Flanging is a metal forming process used to create a raised or bent edge along the perimeter of a metal sheet, tube, or profile. This edge is formed by bending the material at a specific angle, most commonly 90 degrees, but other angles are also possible depending on design requirements. Flanging is widely applied in manufacturing to improve structural strength, enable assembly, enhance dimensional accuracy, and prepare components for welding, fastening, or sealing.
Unlike cutting or material removal processes, flanging reshapes the metal without reducing its overall integrity. The process relies on controlled deformation, allowing manufacturers to add functionality to metal parts while maintaining material continuity and strength.
The flanging process begins with positioning the metal workpiece into a Flanging Machine or press tool. Force is applied gradually to bend the edge of the material along a predefined line or contour. Depending on the complexity of the part, flanging can be performed in a single operation or through multiple forming stages to prevent cracking or distortion.
Key factors influencing the process include material thickness, ductility, bend radius, and flange height. Precision tooling and stable machine control are critical to ensure uniform flange geometry and repeatable results, especially in high-volume production environments.
Flanging is not a single technique but a group of related forming methods designed for different applications.
Straight Flanging
This method produces a straight, linear flange along the edge of a flat sheet. It is commonly used in panels, enclosures, and structural components.
Hole Flanging
Hole flanging creates a raised collar around a punched or laser-cut hole. This improves stiffness and provides a better surface for fasteners, fittings, or welded joints.
Shrink Flanging
Shrink flanging forms a flange along a curved edge by compressing material. It is often used for inward curves where excess material must be controlled.
Stretch Flanging
Stretch flanging pulls material outward along a curved edge. This method requires materials with good ductility and is common in automotive and appliance parts.
Flanging can be applied to a wide range of metals, provided they have adequate formability.
| Material Type | Flanging Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Mild Steel | Good formability and cost efficiency |
| Stainless Steel | Higher strength, requires controlled force |
| Aluminum | Excellent ductility, lightweight applications |
| Copper & Brass | Easy forming, used for precision components |
Material selection directly affects tooling design, forming speed, and final flange quality.
Flanging offers several practical and economic advantages in metal fabrication. It increases edge rigidity without adding material, helping parts resist deformation under load. Flanged edges also improve safety by eliminating sharp corners, reducing handling risks during assembly.
From an assembly perspective, flanges provide precise reference surfaces for alignment, fastening, and welding. This improves overall product consistency and reduces secondary operations, which can lower manufacturing costs and production time.
Flanging is used across multiple industries due to its versatility. In automotive manufacturing, it strengthens body panels and structural reinforcements. In HVAC systems, flanged ducts and housings improve sealing performance. Electrical enclosures, kitchen equipment, and industrial machinery all rely on flanged components for durability and ease of installation.
Flanging can be performed using mechanical presses, hydraulic presses, CNC Flanging Machines, or roll forming systems. The choice of equipment depends on part geometry, production volume, and precision requirements.
For manufacturers seeking stable forming performance and flexible processing capabilities, professional flanging machinery plays a decisive role. Companies such as ZHUOSHENG offer metal forming equipment designed to support consistent flanging results across different materials and production scenarios, making them a practical reference for industrial metal processing solutions.
To achieve high-quality flanged parts, manufacturers must control parameters such as bend radius, flange height tolerance, and material flow. Poor control may lead to cracking, wrinkling, or uneven flange thickness. Advanced tooling design and precise machine adjustment help ensure reliable outcomes, especially for complex or curved components.
