Giuseppe Speroni talks about offset bending (Z bending): the flanges.

Giuseppe Speroni, Head of Technical Office at Eurostamp.

We know that sheet metal bending is a complex process, to be dealt with accuracy and care. In the previous article we began our analysis of offset bends: particular bends which require special tools to form two bends with a single stroke.

As already mentioned, it is a type of bend used:

1. when we have two or more bends to be formed really close together, which cannot be formed using standard tools (since the sheet metal would collide with the die)
2. as a timesaver, by forming more bends at a time.

Finally, we analyzed the limitations of offset bends.

In this article, we are going to focus on another aspect of this type of bend: the dimension of the flanges that determine the offset.

Let's be more specific. The figure below shows the best bending condition, with the sheet metal always touching the surface of the tools - from the beginning to the end of the bending phase. Conversely, the next figure shows a condition which should be avoided: one of the sides is only touching the tools at the end of the bending phase. In the latter case, we do not have any control over the sheet metal and it is not possible to predict its behavior.

This causes:

• measures not to be repeated easily
• the tools to wear rapidly.

Height of the offset higher than 15mm.

When the height of the offset is higher than 15mm, we also have problems related to side thrust, which affect the balancing of the tools during the bending phase. This may eventually damage intermediates, tools and press brake tables. The side thrust can be limited by attaching thrust plates to the tools, but every single case needs to be carefully evaluated.

Eurostamp: concrete help for any type of bend.

There are two types of offset tools. Eurostamp provides up to 15mm-inserts to be installed in the holders. The catalog shows different holders according to the clamping style of the press brake. For offset bends higher than 15mm, we manufacture single piece custom tools.

Press brake tools: rely on Eurostamp.

Eurostamp is always standing next to their customers. Our highly skilled technicians will provide the most accurate advice on which press brake tools you should use and on the feasibility of your workpieces.

Do you need advice on choosing the most suitable tool for you? Since 1970, Eurostamp has been designing and manufacturing top quality press brake tooling, punches and dies.

Trust experience. Contact Eurostamp.