DC Manufacturing’s metal folding facilities are renowned for their unbeatable productivity and utilize state-of-the-art machinery to deliver efficient project turnaround times.

With a range of folding capabilities, including robot folding, automated panel folding, and standard manned press brake folding, DC offers a diverse portfolio of metal folding methods to accommodate various project scopes.

DC Manufacturing’s Metal Forming Facilities

DC Manufacturing is able to offer a variety of different manual metal folding and CNC folding solutions, which allows us to select the most suitable and efficient method to meet the individual needs of each customer.

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DC Manufacturing Manned Folding Capabilities

Component length:

Up to 4100mm

Machine tonnage:

Up to 220 tonnes

FAQ

Metal folding or forming involves the application of one or multiple bends to a sheet of metal. This is achieved by securely holding the sheet at a specific point and applying sufficient pressure to create the desired fold.

The angle of the bend is typically determined by the shape of the top or bottom tool, commonly a “V” shape, as well as the applied pressure.

The choice of metal folding method depends on several variables, including the material type, size, quantity, and complexity of the required parts. At DC Manufacturing, we offer a variety of folding options to cater to diverse needs. Our range includes press brakes, automated panel folding, and robotic folding, ensuring we can provide the most suitable solution for your specific requirements.

The conventional and widely used method for metal folding is utilizing a press brake machine. At DC Manufacturing, we have seven manual Amada press brakes that efficiently form bends by securely clamping the metal sheet between a punch and die (top and bottom tools).

An experienced operator feeds the sheet into a pre-set back stop and holds it in position while the press brake applies the desired bend. This process ensures precise and accurate folding of the metal sheet.

In our pursuit of automation, we have incorporated robotics into our folding machinery, taking the process to a whole new level. Our Amada Astro Robot folder features a robotic arm that handles the material, feeds it into the fold tool, and applies the necessary pressure for bending.

Taking automation even further, our latest addition, the TruBend Cell 7000, is a fully automated system. Equipped with a robotic arm, it not only selects the material but also scans it to verify its specifications. The machine can perform multiple bends, scan the finished part to ensure accurate dimensions, and finally, place the completed parts on a conveyor for storage.

These cutting-edge robotic folding machines are unrivaled in terms of efficiency and precision. They are particularly well-suited for high-volume, repetitive manufacturing, especially for smaller products. The seamless integration of robotics enables streamlined production processes and ensures consistent quality output.

At DC Manufacturing, we can punch a range of materials such as:

  • Mild Steel
  • Coated Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Aluminium
  • Alloys in thicknesses from 0.3mm to 8mm.

The initial stage of the folding process involves collaboration between our design team and programmers, leveraging their extensive expertise to determine the optimal folding method. This decision determines the specific fold machinery and process to be utilized.

Subsequently, our programming department creates the necessary programs for the selected machine. These programs are tailored either for manual operators or automated machines. Factors such as material utilization and job runtime are taken into account to seamlessly integrate the job into the manufacturing schedule.

Depending on the complexity of the part, folding may not always be the initial step for the metal sheet. The part is scheduled and arrives at the fold department at a predetermined time. An operator oversees the folding process on the designated machine. Once the folding is completed and the part is thoroughly inspected, it is either forwarded to the next department for further processing or dispatched for shipping.

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We work with businesses in a wide variety of sectors with capabilities to offer short and long runs of metal products.

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