50 Terms to Know for Precision Metal Bending
Just like any other industry, there is a lot of terminology that goes with metal bending. From general terminology to words that relate to different parts of the process. We created a list that covers several areas including:
- General terms
- Equipment and tools
- Processes and techniques
- Material properties
- Design and Measurement
General Terms
1. Metal Bending: The process of deforming metal into a desired shape by applying force.
2. Precision Bending: High-accuracy metal bending to meet tight tolerances and specifications.
3. Fabrication: The process of manufacturing components by cutting, bending, and assembling metal.
4. Tolerances: Permissible limits of variation in dimensions during metal bending.
5. Sheet Metal: Thin, flat pieces of metal used in bending and fabrication.
6. Springback: The elastic recovery of metal after bending, causing slight shape changes.
7. Forming: The process of shaping metal without removing material.
8. Die: A tool used in metal bending to achieve specific shapes.
9. Punch: A tool that presses against the metal to bend it in conjunction with a die.
10. Blank: A flat piece of metal prepared for bending or forming.
Equipment and Tools
11. Press Brake: A machine used for precision metal bending by pressing metal sheets against a die.
12. Bending Machine: General equipment for shaping metal by bending.
13. Roll Bender: A machine that bends metal into curved shapes using rollers.
14. V-Die: A die with a V-shaped groove used in press brake operations.
15. Bottoming Die: A die that creates sharp, accurate bends by pressing the material into its full form.
16. Air Bending: A bending process where the punch does not force the metal fully into the die.
17. Wiper Die: A specialized die used to prevent wrinkles in the bending process.
18. Mandrel: A tool inserted into the metal to prevent collapse during bending.
19. Rotary Bender: A tool used for bending without damaging the surface finish.
20. CNC Press Brake: A computer-controlled machine for automated precision bending.
Find out more about Precision Bending’s Processes and Equipment.
Processes and Techniques
21. Cold Bending: Bending metal at room temperature.
22. Hot Bending: Bending metal after heating it to a malleable state.
23. Air Bending: A bending process using a punch and a die but not bottoming out the material.
24. Bottom Bending: The process of forcing metal completely into a die for sharper bends.
25. Coining: A bending process involving high pressure to imprint the die shape onto the material.
26. Roll Bending: A technique using rollers to bend metal into curved or cylindrical shapes.
27. Offset Bending: Creating two bends in opposite directions with a small gap.
28. Hemming: Folding the edge of metal over itself for strength or safety.
29. Curling: Rolling the edge of the metal into a tube or curve.
30. Angle Bending: Shaping metal to a specific angle using tools or machines.
Material Properties
31. Ductility: The ability of a material to be stretched or bent without breaking.
32. Malleability: A material’s ability to deform under compressive forces.
33. Yield Strength: The stress at which a material begins to deform plastically.
34. Tensile Strength: The maximum stress a material can withstand before breaking.
35. Elongation: The degree a material can stretch before failing.
36. Hardness: The resistance of metal to deformation, often affecting bendability.
37. Grain Direction: The alignment of the crystalline structure in sheet metal, influencing bending properties.
38. Work Hardening: Strengthening of metal through plastic deformation during bending.
39. Elasticity: The ability of metal to return to its original shape after bending.
40. Plasticity: The ability of metal to permanently deform without breaking.
Design and Measurement
41. K-Factor: A ratio used to determine the neutral axis location in metal bending.
42. Bend Radius: The inner radius of a bend in metal, critical for design specifications.
43. Bend Allowance: The material length required for a specific bend.
44. Neutral Axis: The line within a bent metal that experiences no compression or tension.
45. Flat Pattern: A two-dimensional layout of a metal piece before bending.
46. Gauge: A measurement of sheet metal thickness.
47. Flange: A flat edge created during bending for strength or assembly.
48. Angle Tolerance: The allowable variation in the angle of a bend.
49. Bend Line: A line marked on sheet metal to guide the bending process.
50. Draft Angle: A slight angle added to a design to facilitate bending or removal from dies.
If you have any questions about bending or bending technology, contact our team.