Sheet Metal Folders & Bending Machines
MetalForming partners with premium vendors to deliver the most advanced sheet metal folding machines on the market. With almost 30 years of industry expertise, we are the exclusive North American distributor of Schechtl, Schroeder, and Jorns brand folders. Our lineup includes the Schechtl MAX, the best-selling folder in North America, and the Jorns Double Bender the longest metal folder at an impressive 40 feet. Enhance your fabrication process with precision, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.
What is a sheet metal folding/bending machine?
A sheet metal folding machine, also known as a metal folder, is designed to bend metal to consistent accuracies with very little labor input. Unlike traditional brakes that rely on brute force, folders use a rotating folding beam to wrap the metal around the upper or clamping beam tool. This reduces surface markings, ensuring a cleaner finish and preventing damage to painted or coated materials.
Folding is best known for faster more efficient production, reduced labor and handling. Metal folding machines provide greater precision, reducing material waste and production errors. Whether you’re working with large-scale fabrication or custom sheet metal projects, a high-quality metal folder delivers cleaner bends, faster production, and superior results compared to traditional press brakes.
Finding Your Ideal Sheet Metal Folder
The metal forming equipment you choose should align with the specific requirements of your sheet metal process. When selecting the ideal metal forming machine for your facility, MetalForming can assist you in evaluating key factors such as:
Bend length required
Material types and thicknesses
Mono- or Bi-directional bending
Level of machine automation
Different programming methods
With cutting-edge metal folding technology, including fully automatic folders and bi-directional capabilities, you never have to compromise. Explore Schechtl, Schroeder, and Jorns machines to find the perfect fit for your needs, or contact us today to learn more about our metal folding solutions.
FAQ's
The expression Short Metal Folder generally refers to folders found in the roofing and architectural markets, 10 or 13 foot bending length, in 16 gauge and under mild steel capacity. Two side frames support a bottom beam, folding beam, and clamping beam. Short folders bend up only, with the sheet metal blank fed in from the front of the machine, requiring the operator to manipulate the part from bend to bend as instructed by the controller.
The expression Long Metal Folder generally refers to folders found in the architectural and metal construction markets. Long metal folding machines are typically 21’ in length and longer, and can range from 16 gauge to 11 gauge mild steel. A series of ‘C’ frames support the bottom and upper clamping jaws, and bending beams. The machine's length is increased by simply adding additional ‘C’ frames. This design allows for lengths exceeding 50’ to be achieved. They can be purchased to bend up-only, or bi-directionally. The blank is fed in either from the side or the front, and grippers typically hold the blank feeding it through the bending process minimizing operator involvement. More sophisticated systems are available with full automation, and can virtually eliminate operator dependency.
