A Flanging Machine is a specialized piece of sheet-metal forming equipment used to bend or roll the edges of a metal workpiece at a precise angle—typically 90° or 180°—to create a flange. This flange strengthens the component’s structure, allows safe edge handling, and provides a clean surface for welding, sealing, or assembly. Flanging is essential in industries such as HVAC, automotive, pressure-vessel manufacturing, kitchenware, and aerospace, where high precision and repeatable edge geometry are required.
Modern CNC and Hydraulic Flanging Machines, such as those produced by ZHUOSHENG, combine controlled rotation, pressure regulation, and programmable forming sequences to achieve smooth, consistent results across a variety of metals and thicknesses.
Flanging machines modify the peripheral edge of circular, rectangular, or irregular sheet-metal parts. During operation, a rotating spindle or forming roll bends the workpiece edge upward, downward, or outward against a forming die. The main objectives include:
Edge strengthening – Increasing rigidity and resistance to deformation.
Preparation for joining – Creating precise lips for TIG/MIG welding, riveting, or adhesive bonding.
Safety improvement – Eliminating sharp edges that could injure operators or end-users.
Aesthetic finishing – Producing smooth, uniform rims on visible components.
Leak prevention – In tanks or containers, flanged edges improve sealing between parts.
A typical flanging machine operates through rotary forming or press bending, depending on the part geometry.
Clamping: The sheet or shell is held firmly between a die and clamping ring.
Rotation (if circular): The part spins around its axis while the forming roller or die moves radially.
Forming: A controlled axial or radial force bends the edge along a programmed path to the desired flange angle.
Finishing: Multiple passes may refine the edge radius or flatten the flange for final fitment.
Release: The machine unclamps and ejects the completed part for trimming or welding.
| Industry | Typical Use of Flanged Parts | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC & Ventilation | Reinforcing duct ends, connecting round tubes | Duct collars, reducers, pipe ends |
| Automotive | Strengthening thin-wall body panels and fuel tanks | Exhaust cones, wheel covers, housings |
| Pressure Vessel & Tank Fabrication | Preparing weld lips or sealing rims | Cylindrical shells, tank heads |
| Lighting & Cookware | Enhancing edge safety and rigidity | Lamp reflectors, bowls, pots |
| Aerospace & Energy | Forming structural flanges with tight tolerances | Engine cones, turbine casings |
In each of these sectors, flanging improves assembly efficiency, joint reliability, and surface quality.
Used for circular components, these machines rotate the part around a spindle while a roller progressively bends the edge. Ideal for tank heads, reflectors, and duct collars.
Designed for rectangular panels or non-round parts, they use a die press or sequential rollers to create straight or curved flanges. Common in automotive body manufacturing.
Advanced models featuring servo control and digital programming. They offer:
Multi-axis control for complex contours.
Adjustable forming speed and force.
Consistent repeatability and low setup time. These are preferred in industrial automation lines for sheet-metal processing.
Flanging machines handle a wide range of ductile metals. The process parameters—pressure, feed rate, and rotation speed—are adjusted based on material strength.
| Material | Features | Forming Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Alloys | Lightweight, ductile, corrosion-resistant | Cold flanging suitable |
| Stainless Steel (304 / 316) | High strength, sanitary finish | Often requires higher forming pressure |
| Mild Steel / Carbon Steel | Economical, strong | Widely used for ducts and tanks |
| Copper & Brass | Decorative, conductive | Produces polished edges easily |
| Titanium & Alloys | Aerospace and chemical resistance | May need hot flanging for ductility |
Structural Strength: Flanged edges resist bending, vibration, and fatigue.
Enhanced Safety: Smooth rims prevent sharp-edge hazards.
Dimensional Accuracy: CNC flanging maintains precise radius and angle tolerances.
Welding and Assembly Efficiency: Pre-formed lips align easily for joining.
Improved Appearance: Continuous edge curvature gives a professional finish.
Material Utilization: Minimal scrap compared to cutting or folding alternatives.
In modern production, flanging machines are often installed after a spinning or deep-drawing stage. For example:
A Metal Spinning Lathe first forms the bowl or dome shape.
The flanging machine then folds the rim outward to form a welding or sealing edge.
A trimming station may follow to ensure uniform thickness and diameter.
ZHUOSHENG’s integrated systems link these steps automatically, achieving tight dimensional control and reducing manual handling time.
| Parameter | Range / Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flanging Diameter | 100–3000 mm | Depending on model |
| Material Thickness | 0.5–10 mm | Thicker materials require higher tonnage |
| Flanging Angle | 0–180° | Adjustable via CNC control |
| Rolling Speed | 10–60 rpm | Tunable for different materials |
| Power Type | Hydraulic / Servo / Mechanical | Defines forming force and precision |
These parameters vary according to the machine configuration and the application field.
Regularly inspect roller surfaces for wear to maintain clean edges.
Lubricate guides and bearings to prevent chatter or friction marks.
Monitor clamping pressure to ensure uniform flange depth.
Perform periodic calibration of CNC axes for high-precision work.
Keep mandrels and dies polished to ensure surface quality.
Following a preventive maintenance schedule extends machine life and guarantees consistent production quality.
A flanging machine is indispensable in modern metal-forming lines. It enhances the strength, safety, and weldability of metal components by shaping their edges into precise flanges. Whether forming thin aluminum lighting reflectors or thick stainless-steel tank ends, CNC flanging technology ensures repeatable accuracy, smooth surface finish, and efficient production flow.
Manufacturers such as ZHUOSHENG integrate flanging with spinning, trimming, and welding preparation systems—offering a complete solution for producing seamless, high-quality circular or sheet-metal components used worldwide in industrial, architectural, and consumer applications.
