man wearing gloves operating metal forming machine

Sheet Metal Forming

Most metals are ductile. They will stretch and bend before they break. Once your material is cut to size, it’s time to bring the shape from your blueprint to life. We take flat pieces of metal and bend them into recognizable, functional shapes.

/ / /Press Brake metal forming / / /

Fold Metal into the Right Shapes

Shape. Bend. Fold. Our press brakes manipulate flat blanks and transform them into your component part based on the specified angles. A press brake bends sheet metal, using tons of force, to shape the end part. We can bend sheet metal at almost any angle with a variety of die and punches. When your blueprint combines with our custom sheet metal fabrication capabilities, the possibilities are endless.

A Metaltech employee operates a press break in the fabrication shop
TruBlend 5130 metal forming and press brake machine

Meet Our Press Brakes

Our facility houses four press brakes that allow us to offer a wide range of sheet metal forming capabilities. While all of our press brakes help us complete projects, two of them deserve a special mention.

First, our high-speed electric press brake allows us to work with more accuracy and efficiency. It’s faster and includes added safety features, making it almost impossible for our operators to obtain an injury.

Our newest and largest press brake includes CNC lifting for heavy materials. It not only increases productivity but also keeps our employees safe. Instead of requiring multiple operators, this press brake does all the heavy lifting. 

Maximum dimensions:

  • Bed width: 10 feet
  • Weight: 150 tons

FAQ for Sheet Metal Forming

Sheet metal forming is a manufacturing process that shapes flat metal sheets into specific parts or components. This process involves bending, folding, punching, or drawing the metal to match the dimensions and design of a blueprint.

Metaltech uses advanced press brakes to bend, fold, and shape sheet metal. Our high-speed electric press brake offers precision and safety, while our CNC lifting press brake handles large, heavy materials, increasing both productivity and safety.

The most common sheet metal forming processes are:

  • Bending: Shaping metal into specific angles.
  • Punching: Cutting holes or shapes into metal sheets.
  • Stamping: Pressing metal into specific shapes using dies.
  • Drawing: Stretching metal to create cup-like shapes.
  • Roll Forming: Continuous bending of long metal strips.
  • Bending: Uses press brakes to shape flat metal sheets into specific angles or forms. This process is essential for creating components such as brackets, enclosures, and structural supports.

  • Stamping: A high-speed process that involves pressing or punching metal into a die to create precise shapes. It is commonly used for mass production of automotive, electronic, and industrial components.

  • Rolling: Involves passing sheet metal through rollers to gradually reduce thickness or create curved shapes, such as tubes or cylindrical parts.

Each of these processes plays a critical role in manufacturing, helping to create durable and functional metal components across various industries.

Metaltech can form a wide range of metals, including:

  • Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Brass

These materials are chosen for their strength, malleability, and versatility in manufacturing.

  • Bending: Uses a press brake to create specific angles.
  • Forming: A broader term that includes bending, drawing, and other shaping processes.
  • Stamping: Uses a die to press metal into specific shapes, often for mass production.

Advantages:

  • Custom Design: Ability to create complex, custom shapes.
  • Cost-Effective: More affordable than machining thick metals.
  • Durability: Parts are strong, long-lasting, and lightweight.
  • Speed: CNC-controlled press brakes ensure fast, repeatable production.

Disadvantages:

  • Springback: Metal may slightly return to its original shape after bending.
  • Tooling Costs: Custom dies may be required for certain shapes.
  • Material Limitations: Some metals may not be suitable for all forming processes.

Metaltech addresses these challenges using precision CNC equipment and highly skilled operators.

Metaltech’s facility is equipped with four advanced press brakes, including:

  • High-Speed Electric Press Brake: Ensures fast, precise bends with advanced safety features.
  • CNC Lifting Press Brake: Handles heavy-duty materials, reduces manual labor, and increases productivity.

 

These machines allow Metaltech to form large sheets and complex designs with precision.

Metaltech achieves precision using:

  • CNC-Controlled Press Brakes: Automated bending with exact accuracy.
  • Custom Dies and Tooling: Allows for the creation of specific, repeatable shapes.
  • Skilled Operators: Experienced technicians oversee each step of the process.

 

These methods ensure consistent, repeatable results for every part Metaltech produces.

To request a quote, submit your project details, including material type, dimensions, and design specifications, through Metaltech’s online form. Our team will review your request and provide a customized quote for your project.

Get a Quote

Shape your next metal fabrication project with our forming capabilities. Request a quote today to get your project rolling.