Air bending vs bottoming
The bending method changes the tooling, force and flexibility you need. Confirm the process before comparing machine capacities.
Air bending
The sheet contacts the punch and the two die shoulders without being fully pressed into the die profile. Punch penetration controls the bend angle. A suitable tool set can produce several angles, allowing flexible work with fewer tool changes.
Bottoming
The sheet is formed between matching punch and die profiles. Tool geometry plays a greater role in the finished angle and radius. Bottoming generally needs more force than air bending and tooling selected for the intended material, thickness and shape.
What changes when choosing a machine?
Compare the force required by the actual process, the working length and the permitted loading of every tool and holder. An air-bending estimate is not a bottoming or coining capacity. Changing method requires a reviewed setup, not simply a higher pressure setting.
Which method suits your work?
Air bending suits varied angles and frequent job changes. Bottoming can suit repeat work with dedicated tooling. Ask for a demonstration with your material and drawing, and compare finished accuracy, setup time and tooling cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the tonnage calculator for bottoming?
No. Carter’s bending-force calculator estimates air bending. Ask for a process-specific assessment for bottoming, coining or special forming.
Does air bending remove the need to allow for springback?
No. The material relaxes after unloading. The tooling and programmed bend must allow for that behaviour, confirmed with a test bend.
Discuss your next bending job
Send the material, thickness, working length and a drawing with your enquiry.