PB Engineering designs and builds machines in Zanè (Vicenza, Italy) for road sign edge folding: the single or double box-edge fold along the perimeter of aluminium and galvanised steel signs.
Why road sign edges are folded
The box-folded edge is the perimeter reinforcement of the sign: it stiffens it, removes the sharp edge of the cut sheet and gives the sign a finished profile. This is why technical specifications for permanent vertical road signs require it along the whole perimeter, as a continuous fold with no sharp edges.
- Single fold: one 90° bend along the whole perimeter (bend 1).
- Double fold: a second bend inwards (bend 2), forming a stiffer C-shaped profile.
Discs, triangles, squares, rectangles, octagons, arrows and plates are processed from pre-cut sheet metal blanks, in the typical road sign thicknesses: aluminium 2.5 and 3 mm, galvanised steel from 1 mm.
Two solutions depending on your production
- Vertical spindle beading machines, such as the cam-driven R5-P: they start from the pre-cut flat sheet and make both bends on the same machine, following the sign contour with a copying cam. They use a dedicated tool for each shape and size, so they are the right choice for series production of standard formats.
- RCM with motor-driven blades: they make the second bend on a sign where the first has already been made, for example with a press or with a press brake and corner notcher. They work without a workpiece holder, so they switch between shapes and sizes without dedicated tooling. The RCM P is designed for polygonal parts and processes steel up to 3 mm, stainless steel up to 1.5 mm and aluminium up to 5 mm.
FAQ
What is the difference between a single and a double fold?
A single fold is one 90° bend of the perimeter; a double fold adds a second bend inwards, forming a C-shaped profile that makes the sign stiffer.
Which machine should I choose?
For large batches of a few formats, a vertical spindle beading machine such as the R5-P makes the whole box edge starting from the flat sheet. For many different shapes and sizes, the RCM P avoids tooling costs, but the first bend must be made beforehand on another machine.
Which materials and thicknesses can be processed?
Aluminium and galvanised steel in the thicknesses required by road sign specifications.
Can you assess whether my sign can be processed?
Yes: send us drawing, material, dimensions and thickness (and a sample, if available) and our technical department will carry out a feasibility study. Write to sales@pbengineering.it or use the contacts page.
ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS
- RCM P - RCM trimming and beading machine for polygonal parts - cod. RCM - P
- Beading Machine for road signs - cod. RIP 1600