There are several types of bending machines used in manufacturing, each designed to handle different materials and bending processes. They are usually compatible with a wide variety of materials, including metals like steel, aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, and titanium. Bending machines are used in a huge range of applications, from making furniture for offices and homes to producing parts for bikes, car parts, garden tools, window frames, and even playground equipment. Here, we share the most common types of bending machines and how they might be used:

1. Sheet Metal Bending Machine

A sheet metal bending machine is used to bend thin sheets of metal and is commonly used in the automotive, construction, and electronics industries. It can perform different bending motions, including folding, forming, and bending at different angles.

2. Pipe Bending and Plate Bending Machine

Pipe bending machines are used specifically to bend pipes into various shapes and angles. Plate bending machines, on the other hand, are designed to bend thick plates of metal. Both types of machines are really important in industries that need to shape long pipes or large metal plates, such as the oil and gas industry.

3. Press Brake Machine

A press brake machine uses a tool called a punch and die to apply force to the metal to bend it at specific angles. This machine is often used to create more specific parts for manufacturing, such as brackets, chassis, and other components.

4. Plate Rolling Machines

Plate rolling machines, like those at Cotswold Machinery, are used to roll metal sheets or plates, commonly used for making pipes, tanks, and other curved metal structures.

5. Mechanical Bending Machine

A mechanical bending machine uses mechanical power to bend metal, through a series of gears and levers that apply force to the metal. These machines are often used for lighter bending tasks, such as small parts manufacturing.

6. Hydraulic Bending Machine

Hydraulic bending machines use hydraulic force to bend metal. This type of machine can handle much heavier loads and thicker materials compared to mechanical bending machines.