Custom Sheet Metal Forming and Bending Services
FORMING & BENDING
Custom Bent Metal Parts for Your Industrial Projects
Transform flat metal sheets into functional three-dimensional components tailored to your designs. From mounting brackets and equipment enclosures to formed panels and custom channels, Koham supports project-specific material selection and manufacturing requirements. Share your drawings and specifications to discuss suitable forming and bending solutions for your application.
What Is Sheet Metal Forming and Bending?
Sheet metal forming and bending are manufacturing processes used to transform flat metal sheets into three-dimensional components. In press brake bending, a punch and die apply controlled force to create bends along specified lines, producing shapes such as flanges, channels, brackets, and equipment enclosures.
The final geometry depends on factors such as material properties, sheet thickness, bend radius, tooling, and the required dimensions. With a suitable design and manufacturing setup, multiple bends can be combined to create components that fit specific mounting, structural, and assembly requirements.
Sheet metal forming and bending are widely used in industrial equipment, machinery, electrical enclosures, automation systems, and other manufactured products. The appropriate process depends on the component geometry, material, production requirements, and available tooling.
Sheet Metal Forming Capabilities
Explore common bending profiles and formed features used in custom sheet metal components.
Linear Bending & Flanges
Straight bends create flanges and angled surfaces for mounting, fastening, and structural support.
U-Channels
Multiple bends form channel-shaped components for frames, supports, rails, and equipment structures.
Offset & Z Bends
Offset bends create stepped profiles that help position components at different heights or planes.
Multi-Bend Components
Multiple bends create three-dimensional parts such as housings, covers, chassis, and custom formed panels.
Large-Radius Bends
Larger bend radii may be suitable for specific structural or appearance requirements, depending on the selected forming method.
Hems & Folded Edges
Folded edges can help cover exposed edges, improve handling, or support specific structural and assembly requirements.
Advantages of Sheet Metal Forming and Bending
Turn flat sheet metal into functional parts with geometry suited to your product and assembly requirements.
Sheet metal forming and bending provide a practical way to produce functional metal components from flat sheet stock. By introducing bends, flanges, and other formed features, manufacturers can create three-dimensional parts designed for mounting, structural support, protection, and assembly.
Compared with constructing a component from multiple separate flat pieces, a suitable bent design may reduce the number of individual parts and joining operations required. Material options and flexible bend configurations also allow components to be tailored to different strength, space, and application requirements.
From simple mounting brackets to multi-bend enclosures, sheet metal forming supports a broad range of industrial component designs. The most suitable approach depends on material properties, part geometry, tooling requirements, production quantity, and functional specifications.
Advantages of Laser Cutting
Three-Dimensional Geometry
Create flanges, channels, angles, and formed profiles from flat sheet metal.
Part Consolidation
A well-planned formed design may combine multiple functions into a single component.
Design Flexibility
Bend angles, flange dimensions, and profiles can be specified around functional requirements.
Assembly Integration
Formed features can support mounting, fastening, positioning, and subsequent assembly.
Materials
Materials for Sheet Metal Forming
Choose materials according to formability, strength, corrosion resistance, thickness, and application requirements.
Alloy Steel
Alloy steels include additional elements beyond carbon, which improve their hardness, toughness, and resistance to fatigue and wear. These steels are widely used in construction, automotive, and machinery due to their enhanced properties.
| Alloy Steel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | ISO Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4140 | 1.7225 | 708M40 | 42CrMo4 |
| 4340 | 1.6565 | 817M40 | 40NiCrMo6 |
| 8620 | 1.6523 | 805M20 | 20NiCrMo2 |
| 52100 | 1.3505 | 100Cr6 | SUJ2 |
| 4142 | 1.7227 | 708M40T | 41CrMoS4 |
| 6150 | 1.8159 | 735A51 | 50CrV4 |
Aluminum
Aluminum alloys are lightweight and strong, with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. They are also resistant to corrosion and can be anodized for added protection, making them ideal for aerospace and packaging industries.
| Aluminum Alloy | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | ISO Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7075-T651 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu |
| 6082-T651 | 3.2315 | 64430 | AlSi1MgMn |
| 6060 | 3.3206 | EN AW-6060 | AlMgSi |
| 5052 | EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5 |
| 2017A | 3.1325 | 24530 | AlCu4MgSi |
Brass
Brass is a metal known for its easy machinability and good electrical conductivity. It is ideal for applications requiring low friction, such as gears, locks, and musical instruments.
| Brass | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C36000 | UNS C36000 | CUZN39PB3 | CuZn39Pb3 |
| C46400 | UNS C46400 | CuZn38Al | Naval Brass |
| C93200 | UNS C93200 | Saems 660 | Bearing Bronze |
| C48500 | UNS C48500 | CuZn39Sn1 | Leaded Muntz Metal |
| C26000 | UNS C26000 | CUZN30 | Cartridge Brass |
| C37700 | UNS C37700 | CUZN40PB2 | Forging Brass |
Copper
Copper is excellent at conducting heat and electricity, making it perfect for electrical uses like busbars and wire connectors. It is easily recognized by its shiny reddish-orange color and is also used in plumbing and roofing.
