Today we will look at the topic of professional CNC bending of metal materials with high precision and quality. Thanks to modern technologies and an experienced team, you can handle both simple and complex bends, with a wide range of materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum and others.
Want to know more about CNC bending?
- What is CNC Bending?
- Advantages of CNC Bending
- CNC Bending Technology
- Industrial Uses of CNC Bending
- Which Material is Suitable for CNC Bending?
- How Does the CNC Bending Process Work?
- Further Processing After CNC Bending
- Work Safety During CNC Bending
- CNC Bending Price
What is CNC bending?
CNC bending is a modern technological process used to shape metal sheets, tubes and profiles. Thanks to its high level of automation, it allows for the minimization of errors and costs. CNC machines are programmed using specialized software that determines every movement and pressure exerted on the material, ensuring precise and consistent results, and allowing for repeatable processing of even complex shapes.
The CNC bending process consists of several stages, including material preparation, tool selection, machine programming, and the actual bending. This process allows for the achievement of various angles and geometries with high precision. CNC bending is often preferred in industrial manufacturing for its ability to handle mass production with minimal variation between individual pieces.
Additionally, CNC bending eliminates the need for additional manual processing, which reduces production costs and increases efficiency. This process is used in many industries, including the automotive, aerospace, construction, and engineering industries.
Advantages of CNC bending
High accuracy and repeatability
CNC bending uses advanced control systems and specialized software to ensure precise bends with minimal deviation. Thanks to the high level of automation, it is possible to achieve the same quality for each piece, which is especially crucial for mass production.
Possibility of producing complex shapes and structures
CNC technology allows the creation of complex three-dimensional shapes that would be impossible or too expensive to produce using traditional machining methods. It allows the production of parts with precise angles and radial bends without the need for additional machining.
Save time and reduce costs
The automated CNC bending process significantly speeds up production compared to manual methods. It reduces labor costs because the machine operator only sets parameters and monitors the production process. It also minimizes the need for re-adjustments and repairs.
Versatility and wide range of applications
CNC bending can be applied to various types of materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass. It is suitable for production in the automotive, aerospace, construction and engineering industries. In addition to sheet metal, it also allows bending of pipes, profiles and other shaped metal materials.
Waste minimization
The high precision of CNC bending results in optimal material utilization and reduced consumption. The elimination of rejects and excess waste further leads to savings in raw material costs.
CNC sheet metal bending technology
Simple sheet metal bending
The oldest and simplest method of sheet metal bending, used mainly for small sheet metal products where basic U- or V-shaped bends need to be created. The advantage is simplicity and low cost, but at the cost of limited shaping options.
Sheet metal bending
A more advanced bending method that allows for more precise and complex bends. The press brake here works with high pressure on the sheet metal and the process often takes place as a sequence of several bending movements. It can be fully automated or require manual intervention (e.g. changing the bar). The advantage is high accuracy, repeatability and the possibility of realizing more complex shapes.
Rounding
A technology designed for creating rounded (soft) bends. The sheet metal is shaped using a set of rollers that gradually bend it into the desired shape. It is used, for example, in the production of pipes, cylindrical shells and round structural elements. The advantage of bending is a smooth curvature and the possibility of creating different bend radii.
Sheet metal edging
A process in which sharp edges of a material are bent or rounded. It is used to strengthen the edges of a sheet metal or to achieve an aesthetic effect. It is often used in the automotive industry, in the manufacture of appliances or architectural elements. The advantage is increased material strength and the elimination of sharp edges, which, in addition to improving the design, also improves the safety of the products.
Sheet metal straightening
This technology is used to remove deformations and irregularities after previous processing. The sheet metal passes between straightening rollers, which smooth it into the desired shape. The advantage is the removal of internal stress in the material, achieving perfect flatness and increasing the quality of the resulting product.
Continuous sheet metal bending with profile rollers
This is a method used mainly in large-scale production where high speed and efficiency are required. The sheet metal passes between two or more shaped rolls, which gradually give it the desired profile. The advantage of continuous bending is high productivity and the possibility of continuous production.
