Putting A Bend On A Curve Sheet Steel

The last step bending will actually deform the first bend and make that bend less then 90 degrees so for that to look good.

Putting a bend on a curve sheet steel.

Homemade sheet metal curve bending tool functions by clamping the sheet metal on top of a pvc pipe. Otherwise the sheet metal is almost certain to shift as you bend it resulting in a bad bend. Choose a bend radius that matches your minimum bend. Curve sizes vary depending on the pipe diameter utilized.

Clamp the box section on top of the shims feed the metal through and pull up then feed the metal through a few mm at a time gentle tweaks using the long side when you reach the middle turn it round and repeat. I have bent 3mm sheet up to 300mm wide like this. This is putting a simple hem on a curved piece of zinc with a 7ft radius. If you have any questions or want to discuss your design contact us.

Determine your minimum bend by measuring the distance from your closest feature i e. For 3mm i use a big piece of angle iron. If in doubt try bending a scrap panel over the tightest radius section of the arch to see if it will work. A cutout or the edge of your flange to your bend.

Then use your bend allowance to draw your second bend line the intervening distance between your bend lines bend radius. Note watch out for overbending the workpiece. To clamp efficiently lay your sheet metal on the top surface of your straightedge with the drawn line perfectly aligned with the outside edge of the sheet metal. Using protective gloves hold the free end of the metal sheet with one hand and with the other hand use a mallet or hammer to begin bending the sheet down and around the curved radius of the wood form.

Finally curved applications typically require additional fasteners to resist the forces induced by curving the panels. Clamping your sheet metal to the straightedge is a must. Make sure the first bend mark lines up exactly with the curve in the form so that the bending will begin in the right spot. It seems like it should be simple but i think the flat part where the tab originated is making it difficult.

Mark your bend lines.