| Copper | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C11000 | UNS C11000 | Cu-ETP | Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper |
| C10100 | UNS C10100 | OF-OK | Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper |
| C10200 | UNS C10200 | OF-Cu | Oxygen-Free (OF) Copper |
| C28000 | UNS C28000 | CuZn40 | Muntz Metal |
| C14500 | UNS C14500 | TeCu | Tellurium Copper |
Hastelloy
Hastelloy is a group of nickel alloys known for their high resistance to corrosion, pitting, and stress-corrosion cracking. They are often used in harsh environments like chemical processing and aerospace, where durability is crucial.
| Hastelloy | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| C276 | UNS N10276 | 2.4819 | NiMo16Cr15W |
| C22 | UNS N06022 | 2.4602 | NiCr21Mo14W |
| B-2 | UNS N10665 | 2.4617 | NiMo28 |
| X | UNS N06002 | 2.4665 | NiCr22Fe18Mo |
| C2000 | UNS N06200 | 2.4675 | NiCr23Mo16Cu |
| G-30 | UNS N06030 | 2.4603 | NiCr29Mo9Fe |
Inconel
Inconel is a strong, corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, ideal for challenging aerospace applications. It can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, making it suitable for jet engines and gas turbines.
| Inconel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 718 | UNS N07718 | 2.4668 | NiCr19Fe19Nb5Mo3 |
| 625 | UNS N06625 | 2.4856 | NiCr22Mo9Nb |
| 600 | UNS N06600 | 2.4816 | NiCr15Fe |
| X-750 | UNS N07750 | 2.4669 | NiCr15Fe7TiAl |
| 601 | UNS N06601 | 2.4851 | NiCr23Fe |
| 725 | UNS N07725 | 2.4668 | NiCr19Fe19Nb5Mo3 |
Invar
Invar is a nickel alloy with very low thermal expansion, making it highly stable and perfect for precision applications such as instrumentation and aerostructure molds. It is also used in scientific instruments where dimensional stability is critical.
| Invar | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | UNS K93600 | 1.3912 | FeNi36 |
| 42 | UNS K94200 | 1.3917 | FeNi42 |
| 48 | UNS K94800 | 1.3922 | FeNi48 |
| 32-5 | UNS K94610 | 1.3911 | FeNi32-5 |
| 42-6 | UNS K94620 | 1.3913 | FeNi42-6 |
| 46 | UNS K94630 | 1.3914 | FeNi46 |
Maraging Steel
Maraging steels are ultra-high-strength steels that are easy to machine and weld without causing distortion. They gain their exceptional hardness and toughness from a special heat-treating process, making them suitable for aerospace and tooling applications.
| Maraging Steel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | UNS K93120 | 1.6359 | 20Ni Maraging Steel C200 |
| 250 | UNS K92890 | 1.6358 | 18Ni Maraging Steel C250 |
| 300 | UNS K93120 | 1.6354 | 18Ni Maraging Steel C300 |
| 350 | UNS K93160 | 1.6356 | 18Ni Maraging Steel C350 |
| 400 | UNS K91460 | 1.6352 | Custom 465 Stainless |
| 500 | UNS K92810 | 1.6354 | Custom Age 625 Plus |
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is known for its strength, heat, and corrosion resistance, along with its durability and attractive appearance. These qualities make it suitable for a wide range of uses, including kitchenware, medical instruments, and construction.
| Stainless Steel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316L | UNS S31603 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | Stainless Steel 316L |
| 304 | UNS S30400 | X5CrNi18-10 | Stainless Steel 304 |
| 17-4 PH | UNS S17400 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 | Stainless Steel 17-4 PH |
| 303 | UNS S30300 | X8CrNiS18-9 | Stainless Steel 303 |
| 420 | UNS S42000 | X20Cr13 | Stainless Steel 420 |
| 440C | UNS S44004 | X105CrMo17 | Stainless Steel 440C |
Titanium
Titanium is a lightweight metal with excellent strength, low thermal expansion, and high corrosion resistance. Its ability to be sterilized and its biocompatibility make it unique, especially in medical implants and aerospace components.
| Titanium Grade | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | UNS R56400 | 3.7165 | Ti-6Al-4V |
| 2 | UNS R50400 | 3.7035 | CP Titanium |
| 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) | UNS R56401 | 3.7165 | Ti-6Al-4V ELI |
| 9 (Ti-3Al-2.5V) | UNS R56320 | 3.7195 | Ti-3Al-2.5V |
| 7 (Ti-0.2Pd) | UNS R52400 | 3.7235 | Ti-0.2Pd |
| 12 (Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni) | UNS R53400 | 3.7105 | Ti-0.3Mo-0.8Ni |
Tool Steel
Tool steels are hard, stiff, and resistant to abrasion, making them perfect for manufacturing industrial tools. Their robustness is essential for cutting, drilling, and molding applications in various industries.
| Tool Steel | UNS Designation | DIN Designation | Alternative Designation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2 | UNS T30402 | 1.2379 | X155CrVMo12-1 |
| M2 | UNS T11302 | 1.3343 | HS6-5-2C |
| A2 | UNS T30102 | 1.2363 | X100CrMoV5-1 |
| S7 | UNS T41907 | 1.2355 | 50CrMoV13-15 |
| O1 | UNS T31501 | 1.2510 | 100MnCrW4 |
| H13 | UNS T20813 | 1.2344 | X40Cr |
Material selection affects bend radius, springback, forming force, and the risk of cracking. Share your material grade, thickness, and part drawings to discuss a suitable forming approach. Discuss Your Material Requirements
Sheet Metal Bending Design Guidelines
Consider bend geometry, material behavior, and feature placement early to improve manufacturability and dimensional consistency.
