PBA and PBH C and U Channel Bending Machine

PBA and PBH C and U Channel Bending Machine (also named section bending machine) can ability to bend channels the easy way (against the weak axis) and the hard way (against the strong axis). It can bend all types of channels including aluminum, stainless, and carbon steel.

PBH C Channel Bending Machine Parameter

The horizontal bending of the steel channel (Hardway) is a hard way, and the bending method is as difficult as the H-beam. It requires a special BIT section bending machine with a ninth hydraulic component.

But when you need to bend aluminum U/C-channel steel for decoration or automobile and train use, we recommend that you choose our PBA profile bending machine. Because the bending accuracy of our CNC-controlled aluminum profile bending machine is as high as 0.01mm.

Model	Toes Out		Toes In
	Specification (mm)	Minimum Inside Diameter(mm)	Specification (mm)	Minimum Inside Diameter(mm)
PBH 120	120	600	120	500
PBH 140	140	600	140	600
PBH 200	200	1000	200	1000
PBH 300	300	1200	300	1000
PBH 360	360	2000	360	900
PBH 450	450	2500	450	2000
PBH 500	500	3000	500	1000
PBH 550	550	4000	550	1200
PBH 600	600	5000	600	1600
PBH 700	700	6000	700	2000

Channel Profile Bending Basics

What is U(C) Channel Profile?

C channels are manufactured using aluminum or other metals. Although the basic shape is the same for every C channel, there are a variety of types that can be created. An “Architectural Channel” has a very basic form with perfectly squared corners. Structural C channels come in several types, including what are known as Aluminum Association, American Standard, and Canadian. Standard channels and miscellaneous channels are specified in similar fashions. An example callout for a standard channel would be C12x20.7#. The C indicates the standard channel. The 12 (in inches) indicates the depth of the channel. The 20.7# indicates the pounds per foot for the channel.

Aluminum Association C channels are thicker with rounded corners on the inside of the channel, and they are very similar to Canadian-style channels. An American Standard C Channel, on the other hand, has rounded corners and the sides gradually become thinner moving up to the top. Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks, so they are all used for different purposes. Some are utilized in molding and trim around doors and windows, while others are used for structural and joining purposes.

How To Bend U(C) Channel

Similar to the wide flange and I-beam, the channel can be bent with a number of different bending processes. The most common bending method is a roll bend or pyramid bend method. Straight material is inserted into the rolls; the rolls are then moved horizontally to put the desired radius into the material. The material can also be bent incrementally hot or incrementally cold. This is where small sections of material are bent at one time. When finished the section has a smooth curve to the bent section. Finally, the channel can also be bent in a plate roll which is typically done when bending stair stringers.

Just like wide flange and I-beam, to successfully bend a channel the hard way one must use a web stretcher and/or mandrels. These tools are critical to use when bending the hard way as they keep the critical web from buckling or distorting.

Cold Bending/Rolling

Channels can be rolled the Hard Way, Flanges In, or Flanges Out. Because channels are asymmetrical, they can present a challenge when rolling. Care must be taken to support the inside flange of a channel rolled the Hard Way, as the inside flange will typically want to tip in as the rolling process continues.  Channels rolled Flanges In or Flanges Out can typically be rolled to much tighter radii than channels rolled the Hard Way.

Hot Bending (Induction Bending)

Bending Extruded Aluminium U & C Channels

In the field of aluminum extrusion bending few things can be as difficult as bending an aluminum U channel. The asymmetrical shape leads to a very high tendency for the section to warp or deform, usually resulting in the channel collapsing. This is often unacceptable as the channel usually serves a purpose, either as a track, holding space or feature.

This means that finding a way to curve U channel sections successfully is crucial.

The picture below is the C-channel profile bent by our CNC series aluminum profile bending machine, curved after powder coating, with no damage to the finish no warping or collapse. While the section might appear simple enough, it is easy to underestimate the difficulty in curving such a thin-walled U Channel consistently.

2 Key Points of Aluminum Channel Bending

Points 1# – Asymmetry: Asymmetry is the enemy of easy bending, which is why aluminum channel sections can be so difficult to form. Please refer to the picture below：

Their severely asymmetric shape undergoes a large twisting force during bending, and the legs try to move toward the central axis. Altering the design—to one with a base that’s equal to or a little wider than the legs—will help to bend specialists control the twisting a little better.

Points 2# – Tolerances: Aluminum channel sections often serve a purpose, like being part of a track or transport system. Most bending specialists should be able to form them correctly, as long as tolerances are specified in a few key areas.
If a fabricator is subcontracting the work, it should send parts or fittings to the bending specialist to ensure everything fits as it should.

Any order for an aluminum forming specialist should state the requirements that would allow the section to fit into or freely move within the assembly as designed. The order also should specify the gap tolerance (Number 1 in the picture above) for the trolley or slide, as well as a twist tolerance (Number 2 in the picture above) that will ensure the trolley will not hit the profile.

C Channel Bend Radius Calculator

Further Reading

Important Things About Steel Channels

Here are some important things about structural steel channels that you should keep in mind when looking at them:

• The ‘depth’ of the channel (how tall it is)
• Leg height
• The thickness of the leg
• The thickness of the web
• The fillet of the C-channel. The fillet is the angle where the leg meets with the web. This radius is not always provided

U-Channel Profile

The U-Channel Profile is a simple semi-finished product. It is characterized by its open design and high transverse stability. This gives this long material a particularly wide range of uses.

• Properties: The U-profile is one of the standard profiles. It offers higher transverse stability than the L- or the flat profile. This makes it suitable for high-strength welded constructions with demanding statics. Once firmly integrated into construction, U-profiles can be loaded from practically all sides. Its semi-open design is particularly interesting. This makes it suitable for use as a channel or as an easily accessible channel for cables, hoses, and pipes. It does not offer the protection of a completely closed pipe. However, it can easily be extended with a cover so that the elements inserted or liquids passed through are fully protected.
• Materials: The versatility of the U-profile continues in its unpretentiousness when it comes to its materials. Unlike window profiles, for example, the choice of materials for U profiles is not limited. Common materials for this long material are as follows: Plastic, Sheet steel, and Aluminum. Composite materials such as GRP or CFRP are also processed into U-profiles. Even ceramic materials or artificial stones such as concrete or brick are available in short profiles in U-shapes.
• Manufacture: U-profiles made of plastic or aluminum are extruded. For this purpose, a pre-material – for example plastic granulate or aluminum blocks – is heated and pressed through a die. The profile is cooled down behind the die. This creates an endless strand that is simply cut off at the desired length. Steel profiles in U-shape are edged from thin sheets or continuously cast. The continuous casting variant is considerably thicker-walled, heavier, and more stable.