Understanding the process of steel folding
![A key stage in the fabrication process, sheet metal folding sees a cut piece of high-quality steel bent into the shape required for manufacturing the finished product. The importance of this step, also known as bending, calls for care, attention, and special equipment. Take a closer look at what folded steel is and learn more about the process and the benefits it offers.
What is the purpose of folding steel?
The purpose of sheet metal folding is to quickly form large pieces of steel into a bespoke shape using robust machinery. It would be impossible to create the right shape without this process.
Methods such as brake pressing, manual folding, and roll forming are used to fabricate a range of folded steel sections such as beams, joists, and parallel flange channels. Brake pressing and roll forming require specialised machinery, while manual folding usually is done by hand with a bending tool.]()
A key stage in the fabrication process, sheet metal folding sees a cut piece of high-quality steel bent into the shape required for manufacturing the finished product. The importance of this step, also known as bending, calls for care, attention, and special equipment. Take a closer look at what folded steel is and learn more about the process and the benefits it offers.
What is the purpose of folding steel?
The purpose of sheet metal folding is to quickly form large pieces of steel into a bespoke shape using robust machinery. It would be impossible to create the right shape without this process.
Methods such as brake pressing, manual folding, and roll forming are used to fabricate a range of folded steel sections such as beams, joists, and parallel flange channels. Brake pressing and roll forming require specialised machinery, while manual folding usually is done by hand with a bending tool.
The process: How to fold steel
When it comes to how to fold metal such as steel, the important thing to remember is that you need to apply enough force to exceed the strength of the metal. You can do this by hand, heating the metal to soften it before using a folding tool to shape it. However, this can be difficult, time-consuming work that requires training and skill.
The most common way to manufacture folded steel sections is to use a press brake. This piece of machinery works by lowering a punch (also known as a knife) onto a metal sheet that has been positioned carefully on a V-shaped die. This process may need to be repeated several times to create the desired shape.
Looking for reliable steel folding services? At IMS, our team of highly skilled engineers use Edward Pearson PR 320x4200 press brakes to fold steel and other metals into the exact shapes you need for your project.
