What Is Aluminum Bending?
Aluminum bending is a method used to bend aluminum sheets and other materials into various parts and products. The three main types are roll bending, press bending, and bender bending.
Aluminum, being softer and lighter than steel, offers excellent workability. However, due to its less tenacious nature, it is prone to cracking when bent with too small a radius and can stretch, necessitating careful consideration of thickness, material type, and bending radius in the design and process.
The precision of aluminum bending products largely depends on the manufacturer’s and operator’s skills. The capabilities and limitations of the processing machine also vary.
Uses of Aluminum Bending
Aluminum bending is utilized in various aluminum products. Its lightness and ease of processing make it suitable for diverse applications, from aluminum cans to spaceships.
For example, aluminum sheets processed by roll bending are used to wrap around round columns in buildings and for plant piping. Bender bending or press bending creates items like building emblems, signboards, and doors.
Aluminum, being about one-third the mass of steel, is ideal for products where steel or copper would be too heavy. It is commonly used in lightweight modern smartphones.
Principle of Aluminum Bending
Aluminum bending is based on the plastic deformation of aluminum. Roll bending and bender bending form aluminum without a die. However, due to aluminum’s characteristics, caution is needed to avoid cracking and elongation. It’s best to design with as large a bending radius as possible.
Here are the key processes used in aluminum bending:
1. Roll Bending
Roll bending passes a metal sheet through rolls, bending it using the force of the rolls. The shape can be adjusted by changing the distance between the rollers. However, the thickness of aluminum sheets that can be processed varies by machine.
2. Press Bending
Press bending forms metal by pressing it into a die, with common subcategories including L-shape, U-shape, and V-shape bending. This method is similar to general bending and uses a press-working machine.
3. Bender Bending
Bender bending uses a press machine to bend or fold metal, suitable for thin aluminum sheets, and capable of producing various shapes, including right angles, V-shapes, L-shapes, and complex Z-shapes.
Other Information on Aluminum Bending
Cautions for Aluminum Bending
In aluminum bending, it’s crucial to avoid cracking and elongation. Roll bending and bender bending form aluminum without a die, but special attention is needed due to aluminum’s tendency to crack and elongate when stretched. Bending should be perpendicular to the rolling direction and with an increased bending width to prevent cracking.
Additionally, in press bending using dies, aluminum’s softness may result in die wear and surface scratches appearing on the bent product.