They say working with sheet metal is easy because the material is malleable and is useful in all sorts of applications. There is a negative side to this, however. Due to the fact that metal in sheet form is simple to work with than other types makes it just as easy to mangle, unfortunately. Let’s explore some tips producers can utilize to ensure they make the most of what they possess with minimal error.
Material Type and Usage
Whether the base product is Annealed Alloy Steel, 6061 Aluminum, good old Brass, or even Titanium, the imperative to make clean, professional style sheet metal bending remains. With Annealed Alloy Steel, its main characteristic makes it a popular choice. The annealing process encourages malleability and protection from cracks. Speaking of 6061, it’s a good idea to put this material through the annealing process first before attempting to bend…especially when the metal is cold. Brass is a top choice for sheet metal bending as it retains its formability under stress.
Achieving Maximum Bend Strength
When conducting precision machining using any of the aforementioned materials, it’s best to analyze the bend allowance ahead of time, or how much bending the material can withstand before possibly cracking. To do such requires a few numbers, mainly:
- Material thickness
- Internal radius measurement
- K-factor
- Bend angles
If this sounds daunting, fear not as Vista Manufacturing Company has the fabrication expertise to get the job done with little error margin.