Design Guidelines for Sheet Metal Forming and Bending
A well-designed sheet metal part accounts for material behavior, bend geometry, tooling limitations, and the relationship between formed features. Reviewing these factors before production can help reduce unnecessary design changes and support consistent part quality.
Bend Radius
The internal bend radius should be selected according to the material type, thickness, and forming method. A radius that is too small for a particular material may increase the risk of cracking or surface damage.
Bend Allowance and Flat Pattern
Bending changes the length distribution of material around the bend. Bend allowance, bend deduction, and the applicable bend factor should be considered when calculating the flat pattern and final part dimensions.
Flange Length
Ensure that flange dimensions are compatible with the selected tooling and part geometry. Very short flanges or closely spaced bends may require additional manufacturing review.
Hole-to-Bend Clearance
Holes, slots, and cutouts placed too close to a bend line may distort during forming. Maintain suitable clearance according to the material, thickness, feature size, and bend geometry.
Bend Relief
Appropriate bend reliefs can help reduce tearing, material interference, and unwanted deformation where bends meet edges or intersect other features.
Specify tolerances according to the functional requirements of the part. Critical dimensions, mounting holes, and mating features should be clearly identified on the engineering drawing.
Material Direction and Springback
Material properties and grain direction can influence bend quality and cracking risk. Springback also causes the material to partially recover after forming, so bend compensation may be required to achieve the specified angle.
Tolerances and Critical Dimensions
Clearly identify important flange dimensions, bend angles, mounting interfaces, and functional features on the engineering drawing. Tolerances should reflect the intended application and the capabilities of the selected manufacturing process.
Final design recommendations should be confirmed according to the material grade, thickness, geometry, tooling, and production requirements.
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From Design to Finished Parts
A structured workflow helps align your drawings, material specifications, forming requirements, and delivery expectations.
Submit Your Drawings
Provide 2D drawings, 3D CAD files when available, material grades, thickness, quantities, and critical dimensions.
Design & Feasibility Review
Review bend radii, flange lengths, feature placement, bend sequence, and dimensional requirements.
Material & Process Confirmation
Confirm the material, thickness, tooling considerations, and any additional manufacturing operations.
Forming & Bending
Produce the component according to the agreed drawing, manufacturing process, and project specifications.
Inspection & Delivery
Review critical dimensions and agreed quality requirements before coordinating packaging and delivery.
Why Choose Koham for Sheet Metal Forming and Bending?
Manufacturing support aligned with your part geometry, material specifications, and project requirements.
Drawing-Based Manufacturing
Review part geometry, flange dimensions, bend angles, and critical features against your engineering drawings.
Custom Formed Components
Discuss brackets, channels, enclosures, panels, and other bent metal parts tailored to your application.
Integrated Process Coordination
Consider cutting, bending, finishing, and assembly requirements together for your project.
Global B2B Partnership
Support technical communication and manufacturing coordination for custom component sourcing.
FAQ
Laser Cutting FAQs
What is sheet metal forming and bending?
Sheet metal forming and bending transform flat metal sheets into three-dimensional parts by applying controlled force through suitable tooling. Common results include flanges, channels, brackets, panels, and equipment enclosures.
What is the difference between forming and bending?
Bending changes the angle or direction of sheet metal along a defined line. Forming is a broader term that includes bending and other operations used to create shaped features. In many sheet metal service contexts, forming and bending are discussed together because press brake bending is a common forming method.
Which materials can be used for sheet metal bending?
Common options include aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, copper, and brass. The suitable material depends on its formability, thickness, bend radius, strength requirements, and intended application.Dimensioned engineering drawings and suitable 2D profiles, such as DXF files, are useful for defining the required geometry. CAD files may also be helpful for review. Confirm supported formats and include material, thickness, dimensions, and tolerances.
What affects the achievable bend radius?
The bend radius depends on the material grade, sheet thickness, tooling, forming method, and the risk of cracking or surface damage. The appropriate radius should be reviewed for the specific part design.
What files are needed for a sheet metal bending quote?
Dimensioned 2D drawings and 3D CAD files, where available, are useful for evaluating the part geometry. Include material grade, thickness, bend angles, critical dimensions, tolerances, and estimated quantities.
Can bent sheet metal parts be finished or assembled?
Depending on the project and available manufacturing capabilities, formed components can be combined with deburring, hardware insertion, welding, coating, and assembly operations. The required processes should be specified when requesting a quote.