Architecture has always been a combination of art and science as well as the exploration of how far one can go in terms of creation in the building industry. Undoubtedly, one of the most revolutionary developments to have occurred within the past few years is structural metal bending.
The use of this technique is transforming architectural design in ways that would have been impossible in the past by providing creativity, energy efficiency, and overall efficiency in construction. From glossy, clean, metropolitan external and internal designs to sinuous, botanical inspired shapes, metal bending is making the dreams of architects come through.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall constructed in 2003, is a splendid example of how metal bending is employed. The structure’s skin of better than 6000 sheets of stainless steel has been precisely shaped to form these dynamic, fluid forms that the building is known for. These curves provide the structure with the element of the kinetic, and endowed the structure with a life.
Since metal bending technique is advancing, there are indications that more breathtaking structures that go against the norm of any architectural designing will be produced in the future.
The Evolution of Metal Bending in Architecture
The incorporation of metal in architecture is as old as history with some of the early samples being evidenced by the Egyptian and the Romans civilizations. These civilizations employed metals such as the bronze and iron for stalks and beams in construction as well as for tool and adornment.
Nevertheless, it was only during the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century that metal was drastically changed in architecture. In the case of the subject, advancement and availability of steel facilitated heightened construction of tall structures or modern day skyscrapers.
At the beginning of the twentieth century metal was already used by such architects as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier and besides structural uses they discovered the qualities of metal for aesthetic purposes in their purist designs. The application of metal was conventional and mostly involved the creation of straight lines and flat planes because of the orthodox tools of bending/ forming at that time.
It is only in the last quarter of the twentieth and the beginning of the twenty-first centuries that some phenomenal innovations on metal bending resulted in the change of what used to be a stiff medium into a flexible one for architectural purposes.
Techniques of Metal Bending
Different techniques of metal bending offer unique advantages and applications in architectural design. . Let’s explore some of the primary techniques used in metal bending:
Roll Bending
Roll bending on the other hand is a technique that is used to make large radius bend in a material particularly in metal. The rollers help push the metal into the intended shape since they bear pressure on the metal.
This method is most useful when bending long pieces of metal and is useful in making circular or curved parts of a structure.
Curved Facades: Another frequently used technique applied to construct the curved forms of the building, for instance, the fluid organic shapes, we observe in contemporary architecture.
Archways and Domes: It is specially suitable when generating big and cylindrical shapes, which help in aesthetics and load-bearing structures like arches and domes.
Bridges and Overpasses: Often, smooth arcs that need to be made, for instance, in the construction of bridges and overpasses are made through roll bending and results in a good form and sturdiness.
Cold Bending
Cold bending also known as pressure bending can be defined as the practice of bending a metal at a temperature that is relatively low and does not include the use of heat. This technique employs the use of forces to bend the metal, more often by the use of a press brake or any bending equipment. It is applicable to metals that have enough ductility, for forming to be done without the material cracking or breaking.
Structural Beams: Cold bending is employed when it comes to creation of structures such as beams and supports in construction since it requires accurate angles as well as curves.
Staircases and Railings: It is an effective tool to design the curves and bends, necessary for stairs and railings, at the same time being both – practical and beautiful.
Window and Door Frames: Cold bending can also enable one to give specific shapes and styles for the window and door frames, which will complement the type of structure you want to develop.
Mandrel Bending
Mandrel bending is a process in which an accurate bend in tubes or pipes are made without buckling or distorting. In the bending process a mandrel which is in the form of a solid rod or a series of ball bearings is used inside the tube. This internal support makes the tube keep its shape as well as strength.
Handrails and Guardrails: One such specialty technique used in handrails and guardrails is the mandrel bending which will create long arcs that are safer and aesthetic in design.
HVAC Ductwork: The technique is required for making the exact angles to be incorporated into the systems as well as accommodate the requirements of the AC systems and other structures where spaces are restricted.
Furniture and Fixtures: This technology is applied in architect and designer’s furniture and fixture designs of chairs, tables and light fittings where looks and strength are crucial.
Concerning the provision of metal bending services, therefore, AS Bending is undoubtedly the clear industry leader. Thanks to the modern equipment and the specialization in all the types of bending, AS Bending meets highest quality and accuracy, allowing architects to unfold the most daring visions and develop reliable visions of the project’s implementation.
Benefits of Metal Bending in Architectural Design
The use of metal bending in architectural design is quite advantageous in terms of the freedom it provides for artistic expression while at the same time helping to improve the structural quality, the appearance of structures, and sustainability.
Innovative Designs: Basically, bent metal allows more experimental structures that are beyond the conventional norms of architecture to be made. Superpositions can be built in forms of sweeping curves, spirals and other forms which excite the public and are clearly different from the local static images of the buildings.
Load Distribution: Stresses are lesser in amounts with curved plates and shaped metals also give better loading patterns that lower stress concentrations to enhance the structure’s stability.
Resistance to Deformation: Bent metal components have less flexibility than flat sheets for a given thickness when subjected to a load. This one helps in the endurance and safety of the building that is involved.
Versatile Finishes: The various ways that bent metal can be finished are through polishing, painting or anodizing and these will produce various effects depending on the specific finishing technique used. In this regard, these finishes can contribute to the improvement of the appearance of the metal and, therefore, the general look of the building.
Material Efficiency: Metal bending shows accuracy since metals can be bent while in processes without having cutting or trimming done on the metals. This efficiency reduces the amount of effects and consequences caused by construction to the environment.
Looking Ahead
The prospects look good when it comes to advancements in the field of architecture and metal bending stands as a pioneer. With the new technologies that are being developed, the uses of bent metal in architectural design discipline will be even more profound.
If you were amazed by this possibility of metal bending and you would like to use it for your next project in architecture, do not hesitate to count on AS Bending.
Metal bending also known as press brake bending is a specialized service and requires professional service provider with state-of-the-art technology. Learn about the AS Bending company and how we can help you achieve amazing architectural conceptions by contacting us today.
