Fold Forming Essay

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Fold Forming This technique utilizes the properties that can be applied to sheet metal once it has been folded, exploiting differences in the thickness of the metal to cause it to curve dramatically. A raising hammer, mallet, flat steel stake, and vise are essential for the process; a rolling mill may also be used. Sheet metal used for fold forming should be around 26 gauge. Uses Fold forming is ideal for creating lightweight and structurally strong forms. Making the exact same shape (such as in earrings) is difficult with fold forming. Single Folds Folding the sheet metal and hammering it causes metal to stretch and curl. A “shim” is set into the fold. Multiple Folds When folding a sheet metal multiple times at one side eliminates the need for a “shim”. Use a vise and mallet to create folds. Anneal metal first. Sheet should be cut to shape, filed and annealed before hammering. Forged Fold Forms A raising or creasing hammer can be used to affect the curve along the fold. Fold Forming with a rolling mill Use a “shim in a fold and use rolling mill to form it. Milling too much too quickly causes legs to shear off. Hydraulic Press Forming Sheet metals can be pressed into three-dimensional forms, using a die to define the shape of the outer edge. The metal is forced through a hole in the die, giving a round form. Tools and materials The die used for pressing is usually made from 10 mm thick acrylic sheet. For deep shapes, stick 2 sheets of acrylic together. Silver and copper are suitable for this technique. Copper sheet should be 22 gauge and silver should be 20-24 gauge. The larger the form, the thicker the sheet should be. Urethane rubber sheet is the ideal material to use when

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