FORMING SHEET METAL
A sheet metal object made on a brake will
have corners (bends) and sides (flanges). On a
forming machine, it is possible to make an object
without sides.
For example, you can make a
circular object such as a funnel. The forming
machines used in the Navy are usually located at
aircraft intermediate maintenance departments
(AIMDs). The two most common machines are
the slip roll and the rotary.
Slip-Roll Forming
Sheet metal can be formed into cylindrical or
conical shapes through the use of the slip-roll
forming machine. Prior to using this machine, you
should consult the manufacturers manual of
operation.
To form a cylinder in the machine, you should use
the following procedures and refer to figure 13-38:
1. Adjust the front rolls so they will grip the
sheet properly.
2. Adjust the rear roll to a height that is less than
enough to form the desired radius of the cylinder.
3. Ensure that all three rolls are parallel. (The
same space exists between any two rollers at each end
of the rollers.)
4. Start the sheet into the space between the two
front rolls. As soon as the front rolls have gripped the
sheet, raise the free end of the sheet slightly.
5. Pass the entire sheet through the rolls. This
forms part of the curve required for the cylinder.
6. Set the rear roll higher to form a shorter
radius.
Figure 13-38.—Forming a cylinder.
13-24
