Bending is therefore the phase in which sheet metal, which has already been punched, takes on volume. The product takes its shape, thanks to the bending phase.
Bending is used to obtain specific shapes according to the client’s requirements, but also to achieve a rigid structure. In the industrial field, this is obtained by using a specific machine called a bender.

Bending may be carried out in a "U" or a "V" shape, depending on whether the joining angle is sufficiently wide.
In the bending process, it is necessary to consider the phenomenon of elastic recovery, which modifies the bending angle obtained. It is also fundamental to know the plating direction of the half-finished work, in that bending in a perpendicular direction could cause cracks.

Thanks to the use of more sophisticated technology, today it is possible to have more control over the behaviour of materials during the distortion process, obtaining greater precision in bending angles.

The main factors to consider during the bending process are: firstly, the bending radius, which, if excessively small, could cause cracking which would later reduce the part’s resistance to mechanical demands. The minimum bending radius allowed varies according to the nature and the state of the material, as well as its depth. The minimum radius is greater for hard materials and usually should be greater than the plate’s depth.

Secondly, the elasticity of the material: once the bending process has been completed, the harder the metal plate and the larger its bending radius, the greater the elastic return of the bent part will be.

Thirdly, the development of bent parts: in distortion obtained by bending, the length of the part to be bent does not correspond with the fibre length of the bent part. Fibres which retain their original length (neutral line) are usually moved to the inside of the curve and their position depends on the quality of the material, the curve radius and the plate’s depth.
Therefore, by considering the depth of the material, its radius and bending angle, it is possible to calculate the development of the part to be bent. Trime’s bending machinery is characterized by high levels of precision and speed which allow the production of guaranteed quality products, reducing costs and delivery times.