Novelty Steel provides a comprehensive set of steel bending services for various industries and applications.
Services
Sheet Metal Bending
Sheet metal bending involves shaping thin sheets of steel into desired forms by applying force. We use press brakes in various length and capacity to create complex angles and curves.
Definition:
Bend allowance is the length of the neutral axis (the line that neither stretches nor compresses) of the sheet metal between the bend lines. It is used to calculate the flat pattern length of a part before bending.
Purpose:
To ensure the final bent part meets the desired dimensions after accounting for material deformation during bending.
Calculation:
Bend allowance depends on the bend angle, bend radius, material thickness, and material properties.
K-Factor: A constant that represents the location of the neutral axis (typically between 0.3 and 0.5).
Importance:
Incorrect bend allowance can lead to parts that are too long or too short after bending, affecting assembly and functionality.
Definition:
Material grade refers to the specific type and quality of sheet metal used, which determines its mechanical properties such as strength, ductility, and hardness.
Common Grades:
Mild Steel: Low carbon steel, easy to bend, commonly used in general applications.
Stainless Steel: Higher strength and corrosion resistance, but harder to bend.
Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, with good ductility.
Copper/Brass: Excellent conductivity and malleability, often used in electrical components.
Importance:
The material grade affects the bending process, including the required force, tooling, and potential for springback or cracking. For example, harder materials like stainless steel require more force and careful handling to avoid defects
Definition:
Hole clearance refers to the minimum distance between a hole and the bend line to prevent distortion or deformation of the hole during bending.
Purpose:
To maintain the integrity of holes (e.g., for fasteners or assembly) near bend lines.
General Rule:
The hole should be placed at a distance of at least 2.5 times the material thickness from the bend line. For example, if the material is 2 mm thick, the hole should be at least 5 mm away from the bend line.
Importance:
Insufficient hole clearance can cause the hole to become elliptical or distorted, making it unusable for its intended purpose.
Definition:
Bend radius is the inside radius of a bend, measured from the inner surface of the bend to the centerline of the curvature.
Purpose:
It determines the sharpness or curvature of the bend and affects the material’s ability to bend without cracking or weakening.
Minimum Bend Radius:
The minimum bend radius depends on the material type, thickness, and ductility. For example:
Mild steel: Minimum bend radius is typically 1x material thickness.
Stainless steel: Minimum bend radius is 2-3x material thickness.
Aluminum: Minimum bend radius is 0.8-1.5x material thickness.
Importance:
A bend radius that is too small can cause cracking or material failure, while a larger radius may not achieve the desired shape. The bend radius also influences the bend allowance calculation.
Plate Rolling
Plate rolling is a specialized bending process used to curve or roll thick steel plates into cylindrical or conical shapes. This process is essential for creating large industrial components such as steel silos, steel tanks and etc.
Applications
- Storage tanks
- Structural pipes and columns
- Marine and shipbuilding parts
Benefits
- Ability to handle heavy-duty steel plates
- Accurate shaping of large, curved structures
- Uniform Curve formation
Tube / Pipe Bending
Steel tube and pipe bending involves bending hollow tubes or pipes into specific shapes without compromising their structural integrity. Various methods, including rotary draw bending and mandrel bending, are used for precision.
Applications
- Handrails and safety barriers
- Hydraulic systems
- Furniture frames
Benefits
- Maintains tube strength during bending
- Versatile for different radius and angles
- Customizable for various industries,
Steel Section Bending
Section bending refers to bending structural steel sections like beams, channels, or angles. This process is vital for creating curved elements in construction and infrastructure projects.
Applications
- Arched beams for bridges and buildings
Curved staircases and railings
- Custom structural components
Benefits
- Handles a wide variety of profiles and shapes
- Suitable for large-scale steel construction projects
- Achieves smooth, consistent curves with minimal distortion
Metal Stamping
Stamping is a metalworking process where steel sheets are formed into desired shapes using a die and a press machine. This method is often used for high-volume production.
Applications
- Automotive components (e.g., panels, brackets)
- Electrical parts
- Home appliances
- Machine parts
Benefits
- High-speed production for large quantities
- Precision and uniformity in each piece
- Cost-effective for mass production
Deep Drawing
Deep drawing is a metal forming process where a flat steel sheet is stretched into a deep, three-dimensional shape using a die. This technique is widely used for manufacturing seamless and hollow products.
Applications
- Kitchen sinks
- Car fuel tanks
- Medical equipment
Benefits
- Produces seamless, durable parts
- Reduces material waste
- Ideal for producing complex, deep shapes
How can we help you ?
Novelty Structures uses advanced CNC Bending Machinery and techniques to fabricate custom steel bended parts. Whether you need precise sheet metal bending, pipe bending, or metal stamping, our contract fabrication serviced are tailored for various applications.
