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Bending without galling

Bending sheet metal may cause galling: a build up of metal particles on tooling. This leads to part marking, less accuracy and even trapped parts inside the V-opening. Learn which products and solutions WILA offers for dealing with galling.

How to deal with galling

Fabricators who bend a lot of galvanized sheet metal, aluminium or stainless steel, are familiar with galling, the buildup of particles of the sheet material on the bending radii of press brake dies. Galling looks a lot like small scratches on the die's bending radii, and it introduces multiple challenges into the bend operation:

Decreased accuracy
Part marking
Trapping the part in the V-groove in cases of excessive buildup

Galling can occur so quickly that operators often have to clean tools after just 10 runs, which is a massive hindrance to their workflow and productivity. Fortunately, you can reduce galling by regularly cleaning your tools or investing in tooling with a protective coating.

Ways to limit galling

Bottom tools with EnduraBend coating (OZU-EB)

EnduraBend is a versatile and durable tool coating designed to minimize galling, especially when bending galvanized sheet metal, aluminium or stainless steel.

Bending without galling

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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Press Brake Productivity Wax

We recommend a liquid spray wax such as WILA Press Brake Productivity Wax, for cleaning, maintaining and protecting your tools.

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Downloads

EnduraBend Tool Coating flyer (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Using abrasive pads like Scotch Brite can be an effective means for removing zinc deposits on your bottom tools. However, excessive cleaning may cause wear.

You can use Scotch Brite or similar abrasive pads to effectively remove zinc deposits on your bottom tools. However, excessive cleaning may cause wear.

There is a reasonable chance that your tools suffer from galling. The zinc deposits on the shoulders of the bottom tools will look similar to scratches. Using abrasive pads like Scotch Brite is an effective means for removing zinc deposits on your tools. However, excessive cleaning may cause wear. Also check out our guide on how to prevent galling.

Talk to an expert

For more information about bending galvanized material or galling, just give us a call. We'll be happy to share our 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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