How to bend Aluminium Composite Panel?

Panels World
7 hours ago
1 min read

Aluminium composite panels are widely used in sign making, but cutting them can be challenging. These panels consist of two aluminium layers separated by a non-metal core, often a thin resin layer. Successfully cutting through all three layers without causing damage to the edges can be tricky.

Aluminium composite panels can be bent into various shapes to meet the needs of clients and decorators. To satisfy readers' curiosity, we will outline the different methods used for bending aluminium composite panels below.

Bending Aluminum Composite Panels with a Press Brake

Aluminum composite panels can be bent using a press brake. Here are key guidelines to follow:

Minimum Bending Radius: The smallest allowable radius is r = 10 × t, where t represents the panel thickness.
Spring-Back Effect: These panels exhibit a greater spring-back than solid aluminum sheets, so this should be accounted for during bending.
Die Requirements: Use dies with rounded and smooth edges to avoid damaging the material.
Surface Protection: Keep the protective film on the panel during bending to prevent surface damage. For extra protection, place plastic pads (1–2 mm thick) over the visible surface.
Ideal Die Width: The recommended die width is calculated as:2 × t + 2 × protective film thickness + punch diameter + 15 mm
Testing for Serial Production: Before starting mass production, conduct trial bends on sample panels to ensure accuracy and quality.