Sheet metal folder for 3mm stainless - 900mm wide

[ELL]

I have been asked by a man on Facebook what he needs to fold a lot of 900mm wide 3mm stainless steel sheets. He asked if he could use a manual sheet metal folder(no hydraulics). I said he needs a hydraulic metal folder of some sort. Is that right? I am sure 3mm would be pretty much impossible to fold by hand at 900mm wide, especially a lot of them. So What is the most cost effective machine for this job? I believe at this point he will be doing 900mm at the widest. And 3mm stainless, I have never folded it, but I imagine it need a LOT of force. Thanks.

 

[clift_d]

There are various easily-found online calculators which would give a rough idea to your facebook friend, for example: http://www.precitools-it.com/materials/press-brake-calculator.htm

That one suggests 38 tons is required for a 90 degree bend in 900mm wide 3mm thick stainless, so only possible with hydraulics.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Not by hand you won't.
You'll need power.

Sub it out if it's a low volume job.

You could make a press yourself but unless you' have the time and luck to source the parts it's probably cheaper to buy one..

 

[fizzy]

I have been asked by a man on Facebook what he needs to fold a lot of 900mm wide 3mm stainless steel sheets. He asked if he could use a manual sheet metal folder(no hydraulics). I said he needs a hydraulic metal folder of some sort. Is that right? I am sure 3mm would be pretty much impossible to fold by hand at 900mm wide, especially a lot of them. So What is the most cost effective machine for this job? I believe at this point he will be doing 900mm at the widest. And 3mm stainless, I have never folded it, but I imagine it need a LOT of force. Thanks.

I have a VERY hefty old keetona manual folder. 6ft model. Weighs about 1200kg. Huge counterweight. I can JUST do 3mm aluminium on it. Bending 1m wide aluminium and I have to use hydraulic assistance - ie my forklift under the handle

Definitely will need a hydraulic pressbrake for that.

 

[gaz1]

this press brake will as the metal there bending is 3mm

it will bend but it also rolls as well so can roll 3mm sheet as well take note on what is on the floor

someone made a copy of it

 

[tom2207]

old 4ft very very heavy edwards at one of the farms , beautiful folder and Im a big lad ,,, I made a tractor part about a month ago from 3mm at about 3ft ,,,, did it once and wouldnt be doing it again ,,,, press brake is the way to go.