1. Position and clamp
Support the sheet, set the groove positions and clamp it securely.
Press brakes
V-Grooving Machines
Sharper corners. Smaller bend radii.
Cut a controlled V-shaped groove into sheet metal before folding on a press brake.
What does a V-grooving machine do?
A V-groover removes a narrow strip of material along a planned bend line. The sheet is then folded on a press brake, with the groove on the inside of the bend.
Reducing the thickness at the fold allows a smaller corner radius and requires less bending force. It is particularly useful where the appearance of a crisp edge matters.
2. Cut the groove
Program the depth and position. Cutting tools remove material in controlled passes, leaving a continuous thickness beneath the groove.
3. Fold the component
Move the prepared sheet to the press brake, form the bend and inspect the corner and surface finish.
See the difference at the bend
A smaller visible corner radius
The upper example shows the groove prepared before folding. The lower example shows the larger rounded corner of a conventional bend.
Why reflections can reveal distortion
The diagram shows compression on the inside, stretching on the outside and local concavity at the radius. On visible architectural work, that change can affect the reflected finish.
Diagrams supplied for this page from The Fabricator. Click either image to view it at its original size. Labels within the drawings remain in English.
Materials and applications
Suitable materials include stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium and copper, subject to the selected machine, cutters and material condition.
Typical uses include lift interiors, decorative wall panels, door surrounds, cabinets, display fittings and architectural metalwork.
Profiles, returns and decorative edges
Illustrative examples include channels, corner trims, box sections and folded returns. The complete section must be checked for groove access, bend order and press-brake clearance.
Features to specify
CNC positioning and depth control, secure sheet clamping, rigid tool holders, cutting inserts and panel supports help maintain consistent groove placement and depth.
Confirm the clamping system, number of cutting tools, controller and sheet supports for the chosen configuration.
Additional machine photograph
A further machine example from the supplied photographs. Control, clamping and guarding arrangements vary by model; the quotation defines the equipment supplied.
Progressive cutting tools
This example shows a sequence of cutting tools. A planned series of cuts forms the groove; tool condition and pass depth affect the finish and remaining metal.
Support and controlled cutting
Sheet support and secure clamping maintain the reference during machining. The cutting head removes metal along the programmed groove line.
Process reference images illustrate the method, rather than a guaranteed standard configuration.
Groove depth and bend quality
Groove depth, included angle and remaining thickness must match the material and required bend. Trial the complete grooving and folding process on a representative sample.
V-grooving removes metal and reduces strength at the fold. It does not replace the press brake, and published sheet thickness is not the depth of a single cutting pass.
Specifications
Model sizes and technical data
The tables describe two separate reference ranges. They are not a combined specification or confirmation of the machine pictured. Final capacity and equipment are confirmed in the Carter quotation.
Range A — vertical CNC V-grooving
| Processing length × width (mm) | Sheet thickness (mm) | Weight (kg) | Overall length × width × height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 × 1250 | 0.4–8 | 5000 | 3400 × 2600 × 2100 |
| 2500 × 1250 | 0.4–8 | 6000 | 4100 × 2600 × 2100 |
| 2000 × 1500 | 0.4–8 | 5000 | 3400 × 2600 × 2100 |
| 3200 × 1500 | 0.4–8 | 8000 | 4800 × 2600 × 2100 |
| 4000 × 1500 | 0.4–8 | 9000 | 5600 × 2600 × 2100 |
| 5000 × 1500 | 0.4–8 | 12000 | 6600 × 2600 × 2100 |
| 6000 × 1500 | 0.4–8 | 14000 | 7600 × 2600 × 2100 |
| 8000 × 1500 | 0.4–8 | 18000 | 9600 × 2600 × 2100 |
| 6000 × 2000 | 0.4–8 | 15000 | To confirm |
Published positioning accuracy: ±0.01 mm on X, Y, Z1 and Z2 axes. Published axis speeds: X and Y up to 90 m/min; Z1 and Z2 up to 30 m/min.
Range B — vertical CNC V-grooving
| Processing length × width (mm) | Sheet thickness (mm) | Overall length × width × height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 3200 × 1250 | 0.4–6 | 5000 × 2550 × 2100 |
| 3200 × 1500 | 0.4–6 | 5000 × 2800 × 2100 |
| 4000 × 1250 | 0.4–6 | 5800 × 2550 × 2100 |
| 4000 × 1500 | 0.4–6 | 5850 × 2800 × 2100 |
Published cutting speed: 0–90 m/min; return speed: 0–120 m/min. Main servo motor: 4.4 kW. Minimum edge distance: 8 mm.
Maximum thickness depends on material, flatness and groove geometry. Axis speed is not the finished-part production rate.
Discuss your requirements
Tell us your material, sheet size, thickness and required bend finish. Machine capacity, equipment and price are confirmed with your quotation.
Why the groove improves the visible corner
Conventional bending stretches the outside face and compresses the inside face. On decorative panels, local distortion can affect how light reflects along the bend. Removing material at the fold can reduce this effect and produce a sharper-looking edge.
Control the remaining web
The remaining web is the metal left between the groove root and the visible face. Its thickness affects corner radius, springback and strength. A deeper groove is not automatically better: use a trial piece to establish a suitable balance for the actual material and finish.
Check material grade and condition, groove consistency, sharpness of the cutters and press-brake alignment. Use controlled passes and inspect the folded sample before committing to a production run.
From groove preparation to the finished fold
- Define the job. Confirm material grade, thickness, finish, panel size, bend locations and the final section drawing.
- Plan the groove. Specify groove angle, depth, remaining web and cutting passes together. The groove must allow the intended fold without the faces binding.
- Inspect the cut. Check groove position and consistency, remaining thickness, burrs and cutter condition before moving to the press brake.
- Trial the bend. Align the punch, die and backgauge, then check springback, the finished corner, dimensions and surface on a representative sample.
Material choice and crack prevention
For brass and other copper alloys, bendability depends on alloy, temper and bend direction relative to rolling. A grade that machines readily is not automatically the best choice for a sharp fold. Confirm the sheet specification and prove the grooved bend on a sample.
Grooving cannot guarantee a crack-free result. A rough groove, unsuitable remaining thickness or a material that cannot tolerate the required strain can still produce defects.
Practical questions
Does the machine bend the sheet too?
The groover prepares the bend line by removing metal. The prepared sheet is subsequently formed, normally on a press brake. It is a separate operation in the production route.
Can I use ordinary bend deductions?
A grooved bend has different geometry from a full-thickness bend. Develop and validate the flat pattern for the actual groove and remaining web; do not assume an unmodified bend deduction will give the correct blank.
Is there one correct groove depth for every material?
No. Remaining thickness, groove geometry and material behaviour must be considered together. Use the required appearance and strength, followed by a sample trial, to establish the process.
Can the sharp corner carry structural loads?
Removing metal reduces the section at the bend. Where strength, fatigue or impact matters, the joint requires a suitable design assessment rather than judging it by appearance.
Send your profile drawing
Include material grade, thickness, finish, sheet size, section dimensions and production quantity. A drawing and sample requirement help define the machine and the finished-bend acceptance criteria.
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