Offset bending (Z-bending)

When two bends are too close together

Offset tools are used to form two bends that are too close together for conventional forming methods. Offset bends also can be used to create a flat surface when you want to connect two panels or to strengthen the sheet metal.

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Offset Tools

WILA offset tools consist of a holder and an offset insert. Tool Holders are suitable for various offset and flattening inserts.

Offset Inserts

WILA offers sets of inserts for various offset heights.

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Offset Insert Tool Holders

WILA Tool Holders for inserts are suitable for inserts for offset bends and for flattening.

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Benefits

Strengthen the product

An offset bend creates two parallel planes and an additional plane in a different direction. This strengthens the product.

Save time

Offset bending allows the operator to bend two angles in just one stroke. Workpieces don’t have to be turned around anymore.

Connect two panels without height difference

When connecting two panels, an offset bend with the same height as the sheet thickness results in a flat surface on one side.

Form bends close together

With regular air bending, the die width and inside radius of the first bend determine the minimum distance between two bends. With offset bending the bends can be much closer together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Offset bending can be used to form two equal and opposite bends that are too close together for regular bending. Offset bends can be used to create a flat surface when connecting two panels, or to strengthen the sheet metal.

There are tools that use the up-sweep principle where the metal sheet sweeps up and horizontal offset tools. WILA tools use the up-sweep principle for air forming and bottoming offset bends.

This depends on your material, press brake and tools. The largest standard offset tool that WILA offers has a Z-dimension of 15 mm. This corresponds to a V-opening of about 20 mm and allows you to bend up to 3 mm thick mild steel with a tonnage less than the maximum load of the offset tool. Contact WILA for more information on what is possible in your situation.

This is not possible. The reason for this is that a V-opening of 6 to 8 times the sheet thickness is required. This corresponds to a Z-value which is about 4 times the sheet thickness. If you want your offset to be the sheet thickness, bend at more open angles. Contact WILA for advice.

Lateral forces can be an issue if the offset tool is asymmetric and it is a heavier bending operation. WILA offset tools are not asymmetric.

Please contact WILA if you are looking for options other than the standard WILA offset inserts.

Let's get in touch

If you have any questions about offset bending or any other type of sheet metal bending on a press brake, please get in touch. We'll be happy to share our expertise.

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