical, hydraulic, or manual, it is necessary to determine how the machine will be operated.

• Machine's accuracy and reliability

  The accuracy and reliability of a bending machine is an important quality to look for. A precise machine means that the parts will be easily replaced during assembly, even with complex designs. This will also ensure a reduction in labor costs and little to no scrap metal.

• Bending speed

  The speed of the machine's bending capacity is an important quality to look for if one plans to use it daily or on a routine basis. It will impact productivity and efficiency at work.

• Cost

  While all the questions raised above are highly needed to determine before deciding on a machine plate, the cost is certainly a question that most owners will want to identify the answer to. Knowing the end-use and shape will help one to come to a conclusive cost. It is essential to know if one is looking for a high or low capacity to determine what is more or less in that category.

Plate Bending Machine FAQ

Q1: Are There Software Controls In The Digital Hydraulic Plate Bending Machine?

A1: Yes, digital hydraulic machines have software controls for precise and complex bending. The exact software features vary by machine. 

Q2: What Capacity Does The Big Hydraulic Plate Bending Machine Have?

A2: The capacity of big hydraulic machines is many plates per month, but it varies based on the exact size and specs of each machine. For one big machine, several smaller machines can be used to meet the same plate bending requirement.

Q3: Is There An Auto Feed Feature In The Hydraulic Plate Bending Machine?

A3: Some machines have an auto-feed feature so that many plates can be moved into the machine at once as one batch. This helps to reduce labor strengths and costs during the plate bending process.

Q4: Are There Different Roll Types In The Hydraulic Plate Bending Machine?

A4: Yes, the machines can have different roll types such as conical rolls, cylindrical rolls, or hydrostatic rolls. The exact type of roll used will depend on the bending requirements of the plate. Some machines can even have a combination of different roll types together in one machine.