When it comes to air bending sheet metal, precision and repeatability are non-negotiables for ensuring the highest quality parts possible. Here at Wal-Tek Industries, we leverage Automatically Controlled Bending (ACB) technology to further enhance our press brake forming capabilities. That way, we can continue to deliver the accuracy and efficiency our customers expect from us on an even greater scale.
What Is ACB Technology?
Air bending, also known as 3 point bending, is a sheet metal fabrication technique in which the punch presses the metal into the die without making full press contact with the die bottom. The bend angle is determined by the depth of the penetration into the die.
ACB technology takes this process a step further by using sensors to measure the surface of the material while accounting for “springback” and corrects the bend angle in real time. This ACB system also calculates any necessary adjustments to apply the right amount of force.
Air bending sheet metal—ACB technology, to be more specific—is best suited for:
- Shallow bends and large-radius curves
- Projects that require flexibility and quick setups
- Parts that demand high precision and repeatability
The Benefits of ACB Technology in Air Bending Sheet Metal
Unmatched Precision
ACB technology is essential for custom sheet metal fabrication because it ensures precise bends, even for large or heavy parts. The system automatically adjusts for variations in sheet thickness and tensile strength, thereby reducing waste and eliminating the need for frequent machine adjustments.
Reduced Tolerance Stacking Issues
Are you tolerancing your sheet metal fabrication projects to machine tolerances or sheet metal tolerances? Many engineers apply the same tolerances across all parts, but sheet metal bending requires a different approach.
With ACB, we can maintain an accuracy of 0.005” per bend. This high level of precision is crucial for parts with multiple bends and tight tolerances. If you require this impressive accuracy and precision, ACB technology may be suitable for your next project.
Enhanced Efficiency and Throughput
In a traditional precision machine shop, operators must constantly check and adjust angles during the bending process. ACB technology automates this by communicating with the press brake in real time, ensuring consistency in each bend. The tool’s ability to “talk to” the machine improves efficiency and reduces machine time.
Increased Material Strength
Unlike traditional stamping methods that force material into a shape, air bending sheet metal preserves the material’s original molecular structure, resulting in stronger, more durable parts.
Decreased Manual Intervention for Better Quality, Consistency, and Efficiency
Our ACB-enabled press brake enables our teams to produce high-quality parts with less manual intervention. The benefits of this are twofold:
- Whether by reducing the number of setups or automating processes, minimal human intervention decreases risk while improving consistency and efficiency.
- By relying on technology, Wal-Tek can proactively address workforce shortages that are prevalent in the manufacturing industry. That’s not to say we’re replacing human talent with automation; instead, we’re using our people to do what our robots cannot while leveraging technologies to fill workskill gaps and handle the high-repeatability work they’re best suited to.
Why Choose Wal-Tek for Air Bending Sheet Metal?
This year at Wal-Tek, we’re promoting Your Way Forward. That’s why we continue to invest in advanced technology to ensure we remain on the cutting edge. Our use of ACB technology adds a whole new level of quality to our contract manufacturing services.
By incorporating ACB technology into our sheet metal fabrication offerings, Wal-Tek delivers precise, full-service solutions tailored to our customers’ unique specifications. Connect with our team today to learn how we can optimize your next project with this cutting-edge capability.
