Magnabend – Electromagnetic sheet metal folding machine

Magnabend – Electromagnetic sheet metal folding machine
What is Magnabend?
The Magnabend is a machine for folding sheet metal and is a common item used in the metal work
environment. It can be used to bend both magnetic metals like galvanised steel and non-magnetic metals such
as brass and aluminium. The machine is different from other folders as it clamps the work piece with a powerful
electromagnet rather than by mechanical means.
The machine is essentially a long electromagnetic bed with a steel clamp bar located above. In operation, a
piece of sheet metal is placed on the electromagnetic bed. The clamp bar is then placed into position and once
the electromagnet is turned on the sheet metal is clamped in place by an electromagnetic force of many tonnes.
A bend in the sheet metal is formed by rotating the bending beam which is mounted on hinges at the front of the
machine. This bends the sheet metal around the front edge of the clamp bar. Once the bend is complete a micro
switch should be activated to turn the electromagnet off