Molding Process

Curling

Curling, in relation to sheet metal, is a process used to create a “curl” to accommodate a pin. How is it achieved with a mold? Curling is typically used to obtain a “curl,” which serves as a guide for a connecting or rotating pin. Let’s explore its characteristics and the potential it offers.

Curling is an extreme bending process, in which the sheet metal wraps around itself to create a circular passage. The resulting curl becomes the seat for pins and is often used to construct hinges from sheet metal. Using bending presses or punchers makes the process quick and flexible, allowing for length variations with a single mold.

Curling is achieved with the aid of a mold installed on a suitably powered press. Inside the mold, the sheet metal is constrained and pushed into a winding path around itself to achieve the intended shape, usually a circular eyelet. The recommended materials are those that are highly malleable and possess plasticity because the forming of the eyelet is quite stressful. The sheet thickness can vary from a few tenths to several millimeters.

To avoid issues of curl collapse or incorrect hole dimensions, it is advisable to use sheets of consistent thickness with excellent cutting profile quality. The curling effort is comparable to the bending effort of the sheet. The machines or presses must be proportionate to this parameter.

The first SPACE GEM, born after a year and a half of design, is defined as the first of a new species aimed at creating a generation of deformation machines that, through advanced technological solutions, can meet the specific needs of a market seeking ever more efficient results.

What makes SPACE GEM such an innovative solution?

This machine can deform already bent sheets (250 mm clearance) and is equipped with a PLC that reads drawings in DWG and/or DXF. Designed for large production batches, it easily adapts to small quantities or samples. Characterized by three important technological patents, it has been developed to perform deformations on laser-cut and bent panels: it allows the customer to complete the work cycle by replacing bulky and costly traditional punchers. Capable of combining high performance with precision, Space Gem has a working force of 25 tons and can deform, drill, create reinforcements and ribs. It features X, Y, and Z axes with indexing, enabling 360° continuous use of tools. Notably, the machine can handle flat and boxed sheets with a maximum edge height of 250 mm using special clamps with adjustable clamping force to gently handle sheets that are practically at the end of their working cycle. The machine table is equipped with classic brushes to facilitate the precise and gentle movement of the sheet. SPACE GEM also has a compact design with a standard working area of 750×750 mm and the option to extend the axis upon specific request, depending on work needs. The machine programming is straightforward and intuitive, both via a 19-inch touch screen panel onboard and from an office using dedicated software capable of importing DXF files. Available in an Industry 4.0 version, SPACE GEM ensures a reduced environmental impact as the movements of the working axes are controlled by Omron motors and THK ball screw drives, all powered electrically.

AMG Tools is the sole commercial distributor. Accompanying Space Gem are the tools (available in High Turret or Trumpf versions) that can be purchased and especially RENTED through our tool rental WEB APP: easy to use, it allows you to order the desired tools in just 3 clicks, and after 5 rentals, they will be yours.