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metal forming

Custom Metal Formers of Metal Sheet, Tube & Wire Parts & Products

Custom metal forming, shaping and bending is a key component in the precision metal manufacturing process here at JC Metalworks, perfectly complementing our design and precision engineering, fibre laser cutting, CNC metal punching, welding and fabrication, metal finishing and product assembly services.

Using lean manufacturing and 5s techniques here at our metal forming and manufacturing facility, we not only ensure top quality but also productivity advantages for our clients including faster turnaround and cost-efficiencies with our custom metal forming.

Primarily, our manufacturing takes place at our Loughborough, Leicestershire headquarters and metal works, where we offer high volume, turnkey metalforming and metal bending solutions that include the following:

Choosing the Right Service

  • a manually operated sheet metal forming press brake for metal pressing and folding
    Sheet Metal Forming

    More often than not, a flat piece of sheet metal is folded to form part of the finished product without adding or removing any material….

    Sheet Metal Forming
  • copper wire forming manufacturers and suppliers - wire benders
    Wire Forming

    Quite often, designs which would not be possible to manufacture in sheet metal can be possible using wire bending as it is possible to bend wire in three…

    Wire Forming
  • steel tube forming
    Tube Bending

    An umbrella term for the forming processes used to permanently form pipes or tubes. Here at JC Metalworks, we are able to offer metal tube forming capacity…

    Tube Bending

Case studies

Forming Department FAQs

What forming processes do you offer?

Our dedicated metal forming department specialises in precision CNC press braking and folding, utilising state-of-the-art machinery to accurately bend sheet metal into exact shapes and angles. We are expertly equipped to handle both straightforward and intricate metal forms with consistent repeatability, ensuring high-quality results for every project.

What types of materials can you form?

We form a wide range of metals, including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium and galvanised sheet. Each material has unique characteristics, and our experienced team adjusts tooling and settings accordingly for optimal results.

What are your metal forming capabilities in terms of component size and material thickness?

We can form sheet metal up to 4 meters in length and up to 10mm thick, depending on the material. With our CNC-controlled press brakes, we’re able to maintain tight tolerances and achieve precise angles across the entire bend.

How accurate is your forming process?

Our CNC press brakes deliver exceptional accuracy in metal forming, typically holding tolerances within an impressive ±0.2mm. This precision, combined with the expertise of our experienced operators and rigorous in-process quality checks, guarantees consistent bends and high-quality finishes for all your fabricated parts.

Do you offer custom tooling for complex forms?

Yes, we can source or manufacture custom tooling for specialised projects. Whether your design includes complex flanges, hems, or offset bends, we’ll work with you to find the best forming solution.

Can you efficiently form parts requiring multiple bends?

Absolutely. Our advanced press brake setups and skilled operators can handle parts with multiple bends in different directions. We ensure precise sequencing and alignment to maintain part integrity and function.

Do you form prototypes as well as production runs?

Yes, we support both. Whether you’re testing a prototype or ramping up for full-scale production, our forming department is equipped to handle small batches through to large-volume orders with consistent quality.

Can you assist with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) in metal forming?

Definitely. Our experienced engineers are readily available to review your design drawings and provide valuable suggestions for design tweaks. This collaborative approach to Design for Manufacturability (DFM) in metal forming helps improve production efficiency, reduce overall costs, and ensure your part can be formed efficiently without compromising its intended function.

How do you ensure bend accuracy and repeatability?

We achieve superior bend accuracy and repeatability through the use of cutting-edge CNC press brakes, equipped with precision back gauges, advanced angle measurement systems, and precise digital controls. This sophisticated technology, combined with our operators’ expertise and strict process controls, guarantees accurate, repeatable results every single time.

Can metal forming be seamlessly integrated with other fabrication processes?

Yes, forming is often just one step in the fabrication journey. We integrate it seamlessly with cutting, punching, welding, and finishing to deliver complete, ready-to-assemble components or products.

What machinery do you use in the forming department?

Our forming department is equipped with advanced, industry-leading machinery to ensure precision and efficiency. We operate multiple Amada CNC punch machines, including one with automatic tool changing for high-speed, flexible production. For bending, we utilise an LVD Easy-Form press brake with real-time angle correction and a Salvagnini automatic panel bender for high-volume, complex panel work. We also have three Haeger PEM insertion machines for fast, reliable installation of fasteners into sheet metal components.

Top Tips for Metal Forming & Metal Bending

1

Understand the product

Identify the requirements and the processes needed to get there. Our years of experience mean we are able to form some of the most challenging products on the market.

2

Decide on the right method

Work out what machine or tool would be the best suited to create the part you require. This ensures efficiency in every process.

3

Check the quality

Work closely with other departments to ensure quality checks are being carried out throughout the products manufacture process. We have skilled operators and tech supports on hand to help maintain the standard.

4

Keep safety first

Have the required training along with up to date risk assessments to ensure the safety across all working practices. At JC Metalworks, we always put safety first.

5

Identify improvements

Evaluating the products and the process regularly means you can spot ways to improve the outcome – in both efficiency and quality. From design to packing, all of our departments are committed to making improvements wherever possible.

Steel, Aluminium, Copper & Brass Metal Forming Suppliers

Our commitment to further inward investment and having our manufacturing facilities on-site in the UK ensures our place as leaders in the UK metal forming manufacturing and fabrication industry.

The metal bending and metal shaping tools we employ offer unrivalled reliability and repeatability, which means that our precision engineering team are able to ensure that our clients’ metalforming projects are turned around efficiently within tight timeframes.

Coupled with a high level of expertise, our metal shaping and metal banding tools and processes also guarantee quality, accuracy and excellent performance, ensuring that we offer you high quality parts or components through to fully finished products each and every time.

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