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Bending Short Flanges

Bending short flanges on a press brake can be tricky when standard tools won't do the job. Check out WILA's solutions for achieving shorter flange lengths.

How to determine minimum flange length

Determining minimum flange length is an important step in any successful bending operation. WILA recommends a flange length that is at least 6 times the material thickness. Furthermore, to ensure that the workpiece does not fall into the v-groove, the minimum flange length when bending on standard tools must be greater than half of the V-opening. If you need to bend a shorter flange, consider WILA's RotaBend tooling.

Products for bending short flanges

RotaBend Tooling

WILA's RotaBend tooling is designed for bending short flanges, for producing clean bends when there are holes or cutouts near the bend line and for reducing part marking.

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Smart Tooling App

The WILA Smart Tooling app offers basic bend advice. Check the minimum flange length that can be bent with a WILA tool.

Downloads

RotaBend flyer (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

WILA recommends a flange length that is at least 6 times the material thickness using regular press brake tools. The minimum flange length also depends on the V-opening and shoulder radius of the tool. Check out the WILA Smart Tooling app for bend advice and the minimum flange length that can be bent.

If you use bottom tools with a smaller V-opening, you will be able to bend a shorter flange. However, the material might crack, larger tonnages are required and there might be excessive tool wear. Note that the inside radius will also change, as will the flat pattern, when you change the width of the V-opening. If you want to bend shorter flanges, check out WILA RotaBend tooling.

RotaBend tools provide the highest accuracy when bending parts up to approximately 1 m in length. Contact WILA if you are looking for a solution for bending a short flange longer than 1 m.

Talk to an expert

For more information about bending short flanges or any other type of sheet metal bending on a press brake, just give us a call. We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Find a dealer close to you

WILA dealers have the knowledge and expertise to support your press brake tooling needs. There is always a WILA dealer near you.

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