Multi-Axis CNC Press Brake Forming
Alliance Metal Solutions operates modern CNC press brake equipment with up to 7-axis control, enabling us to form complex profiles with exceptional accuracy and repeatability. Our bending department handles part lengths from 15 mm up to 3 000 mm, covering everything from small electronic enclosure components to large architectural panels and structural members.
CNC control means every bend is programmed with exact angle, position and back-gauge coordinates. Once a program is proven, it can be recalled for repeat orders with identical results. This eliminates the variability that comes with manual brake operation and ensures parts fit together consistently during downstream assembly and welding.
We form mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium across a wide range of thicknesses. Our tooling library includes standard V-dies, acute tooling, gooseneck punches, radius tooling and custom-ground profiles for specialised applications. If your part requires tooling we do not currently hold, we can source or manufacture it to suit your project requirements.
- Up to 7-axis CNC press brake control for complex forming
- Part lengths from 15 mm to 3 000 mm
- Repeat accuracy of ±0.1 mm on back-gauge positioning
- Angle tolerances held to ±0.5° across production runs
- Mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium capability
- Extensive tooling library for standard and specialised profiles
Bending Capabilities and Process
Our CNC press brakes are equipped with real-time angle measurement systems that compensate for material springback automatically. Different metals and thicknesses spring back by varying amounts after the punch retracts, and without compensation, this leads to inconsistent angles. Our machines measure each bend as it is formed and adjust the stroke depth in real time, delivering correct angles from the first piece onward without trial-and-error setup.
Multi-axis back-gauge systems allow us to form parts with multiple bends in a single handling, positioning the sheet accurately for each successive bend without operator intervention. This is particularly valuable for parts with closely spaced bends, offset flanges or box-and-pan profiles where cumulative positioning errors would otherwise build up.
For high-volume work, we program offline using 3D bend simulation software. This identifies potential collisions between the part, tooling and machine before any metal is touched, reducing setup time and eliminating scrap from trial runs. The same software generates accurate flat-pattern blanks for our laser cutting department, ensuring the cut profile unfolds to the correct finished dimensions after bending.
We regularly bend parts for enclosures, cabinet work, machine guards, structural brackets, cladding panels, signage trays and custom architectural elements. If your project involves formed sheet metal, we have the capability and experience to deliver it accurately and on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum thickness you can bend?
Our press brake capacity allows us to bend mild steel up to 12 mm thick and stainless steel up to 8 mm thick across a 3 000 mm bed length. For shorter bend lengths, we can handle thicker material. Contact us with your specific part dimensions and material and we will confirm feasibility.
Can you achieve small internal bend radii?
Yes. We carry acute tooling and narrow V-die sets that allow tight internal radii down to approximately 1× material thickness for mild steel. For stainless steel and aluminium, minimum radii depend on the grade and temper. Our team will advise on achievable radii during the quoting process to avoid cracking or surface defects.
How do you handle springback in stainless steel?
Our CNC press brakes use real-time angle measurement with automatic springback compensation. The machine measures the actual angle during each bend cycle and adjusts the ram depth to achieve the programmed target angle. This is especially important for stainless steel, which springs back more than mild steel, and it ensures consistent angles throughout the entire production run.
Need Precision Bending for Your Project?
Upload your drawings or flat patterns and our team will quote your bending requirements. We handle everything from single prototypes to ongoing production batches.
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