Sheet Metal Brakes
Sheet Metal Brakes, Rolls & Shears
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Introduction to Sheet Metal Brakes
A Sheet Metal Hand Brake is a manual machine that allows workers to bend sheet metal into different angles depending on the application. A “straight” Sheet Metal Hand Brake only allows for simple bends and creases and they are mostly used by HVAC contractors to bend ductwork.
A Box-and-Pan Brake also known as a “Finger Brake” is a more versatile version of a Hand Brake, as it also allows workers to form box and pan shapes. The “Finger” designation is related to the clamping bar that includes several removable blocks of various sizes; these blocks or fingers may be removed and rearranged to permit the bending of restricted areas of a piece of sheet metal or already partially formed pieces.
The Working of Sheet Metal Brake and Industry Applications
A Hand Brake usually consists of a flat surface onto which the material is placed and a clamping bar which will come down and hold the material firmly during the bend. This clamping action may be manual, automatic or operated using a foot pedal. The front, gate-like, plate of the machine is hinged and may be lifted, forcing the material extended over a straight edge to bend to follow the plate. The bends can be to any angle up to a practical limit of about 120 degrees. If the area to be bent is narrow enough, a sharper bend (e.g., for a hem) can be made by inserting the bend under the clamping bar and lowering it.
Sheet Metal Brakes are mostly found in HVAC and Sheet Metal Contractors Shops, and Automotive and Car Repairs Shops as these types of businesses need to bend straight pieces of sheet metal and more complex items such as boxes and pans. It’s very common to see both types of Hand Brakes in these types of shops.
Depending on the HVAC or Auto shop, you will see one 10-foot Straight Hand Brake capable of bending 16-gauge mild steel and two different 4-foot, or 48-inch Box-and-Pan Brakes capable of bending 16-gauge mild steel. The Box-and-Pan Brakes’ fingers are set up for a specific application, and workers don’t change the fingers at all since speed and productivity are a must for these types of companies and these smaller Hand Brakes aren’t too expensive and don’t occupy a lot of space.
Benefits of Using a Sheet Metal Brake
The benefits of using a Sheet Metal Brake are mostly felt in smaller shops in the HVAC, Sheet Metal, and Automotive Repair industries. These machines are manually operated and can easily bend the material to desired angles and shapes without much fuss. They are virtually set free from the get-go, and the learning curve is quite simple.
For instance, an HVAC shop can create complex ductwork systems just by bending flat sheets of galvanized sheet metal on a straight Hand Brake; it can use a Box-and-Pan Brake to bend corners, angles, and ductwork connectors without the need for power or electricity. For smaller shops, this is their bread and butter and these machines can generate any type of ductwork they want for a fraction of the cost of more expensive roll formers or CNC Press Brakes.
Safety and Maintenance Tips for Sheet Metal Brakes
The most important safety aspect to remember while using a Sheet Metal Hand Brake is to keep your fingers and hands away from the bending bar or mechanism before, during, and after bending. The sheer weight of these Sheet Metal Hand Brake components can pinch and crush your fingers and hands. The second important aspect to recognize is that these machines are top-heavy and can flip over depending on how they are handled, especially smaller 4-foot Box-and-Pan brakes as they have “skinny” legs.
These are other things to remember:
- Sheet metal can be large, sharp, and cumbersome. Clear an adequate amount of surrounding space before trying to bend your workpiece.
- Mark the sections of metal sheets before operating the Sheet Metal Brake. Locating and noting the metal ahead of time will lead to a more precise bend and safer and more efficient brake operation.
- Always ask for help with longer pieces. It is common to deal with large, awkward sheets of metal when metalworking. Often, the sheets are too large to carry alone. Enlist a coworker’s assistance when transporting sheet metal that you are unable to carry by yourself. Though it may not be heavy, sheet metal can be wobbly and sharp.
- Always follow operating guidelines and Hand Brake capacity. Review the machine’s manual before operation. While the process of using a Sheet Metal Brake may seem straightforward, it can be dangerous if done improperly.
- Training of personnel must be in place to emphasize the safe and proper use of the Sheet Metal Brake machine in your shop.