How to Figure out the Radius of Sheet Metal Edges
One finish you can add to your sheet metal is rounded corners. Trimming your sheet metal edges and performing edge rounding is relatively easy, and with the right equipment, you can achieve a uniform radius on all your products for a sleek look.
How Do You Measure a Metal Workpiece Edge Radius?
We suggest using advanced equipment for measuring a corner radius quickly and accurately. You can determine the edge radius of sheet metal with an advanced laser scanner and specialized software. After you place the laser scanner against the sheet metal edge, the built-in radius calculation program measures half the diameter to determine the radius.
Why Is a Uniform Metal Edge Radius Important?
Edge rounding is essential to deliver a high-quality product. Here’s why.
Safer Handling by End Users and Assembly Workers
Rounded sheet metal corners are safer for assembly workers and end users handling the metal, as rough and sharp edges can cause injury. Smooth edges protect against cuts and other injuries, which every manufacturer wants to avoid.
Easier to Keep a Sanitized Environment
Rounded sheet metal corners are ideal for environments with strict hygiene standards, like the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors. Smooth finishes prevent bacteria and microbes from getting trapped. Workers can also avoid damaging their gloves on sharp edges and risking contamination.
Enhanced Quality of Surface Finishes and Coatings
A metal product with rounded edges ensures a higher-quality coating — liquid and powder coating materials struggle to cover sharp edges. Less paint sticks to sharp or uneven edges, letting it peel off and expose the metal to rust. The paint layer covers rounded edges more effectively for improved protection.
Improved Workpiece Durability
Seamless rounded curves improve an object’s strength. Curved corners can more effectively withstand deformation than sharp ones, making the workpiece less likely to warp or bend.
Automated vs. Manual Edge Rounding
Many fabricators still rely on hand-held tools to round off corners — this is a laborious, repetitive process. Rounding corners by hand does not guarantee a uniform result and can make assembly and installation challenging. Using manual tools can also pose safety hazards, such as repetitive strain injuries and cuts from handling unfinished parts.
Switching from manual edge rounding to an automated system holds the following advantages:
- You can save time and labor costs with expedited machine rounding.
- Your products will have a uniform rounded edge, creating a refined result.
- You can minimize safety hazards.
Increase Efficiency With Our Automated Edge Rounding Machine
Timesavers offers versatile metal finishing solutions that save time and increase productivity. Our machines can help you trim sheet metal edges and get perfectly rounded edges in no time. Our versatile range of edge-rounding machines can create rounded corners with a precise radius for a polished product.
Our 42 RB Series is a top-of-the-line metal edge rounding machine, achieving a 2mm radius on various materials. Learn more about our edge rounding systems and how they can improve your products by reaching out today.
