Benefits of Panel Bending for OEMs & Sheet Metal Fabricators

Smarter Bending for OEM Productivity

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) require high-precision metal products manufactured as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. However, many traditional fabrication techniques struggle to reach these goals due to time-consuming manual setups, custom tooling requirements, and labor-intensive operations. CNC panel bending offers a more efficient approach.

This advanced technology achieves high-volume, high-efficiency production, with fewer operators, no custom tooling, and significantly reduced setup time. For OEMs, automated metal bending offers a much more beneficial method of creating high-precision components, like appliance housings and control panels. As experts in custom metal fabrication, Metal Works of High Point offers quality panel bending services to meet diverse industry needs. Below, we’ll cover the CNC panel bending benefits OEMs need to be aware of, explaining how this technology supports scalable, cost-effective production.

What is CNC Panel Bending?

CNC panel bending is a metal forming process where a workpiece is clamped and bent with a rotating blade. Unlike a press brake, which uses upper and lower dies to apply force directly to the sheet metal, a panel bender can create multiple bend angles and radii in one automated setup. This provides greater flexibility and speed for OEM production.

Panel benders use universal tooling that rarely needs to be changed between jobs. This reduces downtime, limits operator fatigue, and increases throughput. Many machines include automated loading and unloading systems, allowing faster cycle times and smoother production for large runs or intricate parts.

CNC panel bending is well suited for applications requiring repeatable geometries and consistency. Common applications include:

Faster Setup, Less Labor Waste

Panel bending improves setup efficiency by using universal tooling that eliminates frequent changeovers. Unlike press brakes, there are no die swaps. Operators simply load the program, place the workpiece, and let the machine complete the bends automatically. This can cut setup time by up to 70% on repeat jobs. The streamlined process allows OEMs to switch between part families quickly, supporting more flexible production schedules.

Automated panel bending also increases overall productivity by making better use of skilled labor. A single technician can manage automated batching, while press brake operations often involve multiple steps and constant supervision. Automated loading and bending reduce manual handling, which helps minimize operator fatigue and the risk of injury.

Additionally, panel bending integrates easily with other metal fabrication processes, like CNC laser cutting, as well as finishing techniques, like powder coating. The result is continuous, lean production lines with minimal scrap and fewer required touchpoints.

Consistent Parts for High-Volume Runs

Consistency is essential in OEM production, particularly for components that must meet tight tolerance requirements. CNC panel bending creates parts that are as identical as possible by eliminating the possibility of human error. While manual forming requires human operators to position a workpiece, automated metal bending is controlled by a computer, performing intricate bends and achieving complex geometries in a single pass, all while maintaining dimensional accuracy across thousands of units.

Automated panel benders use a fixed tooling system that keeps the workpiece stationary while rotating the blades. No human handling is necessary, eliminating the possibility of part variations or misalignment. As a result, every component features uniform angles, sizes, and edge finishes.

In addition to these advantages, built-in quality control features like real-time correction sensors and robotic repositioning capabilities help to reduce defect rates and rework costs.

Panel Bending Solutions for OEMs by Metal Works of High Point

Metal Works of High Point uses the most advanced fabrication technology to deliver quality OEM components. Our OEM sheet metal forming services are not only efficient but exceptionally consistent, creating intricate designs that meet the demanding standards of industries like power generation, telecommunications, appliances, and more.

All of our solutions are 100% made in America, from our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility. We use ERP technology to track each component throughout every stage in the manufacturing process. Whether your needs are medium or high-volume, we can deliver quality results with lead times as little as 3 to 6 weeks. If you’d like to experience all the benefits that automated panel bending has to offer, request a quote for your project today.

Steel Bending Process Explained

Steel sheet bending plays a crucial role in modern industry. It transforms flat sheets of metal into indispensable components, including everything from household appliances to telecommunications equipment and vehicles. At Metal Works of High Point, we use cutting-edge CNC press brakes and panel benders to shape durable metal components.

Flat sheets of steel are converted in the bending process into precise angles and shapes for use in various applications. Press brakes work by clamping materials between a punch and die and applying force to create bends. These machines range from mechanical to hydraulic and servo-electric, each offering dynamic flexibility to match specific production needs. From cold bending for steel and aluminum to hot bending for thicker metals, each method has its ideal application.

There are three main types of bending techniques. Air bending uses minimal contact and less force to form the material. Bottoming is a technique where the material is firmly pressed against the die to bend it. Finally, in coining, high pressure is used for accuracy. Factors like bend radius, tolerances, and springback, the metal’s natural bounce-back after bending, are carefully controlled during the process. Modern CNC press brakes, equipped with multi-axis backgauges, take automation to the next level, allowing for rapid, consistent bending.

Steel Materials Used in Panel Bending

When it comes to bending metal panels, choosing the right material can make all the difference. Mild steel offers excellent ductility and is a lower-cost material, making it an optimal choice for high-volume projects. Stainless steel is known for its high strength and corrosion resistance, which is why it’s often used in applications where durability is paramount.

Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant. Alloys like 3003 and 5052 have high elongation and bend well. Thicker materials require more room to bend without cracking, requiring larger radii to keep production running smoothly. Our bending capabilities are limited to 11-gauge steel and 1/8-inch aluminum and under, ensuring precision and consistency across all projects.

At Metal Works, we are dedicated to choosing the right alloy for each specific task. We consider everything from alloy properties and thickness to the design of your project. That is how we guarantee your parts are made efficiently and without any material issues.

Examples of Steel Sheet Metal Bending Products

At Metal Works, we’re shaping solutions for a wide range of industries:

• Transportation. Used to form components for municipal vehicles and transportation equipment.
• Material handling. Applications range from c-clips to frame supports that can bear heavy loads and robot bases that serve as the backbone of automation.
• Power generation. Can be used to form enclosures for industrial generators and compressors, along with support brackets and power generation components.
• Telecommunications. Results in sturdy equipment enclosures that keep sensitive gear safe, mounting brackets that hold everything in place, and equipment bases that provide ongoing stability.
• Contract furniture. Used for table bases, support chassis, and decorative panels that add style and function.
• Industrial cooling. Can be used to form housing panels that protect vital equipment, vent flanges that manage airflow, and protective frames.

Each of these parts is meticulously shaped to meet strict tolerance and performance standards. That is how we turn flat sheets of metal into durable components that fit seamlessly into specific industrial applications.

Quality Steel Bending Services by Metal Works of High Point

At Metal Works of High Point, we’re not just bending steel- we’re proud to play a part in shaping the future of manufacturing with our sheet metal bending services. Our dedication to precision and quality shines through in every bend and component we produce. Whether it’s steel sheet bending for telecommunications equipment or industrial cooling solutions, our team delivers with expertise and efficiency.

We understand that each project is unique, requiring careful consideration of alloy properties, thickness, and design. Our goal is simple: to provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. From concept to creation, we ensure that every part meets stringent standards for durability and performance.

Ready to get started? Contact our team today or request a quote to learn how we can support your application.

Why OEMs Use Powder Coating for Enclosures

OEM Enclosure Protection With Powder Coating

Industrial powder coating is a preferred finishing method for OEM metal components and assemblies. This process eliminates VOC emissions and results in more durable, longer-lasting surfaces compared to traditional painting methods. It can also integrate forming, welding, and inspection processes to deliver production-ready enclosures.

At Metal Works of High Point (MWHP), we offer powder coating and other finishing services to protect enclosures in harsh operational settings. Learn why OEMs in telecommunications, material handling, and other applications rely on our powder coating services for their enclosures.

Enhancing Protection in Electronics Housings

Electronic enclosures need to withstand a range of environmental conditions without failing and exposing interior contents to moisture, chemicals, or mechanical damage. Special powder formulations can be applied via electrostatic application methods to create a protective film across the surface of each housing. This allows for the following:

• Heat dissipation and fewer hotspots that can otherwise jeopardize long-term performance and safety
• Moisture, chemical, and UV damage resistance
• High-quality appearance without blotchiness, wear, or rust
• Efficient application, with the ability to recover excess coating material for reuse

MWHP follows ISO-aligned cure cycles and processes to deliver high-quality results for OEM electronics enclosures.

Ensuring Compliance with Industry-Specific Standards

Powder coating enhances the finish of electronics enclosures in line with varying performance and quality standards. For instance, enclosures for outdoor applications may require metal-rich primers to ensure sufficient protection in environmental extremes. ASTM and AAMA standards also set requirements for adhesion, weather, and other performance characteristics.

At MWHP, we hold ISO 9001 certification and continuously monitor the coating thickness, adhesion, and color consistency of enclosures as part of our commitment to excellent product quality. This allows us to provide durable, hygienic finishes that adhere to regulatory standards.

Addressing Custom Enclosure Coating Requirements

Size, dimensional requirements, and aesthetics all play a role in delivering effective enclosures. With powder coating, this can involve using different colors, textures, and thicknesses to achieve the desired finish. Customization can also address needs relating to corrosion resistance, durability, or resistance to specific environmental hazards.

MWHP can apply special primers and topcoats in-house to meet your performance needs. We also conduct adhesion and flexibility testing on enclosures, along with weld inspections and CMM verification processes.

Powder Coating for OEMs by Metal Works of High Point

Powder coating outperforms liquid paint coatings, providing more reliable protection while resisting chemicals and withstanding demanding operating conditions. Metal Works of High Point specializes in high-quality industrial powder coating and has extensive finishing and metal fabrication expertise. Our company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and provides continuous monitoring and testing to guarantee quality work for OEMs. Through our bar-coded scheduling software and ERP technology systems, customers can track products in “real time” at any point in the process, from design to manufacturing.

Choose Metal Works of High Point for custom work and attention to detail from a trusted provider. Contact us today to tell us what you’re looking for and to get pricing details.