processingdetails

Forming

Forming is a common method in fabrication, which is used to take a material and change its appearance physically that results in a different shape. The exception to this is Super-Plastic Forming where a plastic is not only formed but can be glued. Hydraulic brake presses with v-dies are the most common method of forming metal. The cut plate is placed in the press and a v-shaped die is pressed a predetermined distance to bend the plate to the desired angle. Wing brakes and hand powered brakes are sometimes used.

Forming is similar to bending. Complex parts such as U-sections, channel sections of different profiles can be produced by doing multiple bends. There is no change in thickness. Good dimensional repeatability as well as close tolerances is possible with this process.