What is a sheet metal brake used for?
A brake is a metalworking machine that allows the bending of sheet metal. A cornice brake only allows for simple bends and creases, while a box-and-pan brake also allows one to form box and pan shapes. It is also known as a bending machine or bending brake or in Britain as a sheet metal folder or just a folder.
Why is it called a sheet metal brake?
The term “brake,” as used in modern sheet metal fabrication, comes from the Middle English verb breken, or break, which meant to bend, change direction, or deflect. You could also “break” when you drew back the string of a bow to shoot an arrow. You could even break a beam of light by deflecting it with a mirror.
What is a siding brake used for?
Sometimes called a siding brake or an aluminum brake, this tool can be used for cutting and bending flashing for windows and doors, and for cladding for exterior soffits and fascias. It also can be used for any number of small projects that require bent light-gauge sheet metal or vinyl.
What is a finger brake used for?
Box and Pan Brake or Finger Brake Also known as the “finger brake” because it comes with a series of steel fingers of different widths, the box and pan brake is used to make pans, boxes, and other such objects. All you have to do to create these shapes is to use only the fingers that are needed to make the bend.
What is a siding brake?
A siding brake is used commonly for creating cuts and bends in aluminum sheet metal (or mild steels).
What is press brake used for?
A press brake is a piece of manufacturing equipment that is used to bend sheet metal. A press brake is typically narrow and long so that large pieces of sheet metal can be bent by it. A press brake bends sheet metal by lowering a punch onto sheet metal that has been positioned on top of a die.