How To Bend Copper Sheet Metal

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How to bend copper sheet metal.

20 gauge copper can be cut with heavy duty snips or sheet metal shears. In some cases as with thicker sheet of metal you may need to use a sheet metal brake to apply your bend. Here s a good rule of thumb for most materials. A cutout or the edge of your flange to your bend.

The inside bend radius should be equal to the thickness of the material that you re forming. To remove irregularity or improve uneven bends place a hardwood piece lengthwise along the bend and hit the bend with increased strength using a heavy duty hammer or mallet. Clamping your sheet metal to the straightedge is a must. It s often used for various construction art and craft projects diy projects electrical applications research and development and much more.

Choose a bend radius that matches your minimum bend. Standard sheets are 96 or 120 inches long so you also have a seam or two to address. Now you can bend one side after another has been bent without damaging the first bend. In order to bend adjacent sides you will need a box and pan brake.

Yes you can rig it by bending the metal over an edge like a board but the bend is not the same. While you can bend this copper with your hands to get a sharp 90 degree bend you must use a sheet metal brake. If you have any questions or want to discuss your design contact us. Determine your minimum bend by measuring the distance from your closest feature i e.

To clamp efficiently lay your sheet metal on the top surface of your straightedge with the drawn line perfectly aligned with the outside edge of the sheet metal. If you re bending 0 020 thick material use a 0 020 radius.