How to Use a Manual Folding Machine: Step-by-Step Guide

Overall View of Manual Folding Machine

Usage and Performance

This series of manual folding machines are extensively utilized across diverse industries for precision bending and folding of metal sheets, including steel, non-ferrous alloys, and stainless steel. They accommodate materials up to 2.5 meters in length and 2mm in thickness, making them versatile for a wide range of applications. These machines have found particular prominence in manufacturing sectors such as:

• Household appliances
• Stainless steel kitchen utensils and cabinetry
• Lighting fixtures and architectural metalwork
• Hardware furniture and custom metal fabrication
• HVAC systems and air-conditioning equipment
• Sheet metal components for various industrial applications

The machines feature a robust manual operation system integrated with a precise positioning device, enabling efficient mass production of irregular workpieces with consistent, fixed-angle bends. This combination of manual control and accurate positioning makes these folding machines ideal for both small-batch custom work and high-volume production runs.

The folding mechanism employs upper and lower blades that work in concert to achieve clean, precise bends. A key advantage of this design is the absence of relative movement or impact during the folding process. This results in workpieces with smooth, unmarred surfaces – a critical feature especially valued in the production of high-quality stainless steel components where surface finish is paramount.

The locking mechanism, crucial for maintaining consistent fold angles, is engineered using one of three reliable systems:

1. Bevel gears for smooth power transmission and precise angle control
2. Screw rotation systems for fine-tuned adjustments and stable locking
3. Cam-operated locks for rapid engagement and disengagement

These locking options ensure smooth, reliable operation across various material thicknesses and bend complexities. The overall design philosophy emphasizes simplicity without compromising functionality, resulting in a machine that is not only powerful and precise but also easy to maintain and adjust. This user-friendly approach minimizes downtime and enhances overall productivity in sheet metal fabrication workflows.

Main Specification and Technical Parameters

Structure and Adjusting Instruction

This series of manual folding machine tools, as shown in Figure 1, consists of upper and lower beams, plate-folding components, and blades. These three components have been adjusted to a rotational center, allowing users to adjust related parameters based on the machine specifications and plate thickness.

The adjustable parts of this series of the manual folding machine are as follows:

• Loosen bolt A connecting left and right ram seat and upper beam, and adjust bolts B or C until S=1.3t(t=plate thickness), when the upper and lower blades are parallel to each other, adjust bolt A, too small of S will be harmful to the blades.

• Adjust the upper beam in a vertical direction (limit to bevel gear locking folding machine), if some error emerges in the vertical position between the upper bean blade tip and the bottom blade surface, loosen the gland bolt and rotate the nut until the upper beam upright and bottom knife parallel, then re-locking the gland bolt.
• Adjust the folding plate in a vertical direction ( as shown in fig.4)

First, loosen bolt A connecting the folding plate and folding plate seat, then adjusts bilateral bolt B until the folding plate blade and beam blade are in the same line, and finally, re-locking bolt A.

• Adjusting the straightness of pre-stress and folding plate

All bearing points on the upper beam, lower beam, and folding plate are distributed at both ends, it is inevitable that some deflection will arise in the process of bending the plate, which directly affects the workpiece straightness, in order to overcome the shortcoming, the machine is equipped with the crowning device, through adjusting nut A to add some pre-stress on the center of the beam and folding plate (Max. adjustable height 0.5mm)for compensating the deflection deformation to guarantee the workpiece quality.

Operation and Use Instructions

These manual folding machines are designed for user-friendly operation and efficient metal sheet bending.

To begin the folding process:

1. Adjust the upper beam and folding plate to the required specifications.
2. Position the metal sheet precisely between the upper and lower beams.
3. Secure the angle positioning plate on the left shaft to ensure accuracy.
4. Rotate the folding plate to the predetermined angle positioning position.
5. Proceed with bending the workpiece to the desired angle.

The upper beam is equipped with interchangeable blades, available in two standard angles:

• 35° blade: Ideal for general-purpose bending applications.
• 55° blade: Features a segmented design, allowing for modular assembly into various lengths. This versatility accommodates the fabrication of complex box shapes and custom profiles.

Operators can select the appropriate blade angle based on the specific requirements of the workpiece and the desired bend characteristics. The modular nature of the 55° blade enhances the machine’s adaptability to diverse manufacturing needs.

A typical setup and operation example is illustrated in Figure 7, demonstrating proper workpiece positioning and machine configuration.

Reasonable Use and Maintenance

Prior to operating the machine, it is crucial to meticulously inspect the blade clearance, as illustrated in Figure 2 (S valve). This inspection ensures optimal cutting performance and prevents potential damage. It is strictly prohibited to fold plates that exceed the machine’s specified capacity, as this can lead to severe blade damage and compromise overall machine integrity.

For optimal performance and longevity, it is recommended to operate the machine at a moderate, consistent pace. This approach helps maintain uniform stress distribution across the components and ensures more precise folding results. Safety is paramount; therefore, no personnel should be positioned behind the balance hammer during operation to prevent accidents caused by unexpected material movement or machine recoil.

Regular maintenance is essential for the machine’s longevity and efficiency. Pay particular attention to the bearing assemblies and lubrication points. Implement a systematic lubrication schedule using manufacturer-recommended lubricants to minimize friction, reduce wear, and prevent premature component failure. Regularly inspect these areas for signs of wear, unusual noise, or excessive heat, addressing any issues promptly to avoid costly downtime and repairs.

Additionally, maintain a clean working environment around the machine, removing any debris or metal shavings that could interfere with moving parts or compromise fold quality. Periodically check and, if necessary, adjust the machine’s alignment and calibration to ensure consistent, high-quality output.