Types of folding machines

At Jordi we focus on sheet metal folders or presses, machines that deform sheets in the following way: a pressing force is exerted by a punch on a die, and in the middle of these we place the metal sheet that we want to fold. We tell you more in this post.

At Jordi we focus on sheet metal folders or presses, machines that deform sheets in the following way: a pressing force is exerted by a punch on a die, and in the middle of these we place the metal sheet that we want to fold. All folding and bending operations are carried out cold.

TYPES OF FOLDING MACHINES

 Currently there are several types of folders, such as manual, mechanical and electrical:

Manual folding machine.

It is the smallest folder, so it is easy to transport, and can be accompanied by a hydraulic drive mechanism and CNC controllers. Manual folders are only suitable for thin sheets (calibre 20 to 8 or 9, depending on the material) but they are very energy-saving. They are useful for manufacturing boxes, housings for electrical appliances, cabinets, panels, etc.

Mechanical folding machine.

It has a flywheel in the frame that produces energy, and this is what activates the piston. The inertia stored when the flywheel is not working is used to create the force necessary for the folding process. This type of folding machine is not suitable for inexperienced operators, as they must be careful not to catch their hands, as the machine performs the entire stroke. Mechanical folders are mainly used in the automotive industry.

Electric folder.

Modern, precise and efficient machines. We distinguish two types:

– Hydraulic-mechanical folder: it is similar to the mechanical one, but instead of a flywheel it has a hydraulic pump. This type of machine converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy by means of a hydraulic motor connected to an eccentric axis, reaching very high tonnages without the need to complete a stroke. They are used for coinage and coinage work.

– Hydraulic folding machine. It is the most modern folding machine and replaces the flywheels with pumps and hydraulic cylinders. It differs from the others in that the piston operates in descending movement but also in ascending, minimizing the wear caused by it. Finally, the hydraulic folder usually has a valve system that makes the piston work with maximum accuracy, quickly and efficiently.