Description and Types of Brake
– Brake consists of a flat surface and a clamping bar
– Clamping action can be manual, automatic, or foot-operated
– Front plate is hinged and can be lifted to bend the material
– Bends can be up to 120 degrees, or more in the case of a bar folder
– Sharper bends can be made by inserting the material under the clamping bar
– Box-and-pan brake (also known as a finger brake) includes removable blocks for bending restricted areas
– Allows bending of partially formed pieces
– Offers versatility in shaping sheet metal
– Bar folder is smaller and simpler than cornice or box-and-pan brake
– Single handle both clamps and makes the bend
– Gauge can be set up to a depth of one inch for consistent bends
– Used to fabricate end caps, s cleats, and drive cleats
– Offers ease of use and efficiency in bending small workpieces
– Press brake is a more complex tool for forming predetermined bends
– Clamps the workpiece between a matching punch and die
– Requires specialized knowledge and skill to operate
– Used in industrial applications
– Offers precise and repeatable bending capabilities
Box-and-pan Brake Features
– Clamping bar includes removable blocks for bending restricted areas
– After bending, the box or pan is completed by metal fixing processes
– Also known as a finger brake
– Allows bending of partially formed pieces
– Offers versatility in shaping sheet metal
Bar Folder Features
– Smaller and simpler than cornice or box-and-pan brake
– Single handle both clamps and makes the bend
– Gauge can be set up to a depth of one inch for consistent bends
– Used to fabricate end caps, s cleats, and drive cleats
– Offers ease of use and efficiency in bending small workpieces
Press Brake Features
– More complex tool for forming predetermined bends
– Clamps the workpiece between a matching punch and die
– Requires specialized knowledge and skill to operate
– Used in industrial applications
– Offers precise and repeatable bending capabilities
Sizes and Applications of Brakes
– Brakes available in sizes suitable for light aluminum or brass
– Hand-operated brakes for small boxes
– Industrial-sized and counterweighted hand-operated or hydraulic machines for large steel sheets
– Size selection depends on the material and application
– Brakes can accommodate a wide range of sheet metal sizes and thicknesses Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_(sheet_metal_bending)
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A brake is a metalworking machine that allows the bending of sheet metal. A cornice brake only allows for simple bends and creases, while a box-and-pan brake also allows one to form box and pan shapes. It is also known as a bending machine or bending brake or in Britain as a sheet metal folder or just a folder.
