U-TROUGHS Bending
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U-TROUGHS Bending using Urethane SMART PADS
Polyurethane Products is capable of delivering solutions for sheet metal bending in architectural applications. 1/4” thick 316 Stainless Steel U-troughs of many radii are formed in 3-5 hits, with perfect Arc shapes without any blend lines.
- Producing these parts used to take about 45 hits on a CNC press brake, at 1/2” spacing. Using the Smart Pad system and a custom made radius punch, parts are made with 3-5 hits saving huge production time and improved quality.
- With our unique production facility, we can produce the steel punches of up to 14 ft., and Urethane bottom dies of any length.
U-TROUGHS for screw conveyors are fabricated easily in 3-5 hits, in 10 Ga. M.S., in 10 ft. lengths by using our SMP1240 as the bottom die. Punches are designed and machined to allow for spring-back in sheet metal.
For more details, please go to our SMP1240 page.
PERFORATED SHEET METAL TROUGHS
These perforated, polished Stainless Steel U-troughs are fabricated in 3 hits, without any kinking between holes or distortion.
Request a quote today to learn more about our U-TROUGH bending services!
Bending U-Troughs Made Easy
Bending a U-Trough is a process:
- Consistent radii and flawless arcs: Smooth Consistent radii without kinking, with repeatability. Every piece will be the same
- Fewer forming hits and faster production, reducing labor and tool wear, 8” of arc length can be hit at a single time
- Superior surface finish, perfect for architectural and any mar-free bending applications
These benefits translate to shorter lead times, minimizing the amount of hits from every 1/8” or ¼” to 8”s at a time with improved quality control, and long-term cost savings for your operation.
Key Advantages
One-Hit 90° Bends
The Smart Pad system provides uniform pressure distribution, allowing operators to achieve a clean 90-degree bend in a single hit. This eliminates the need for multiple forming strokes and reduces setup and production time.
No Marking or Surface Damage
Unlike traditional steel tooling, the urethane Smart Pad reinforces the material during forming, preventing contact marks, scratching, or distortion. This makes it ideal for prefinished, coated, or softer metals commonly used in agricultural and food-handling applications.
Smooth, Consistent Radii
Each part maintains uniform radii and flawless arcs — no kinking or flat spots. The Smart Pad tooling adapts to the part geometry, ensuring repeatable, high-quality bends every time.
Reduced Tool Wear and Faster Throughput
Because the Smart Pad absorbs the forming stress, metal-on-metal contact is eliminated. This extends tool life and enables faster cycling, hitting up to 8 inches of arc length at once without sacrificing accuracy.
Performance That Pays Off
With smoother bends, fewer forming hits, and no rework due to surface defects, Smart Pad tooling helps manufacturers produce U-Troughs and any other large radius bending application faster and more cost-effectively. The result is shorter lead times, consistent quality, and long-term savings — all backed by Polyurethane Products' decades of expertise in urethane tooling performance.
Have a Question?
You have questions, we have answers. Contact us today. Our skilled customer service specialists can help you make the right choice in polyurethane applications.