Custom Metal Bending Services

CNC sheet metal bending is a manufacturing process where sheet metal is shaped into specific angles or forms using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. This technique allows for precise and repeatable bending, creating parts with tight tolerances and complex geometries. Compared to traditional manual bending, CNC bending services offer greater accuracy, consistency, and efficiency, especially for complex designs or high-volume production.

The bend rule in sheet metal fabrication refers to a set of guidelines and formulas used to predict how metal deforms during bending. It helps ensure that final part dimensions are accurate by accounting for factors such as bend allowance, bend radius, material thickness, and bend angle. At KIXENER, our engineering team reviews your design for manufacturability (DFM) and offers expert guidance to optimize bending results.

General tolerances in sheet metal bending refer to acceptable variations in dimensions and angles during the forming process. While exact tolerances depend on material, thickness, and machine precision, typical values are: bend angles typically within ±1° to ±2°; bend line positions and flat-to-bend distances commonly within ±0.5 mm; bend radii usually held to ±0.25 mm to ±0.5 mm; hole-to-bend spacing often controlled within ±0.5 mm; overall part dimensions ±0.2 mm to ±0.5 mm for small parts, up to ±1.0 mm for larger components.

Bending is a forming process that reshapes a single sheet into angles or curves without cutting or joining. Welding, on the other hand, is a joining process that uses heat to fuse two or more metal parts. It is excellent for constructing sturdy structures that bear heavy loads, though it might take more time and could change the metal’s surface or form because of the heat. Which one you use depends on your part’s design, strength needs, and manufacturing goals.

Metal cutting and bending are closely linked and often combined in metal fabrication. Cutting comes first. Flat sheets or plates are precisely shaped and sized using methods like laser cutting, plasma cutting, or shearing to prepare the material for bending. Once cut, the pieces are formed into specific angles or shapes by applying force with machines such as press brakes or rollers.