For many applications, it is necessary to bend sheet metal. At ESC Burg we use modern forming processes to bring stainless steel into its desired shape - more precisely, to fold over a section of the surface.
In principle, all sheets can be bent, and this is always done simultaneously over the entire length of the surface. Here you will learn everything you want to know about bending stainless steel.
Bending: what exactly does it mean?
Press-brake bending is a chipless forming process for producing bent profiles. Sheets are brought into the desired shape by mechanical action in a cold process, simultaneously over the entire length of the surface.
Sheet bending is one of the most frequently used techniques in sheet metal processing. With our modern machines, we are able to bend stainless steel sheets of all common sizes and thicknesses. Many different shapes are possible, from simple U-profiles to complex tray profiles with 10 bending edges and more. You specify your desired shape, and we implement it professionally and with high precision.
Bending: classification in the DIN standard
In the metalworking industry, all manufacturing processes are governed by DIN standard 8580. Bending belongs to the forming group and is regulated in more detail in sub-group standard DIN 8586. The standard distinguishes two basic types of bending: straight-line bending and bending with a rotating tool movement.
Applications for bent stainless steel sheet
Bending stainless steel opens up many applications for the bent sheets. Here are some examples:
- Cladding of facades or machines
- Trapezoidal sheets
- Support elements or brackets
- Housings
- Parts for body construction
- Pipe structures
- Stainless steel trays
How does sheet bending work?
To bend stainless steel, a sheet is placed in a press brake (also called a bending bench or bending machine). It consists of an upper punch and a lower die. Here, the sheet is bent in a straight line through the application of pressure, and several edges can be bent at the same time.
By using computer-controlled machines, pressing force and stroke depth can be set very precisely, and even large-format sheets can be bent. But our many years of experience are also decisive when bending sheets, because every sheet behaves a little differently during forming. This enables us to simulate a bend in advance without having to carry out a test bend - which makes the process particularly efficient and ultimately also cheaper for you.
Air bending
In air bending, the stainless steel sheet is placed in the machine and bent at the desired point by computer-controlled lowering of the punch. This creates the desired shape. In addition to air bending, coining (a special form of bending) and swivel bending are used.
Coining (bottom bending with a die)
In coining, which is used for more complex shapes, a V-shaped punch presses the sheet into the die. A dedicated tool set of matched punch and die must be created for each shape and each desired profile angle. The bending edges are therefore created not only by the punch itself but by the shape of the die into which the sheet is pressed.
At ESC Burg we have a large number of punch-die combinations, enabling the production of many different dimensions, angles and radii.
Swivel bending
In swivel bending, the tool performs a rotating movement during forming to bring the bending edge to the desired angle.
Bending edge, bending angle, bending radius - important terms for bending all sheet types
In forming, the two terms bending edge and bending angle are of great importance. They ultimately determine the shape of the finished sheet.
What is the bending edge?
The bending edge is what is created on the sheet in the machine during the forming process by punch and die. The bending edge always consists of two legs standing at a certain angle to each other. Between the two legs is a rounded section connecting them.
What is the bending angle?
This is the angle that the two legs of the bending edge assume in relation to each other after forming. Bear in mind that during forming, the sheet is stretched on the outside and compressed on the inside. The maximum possible bend must therefore always be calculated precisely.
Naturally, the sheet springs back slightly once the punch's contact pressure is released. The extent of springback depends on the material and the chosen process. This leads to fine dimensional deviations of a magnitude typical of the process.
What is the bending radius?
Bending radii are precisely defined in the corresponding dimension series of DIN 250. The radius is measured on the inside of the bending edge after bending is completed. Deviations in measurement are possible, especially if fine folds have formed at this point due to compression.
What to consider when bending stainless steel
Bending stainless steel is a small science in itself. To achieve the best result, several things must be observed.
The bending radius
Appropriate calculations must be made so that the material does not break. There are, however, empirical values for this: stainless steel can be formed with a bending radius corresponding to the material thickness, whereas with copper sheet, for example, the material thickness must be multiplied by a factor of 1.5.
Protecting the surface
The surface of stainless steel is very susceptible to scratches and light damage. To ensure that the sheet leaves the bending machine in perfect condition, absolute cleanliness is essential. In addition, a plastic film is placed between the stainless steel sheet and the die so that the surface is not exposed to direct contact with the machine.
Inserting the sheet and protecting against cracks
To avoid cracking or even breaking of the sheet, it should ideally be inserted as transverse to the rolling direction as possible.
Have sheets bent: ESC Burg is your reliable partner
As you have seen, there is quite a lot to consider when bending stainless steel. As a rule, you cannot carry out bending yourself, as the necessary machines and dies are lacking. Thanks to years of experience and the use of the most modern machines, ESC Burg guarantees bends of the highest precision.
Feel free to call us and have a non-binding quotation prepared. With us, this is very quick and completely uncomplicated: within a very short time, you will have a quotation in your virtual letterbox and can decide how to proceed. If you would like further finishing, such as surface treatment, cutting or other types of forming, we are your partner here too.
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