Industrial use of CNC bending
Automotive industry
CNC bending is used in the production of bodywork, frames, exhaust systems and chassis components. Thanks to its high accuracy and repeatability, it enables the efficient production of even complex shapes, which is key for mass production in the automotive industry.
Engineering
Here, CNC bending is used in the production of beams, frames, consoles and parts of industrial machines. Bent tubes and profiles are essential for hydraulic, pneumatic and technological systems. CNC bending ensures high precision, strength and repeatability in series production.
Construction
It is used in the production of load-bearing structures, railings, facade systems and building accessories. Bent rods are key for reinforcing elements in reinforced concrete structures. CNC bending ensures dimensional accuracy and strength, which is essential for the safety of buildings.
Aerospace industry
CNC bending enables precise shaping of aluminum and stainless steel parts for aircraft construction, including frame structures and engine covers.
Electronics and telecommunications
CNC bent sheets and profiles are also used in the production of server racks, telecommunications masts or cooling systems.
Which material is suitable for CNC bending?
CNC bending is a versatile technology that allows for the shaping of a wide range of metal materials. When selecting a suitable material, it is important to consider its mechanical properties, flexibility and strength to achieve the desired result without cracking or deformation.
Steel (carbon, stainless, alloy)
Steel is one of the most commonly bent materials. It is strong, durable and easy to work with, while stainless and alloy steels are suitable for other special applications.
Aluminum and aluminum alloys
Aluminum is light and easily formable, aluminum alloys differ in their ductility – some are very bendable, others require special treatments to prevent cracking.
Copper and brass
Copper is soft, malleable, easily bendable, and highly conductive, while brass provides greater strength and aesthetic appearance.
Titanium and titanium alloys
CNC bending of titanium is more challenging due to its rigidity and flexibility, which requires precise adjustment of the bending process parameters.
Roxor and reinforcing steel
Roxor is used in the construction industry to strengthen concrete structures, and thanks to precise CNC bending, high strength and stability of the resulting structure is ensured.
How does the CNC bending process work?
To make the CNC bending process efficient and accurate, several key steps must be followed to ensure optimal results and minimize manufacturing errors.
Technical documentation
First, it is necessary to prepare drawing documentation or a 3D model that defines dimensions, bending angles and the required tolerance.
Choosing the right material
The correct choice of material affects the resulting quality of the bend, taking into account its strength, flexibility and any need for heat or surface treatment.
Determining the correct bending technology
Depending on the shape and accuracy requirements, a suitable bending method is selected, such as folding, curling, hemming, etc.
CNC machine settings
We program the CNC bending machine according to the documentation and specifications of the given product, including bending angles, pressing force and bending speed.
Inspection and testing on a sample
Before serial production, a test bend is performed on a sample to verify that the machine settings correspond to the required parameters and that there are no unwanted deformations.
Further processing after CNC bending
After CNC bending is completed, we offer additional operations upon customer request, such as drilling holes for assembly purposes, welding, whether using MIG, TIG or laser welding. We also perform grinding or other surface treatments that remove irregularities and ensure a smooth surface for functionality or aesthetics. Other services include marking with a serial number, product name, logo, your company name, EAN code or any other brand.
Work safety during CNC bending
Safety is essential when working with CNC bending. Our workers must wear protective clothing and ear protection, and they must be thoroughly trained in the operation of CNC machines. The work area around the machine must be kept clean and marked to prevent accidents.
In addition to the use of protective equipment, emphasis is placed on regular inspection and maintenance of machines to ensure they are in good technical condition. By adhering to these measures, we not only significantly increase safety in the workplace, but also ensure smooth, high-quality and responsible production for our customers.
CNC bending price
The price of CNC bending depends on several factors such as the type of material, the complexity of the bends, the thickness of the material and the number of pieces in the series. For an accurate price calculation, please contact us with the details of your project.
