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To say the fabrication industry requires flexibility would be an understatement. Simply put, speed and precision can make or break your project. That’s where RAS panel bending machines come into play. Our panel bending machine components can include fully automated systems for flexible or volume-based work environments. The speed and throughput can match the same effort on up to six stand-alone machines.

Panel bending machines also offer automatic tool changing and unmatched precision at high speeds for both small lot sizes and large volume production, maintaining the highest level of repeatability.

In this guide, we’ll break down the advantages of panel bending machines, giving you an up-close look at some of our top options.

Advantages of Panel Bending Machines

Compared to other fabrication machines, there are several advantages to owning a panel bender. These benefits range from job precision to maintenance

  • Versatility: Panel bending machines are ideal for medical, appliance, computer, elevator, and contract manufacturers of bent sheet metal products. Plus, varied panel bending machine costs mean your business can find the right option to fit your needs and budget.
  • Easy to Operate: Panel bending machines are easy to use and can be fed with different loading systems or by an operator with minimal training. Even the manually loaded machines only require the operator to place the panel in the machine and take out the finished product. At RAS, our panel bending machines include part verification to maintain precision, regardless of the loading operation.
  • No Extra Tools: With panel bending machines, virtually every bend angle and radius can be achieved with a single tool geometry.
  • Increased Productivity: With tool changers and fast changeover times, batch sizes can shrink. Production can be optimized based on real-time demand, while also reducing storage and handling.
  • Unmatched Precision: RAS manufactures the highest precision manipulator in the industry, with a positioning accuracy of +/- 0.0008” and rotation accuracy of +/- 0.001°. Our AC-servo motors are reliable, repeatable, and precise. The bending tools carry the flange up dynamically against our flat tool surface, remaining in contact with the outside edge throughout the bending movement. This eliminates flange twisting and guarantees straightness.
  • Expert Panel Bending Maintenance: Another advantage of RAS panel bending machines is their service plans. To ensure your machines maintain consistent performance over time, we offer comprehensive panel bending machine maintenance.

So, how do these panel bending machine advantages look in action? Let’s take a look at some of our most advanced options.

RAS Multibend-Center

The RAS Multibend-Center, the fastest panel bending machine on the market, is available in 3 models: 85”, 100”, and 120” bend lengths, with a flexible and modular design to integrate a large variety of loading and unloading solutions as needed. For added economy, we offer each of the three lengths in an ECO variant to utilize manual load and unload at a lower panel bending machine cost while maintaining speeds.

Whether a small job shop or a high-volume OEM, the Multibend-Center can be configured to meet the needs of any production environment. Its panel bending machine components include one-click programming and the ability to fully automate loading, squaring, and bending, which can help you take your fabrication business to the next level.

RAS UpDownCenter-2

This innovative panel bending machine is designed for fabricators in electrical markets, data centers, and NEMA boxes. Like the Multibend-Center, it offers one-click programming and unmatched accuracy, thanks to its PosLift part positioner.

It can be operated from the gauging or folding beam side, helping your team effortlessly boost productivity. With up to 4mm in bending capacity, it is perfect for thin and medium-thickness materials. An optional tool changer can also reduce set-up times, helping your team complete jobs faster.

Find the Right Panel Bending Machine

Is your business ready for its next panel bending machine? RAS panel bending machines are designed to work in a variety of production environments. They offer the opportunity for growth into future automation upstream and downstream. Additionally, our panel bending machines safely remove many hazards of manual bending from operators on the floor.

Through our dynamic edge-bending process, shown below, RAS helps you improve part assembly, reduce waste, and optimize your operations.

If you’d like to discuss our fabrication machines further, connect with our team today. Our risk-free consultations help you find the right machine to match your unique needs and business goals.

 

FAQs

What are panel bending machines?

Panel bending machines are fabrication tools used to bend sheet metal into precise shapes. They help operators form parts, making them ideal for producing boxes, panels, and enclosures in high volumes with minimal manual handling.

What are the benefits of panel bending machines?

Panel bending machines offer fast, accurate, and repeatable bends with minimal setup time. They reduce operator dependency, boost production efficiency, handle complex geometries, and are ideal for large batch runs

Are panel bending machines better than press brakes?

Panel benders are generally better for high-volume, complex, and precision-based fabrication. They excel in automation and speed for consistent parts. Press brakes may offer more flexibility when working with thicker materials, however.