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Mark-free bending

A bending operation may leave unwanted marking on the surface of the material. Post-processing of an end product is time-consuming and costly. WILA offers a range of products to help reduce marking.

Three ways to minimize part marking

It’s not uncommon for some jobs to require a finished part to be free from marks or aesthetic imperfections. If part marking occurs during the bending process, in the form of marking or creasing the bend line, a good part can quickly be turned to scrap metal, resulting in rejection and increased production costs. Here are three ways to minimize or eliminate part markings:

Use clean press brake tools.
Use bottom tools with a larger shoulder radius, coated bottom tools or Rotabend tools.
Protect the sheet material.

Are you bending galvanized material? Then check this out!

Tools that help you reduce part marking

Press Brake Productivity Wax

We recommend a liquid spray wax for cleaning your tools. WILA Press Brake Productivity Wax has been specially developed for cleaning, maintaining and protecting press brake tools.

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Bottom tools with large shoulder radii

The working height of New Standard tools is linked to the shoulder radius. At a height of 100mm the radius is about 20% of the V-groove width, leading to less friction and marking.

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Rotabend bottom tools

The use of WILA Rotabend bottom tools helps reduce marking. Its hardened rotor wings reduce friction.

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Tools with plastic inserts

Our OZU-016 and HU-005/6 bottom holders can be equipped with synthetic inserts to minimize marking.

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Protective cloth or foil

By properly protecting the sheet material with cloth or foil, you ensure that the bottom tools do not come into direct contact with the workpiece.

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Bottom tools with OZU-ZN coating

Most of our bottom tools can be coated with a special OZU-ZN coating. This protective layer on the tools prevents zinc deposits on the bending radii.

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Benefits

No more repair work

Save valuable production time and labor by eliminating the need for extra processes, such as polishing.

Downloads

Press Brake Productivity Wax flyer (PDF) RotaBend flyer (PDF) Non-marking cloth flyer (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Our knowledge article on “How to reduce part marking at the press brake” will put you right on track. Are you bending galvanized material? Then check out our guide on how to prevent galling.

There is a difference in lifespan and thickness. WILA protective foil is available in thicknesses of 0.8 mm and 2 mm. WILA protective cloth is made of a densely woven nylon cloth that is 0.3 mm thick. Protective cloth has a life cycle of as much as 8-10 times that of protective foil and is more flexible. Our advice is to use non-marking cloth.

Non-marking sheet or foil can be clamped onto the Bottom Tool Holder using our clamping system for K-003/4/5.

A non-marking synthetic insert is an insert that can be used inside bottom tools, type OZU-016, enabling you to bend without marking. Contact WILA for tailored advice.

Try to minimize friction. You can do this by using bottom tools with a larger shoulder radius. You can also opt for a larger V-opening, which will reduce the required tonnage. Note that this will also result in a larger bend radius and will require changing the flat pattern of the product. Lubrication will reduce friction but often requires more cleaning of both tools and products.

Check out our guide on how to prevent galling.

Rotabend will significantly reduce part marking, but it will not enable you to bend completely mark-free.

Our knowledge article on “How to reduce part marking at the press brake” will provide you with tips and tricks. Are you bending galvanized material? Then check out our guide on how to prevent galling.

Talk to an expert

Please call us for any questions you might have on mark-free bending or any other type of sheet metal bending on a press brake. We'll be happy to share our knowledge and expertise.

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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