A panel bender is an effective metal deformation machine, in a process, it is possible to quickly complete a complex part that requires a very precise radius formation, hems or curves. The same operations carried out in a press could be laboriously slow.
A panel benders works almost without tool changes. The only required configuration work usually consists of composing the blank marker, which usually has to be manually or automatically adjusted to the length of the longer side to bend.
The Salvagnini mark is the number 1 for panel benders. More than 3000 Salvagnini panel bending machines have been sold worldwide. The famous P4 was born in 1979 and updated continuously since then. Salvagnini has changed the drive systems on its panel benders to operate with electric actuators. Apart from the P1, which is a fully electric machine, its machines now use fluid energy to clamp the workpiece and drive the bending blades. Everything else on the machines is electric.
Prima or Finn Power occupies second place in this type of machine. It also builds highly flexible and productive folding panels in a wide range of models.
Any store that produces a lot of box-shaped items (HVAC and cabinet work) in the correct caliber may consider the option of a panel bender. The question then is whether to choose a fully automated, semi-automatic or manual machine. The choice will be reduced to the type of work the workshop is carrying out and the price considerations.
The TruBends series of Trumpf machines have a part of up to 10 feet can be folded with an 8-inch. Nesting height. It accepts sheets as thick as 1/8 inches. The Trumpf company is trying to differentiate itself in this market by launching a machine that believes it is flexible and unique. Forms, so that it is distinguished from the fully automated models.
Another challenge for many panel benders is the formation of narrow channels. Due to the required strength of the blank brackets that hold the blade down while completing a curve, a certain minimum amount of flat material must be fastened during bending.
The limitation for all semi-automatic systems discussed above is that none of them can be equipped for integration into a fully automated production line.
Panel Benders
Are an attractive product because they can do a lot without human interaction, and the companies that make them are doing what they can to increase their sophistication and give users peace of mind in their operations.