The automation of machine tools, known as numerical control (NC), is now widespread throughout the manufacturing industry, and sheet metal bending is no exception. Most NC today is called computerized numerical control (CNC), and CNC bending machines are recognized for high flexibility and low set-up times.
In order to describe the types of bends generally possible on CNC machinery, we’ll break down what you can do with a universal bender, a tool typically reserved for smaller shops. It can be used for many varieties of bends and adjusted with little effort. The basic machine consists of a CNC-operated side stop, a work bench, and software for programming and operating. Though it doesn’t have widespread practical use in a commercial setting, the universal bender is considered an affordable entry into bending technology and it can do a lot of things (if you have the right tooling).
Here is a list of operations the universal bending machine can perform:
U-Bending
For U-bends where tight and narrow bends are necessary, the bending former is replaced by a bending mandrel. A bending mandrel has a narrow geometry.
Offset Bending
Offset bending tools are used to perform two bends, with a small distance between the angles.
Edgewise Bending
Edge bending tools are used if the bending axis is placed parallel to the tight side of the work piece. Edge bending may require electronic angular measurement for high accuracy.
Torsion Bending
Torsion tools are able to rotate the workpiece on the longitudinal axis. Alternatives are complex assembly groups with standard bends.
…Okay, so with all the different sets of tooling, maybe the universal bender isn’t the end-all be-all solution it claims to be. Wouldn’t it make more sense to consolidate all those capabilities and build them right into the machine?
Roto-Die uses a die cylinder that can allows operators to change tooling and operations just by turning a lever. Basically, it’s like having a tooling library right at your fingertips, meaning performing changeovers and switching between functions takes seconds instead of minutes. To learn more about the different Roto-Die bender models, click here.