Getting bends out of plate metal

[ELL]

So I buy metal plate used(3mm to 6mm), often has bends in it from being banged about and mistreated. These bends aren't nice neat bends obviously. What are the best ways to straighten the plates up again? Thanks.

 

[BrokenBiker]

Hammer and a flat surface...any soft bends wont be much of an issue but and sharp bends will need more care not to leave a crease.

I like to take any creases out slowly with some heat and try to pull the metal while hammering along the crease gently...that is definitely a slow and steady type of thing. Heat can help, but can also make it worse if you are too hot. Dull cherry will let the metal move but not so easilly you fold a crease over.

Panel beating videos will help regarding sharp bends/creases

 

[Mark 2]

Some can be rolled out.

 

[Erie Fred]

Heat shrinking

 

[Gareth J]

A press. If the plate size allows. Speed/ability of recovery of bent stuff has improved massively since having a flypress.