Folding machines in the KNUTH sheet metal range
A folding machine, also called a swing-beam folding machine, is one of the central machines for bending sheet and light plate. Unlike a press brake, no punch forms the workpiece; a folding beam clamps the sheet and swings it upwards around a fixed edge. The method is simple, it protects the sheet surface and it keeps bending and set-up times short. That is how gutters, hems, ducting and folded parts are made across general fabrication, HVAC, mining and heavy engineering. KNUTH supplies folding machines in several builds and sizes, from the manual machine to the CNC-controlled double bender.
How a folding machine works and how it is built
A folding machine is built around three beams. The lower beam carries the sheet, the clamping beam holds it down on the bend line, and the folding beam swings upwards to form the edge. The common method is free bending:
- Load and set the stop: the sheet is positioned on the lower beam against the rear stop.
- Clamp: the clamping beam fixes the sheet exactly on the bend line.
- Fold: the folding beam swings up and bends the sheet to the required angle.
Because the clamping beam only holds and does not press, sensitive surfaces stay undamaged. The operator sets repeatable edges through the stop and the fold angle. For hems, meaning tightly folded-back edges, and for pans, segmented tooling is used.
Types and versions
Folding machines differ mainly in the drive and in the folding principle:
- Manual folding machine: clamping and folding are done by hand. Robust, simple and economical for one-off parts, repairs and the workshop.
- Motorised and hydraulic folding machine: a drive handles the clamping and folding, which takes the load off the operator and speeds up repeating bends.
- CNC folding machine: a control system drives the rear stop, fold angle and bend sequence from a programme, securing repeatability on complex parts and higher volumes.
- Double bender (up-and-down folding machine): the folding beam bends both upwards and downwards, so the sheet does not have to be turned over. That noticeably shortens work on parts with opposing edges.
With segmented folding beams, pans and multi-sided structures can be produced. The builds and working lengths currently on offer are shown on the product cards above.
Folding machine or press brake: which one to choose
Both machines bend sheet metal, but on different principles, and that decides the choice:
- Folding machine: a folding beam swings the clamped sheet upwards. Strong on long edges, thin to medium sheet, hems and gentle handling of sensitive surfaces. No tool change is needed for different angles.
- Press brake: a punch presses the sheet into a die. Strong on thick plate, high bending force and tool-bound profiles. Details on the press brakes page.
As a rule, long clean edges and hems favour the folding machine, while thick plate and tool-bound profiles favour the press brake. A double bender combines up and down folding in one machine and is the flexible choice for changing workpieces.
Technical features and machine sizes
Two figures govern the choice. The working length must match the longest sheet edge, and the bending capacity must match the combination of sheet thickness and grade. As a guide, thicker material and longer edges call for a stronger machine. Further features include the adjustable rear stop for accurate positioning, fine setting of the fold angle, and segmented tooling for pans and hems. KNUTH supplies folding machines from the compact workshop size through to the long machine for metal and facade work. The exact values for each series are given on the product cards above.
Industries in South Africa and the region
The folding machine is at work wherever sheet metal is folded cleanly and over long lengths. Typical work and sectors include:
- Gutters, ducting, chutes and folded parts in general fabrication and materials handling
- Cladding, panels and formed sheet in mining, oil and gas and heavy engineering
- Housings, covers and profiles with clean edges in HVAC and switchgear
For cutting the blanks before folding, KNUTH supplies guillotine shears, and for rolling sheet, plate rolling machines.
Tooling, rear stop and accessories
The result from a folding machine depends on the stop and the tooling. An adjustable rear stop gives repeatable edge dimensions, segmented folding beams allow pans and multi-sided structures, and matching clamping tools hold the sheet gently in place. Matching tooling and accessories are quoted alongside the machine.
Why KNUTH as your folding machine supplier
KNUTH has supplied machine tools since 1923 and acts as a supplier, not a machine builder. Series are selected and given a documented inspection to European testing standards before despatch, with the documentation available on request. You get advice on the right working length, bending capacity and tooling rather than a bare catalogue choice, plus tooling and accessories from one source. The regional base at Germiston near Johannesburg looks after the market with sales, technical advice and parts. Pricing follows working length, thickness class, control level and tooling, so every machine is quoted on its own.
Service, spare parts and delivery
Commissioning, servicing and repairs run through local service partners, with parts supply and technical backing from Germany behind them. A ten year spare parts supply commitment applies company wide. Installation and operator training can be arranged on request, with the scope and delivery time set out in the quotation. Reach us through the contact page for pricing, availability or a recommendation on machine size.
Further Machine Categories at a Glance
Explore the wider KNUTH machine range here. Choose a category to view the individual machines and their technical data.
