Hand Folding Machine WS Series
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Manual pan brake (finger brake) for versatile box and pan forming. Removable finger set lets you bend boxes and pans with multiple sides — the workhorse fitting machine for every duct shop.
Technical Specifications
What is a Hand Folding Machine WS Series?
A hand folding machine — also called a pan brake or finger brake — bends sheet metal with a moving beam against a stationary clamp. Its fingers can be removed individually, so a box or pan can be bent with sides already formed. For duct shops it is the versatile fitting machine: anything that is not a straight production bend gets made here.
Key Features
- Removable finger set — remove fingers to bend boxes and pans with open sides
- Bending lengths from 1300mm to 2500mm across four models
- Handles material up to 1.5mm — the full HVAC duct gauge range
- Angle indicator for repeatable bends without gauging every part
- Heavy-duty frame, simple mechanics, minimal maintenance
Fittings That Will Not Fit a Straight Production Brake?
Boxes, pans and fittings with multiple sides cannot come off a press brake in one setup — the tooling is in the way. Shops without a pan brake end up welding fittings from separate bent pieces.
A hand folding machine with removable fingers bends the complete box in one pass: remove the fingers where the sides are, bend the remaining flanges, and the fitting is done — no welding, no assembly.
How It Transforms Your Production Line
The Hand Folding Machine WS Series works on a proven principle — here is the step-by-step workflow that makes it possible:
Finger Setup
Fingers are removed where the already-formed sides of the box or pan will pass — the rest stay to bend the remaining flanges.
Clamp & Align
The sheet is clamped and aligned to the bend line; the angle indicator sets the target angle.
Fold
The beam is raised, folding the sheet to the set angle against the remaining fingers.
Reposition & Repeat
The part is repositioned for the next side; a complete box is folded in one setup.
Technical Specifications & Performance Data
Every specification on this machine is chosen for a reason. The table below shows not just the numbers, but what each one means for your daily production:
| Parameter | This Machine | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Control System | Manual with angle indicator | Consistent, repeatable operation with minimal operator training |
| Construction | Heavy-duty steel frame | Vibration-free operation, 10+ year service life |
| Certification | CE certified | Meets European safety and quality standards |
| Warranty | 2 years | Peace of mind with comprehensive factory warranty |
Problems Solved: Before vs. After
We asked HVAC fabricators about their biggest production headaches. Here is how this machine directly addresses each one:
| Without This Machine | With This Machine |
|---|---|
|
✕ Boxes need welding
Press brakes cannot clear formed sides — fittings welded from pieces |
✓ Removable fingers
Complete boxes and pans folded in one setup |
|
✕ Fitting work slow
Every fitting is multiple setups on the wrong machine |
✓ Dedicated pan brake
Fittings folded directly, no assembly |
|
✕ Inconsistent hand bends
Eyeballed angles vary between fittings |
✓ Angle indicator
Repeatable bend angles without gauging each part |
|
✕ Floor space hungry
Production brakes are large and fixed |
✓ Compact manual folder
Fits any shop size, moves where the work is |
Where It Fits in Your Factory
This machine is versatile enough to serve multiple production scenarios. Here are the most common configurations our customers use:
Duct Fittings
Boxes, pans, transitions and fittings with formed sides — the classic pan brake job.
Job Shop Fitting Work
One-off and small-batch fittings where setting up a powered brake costs more than it saves.
Small Duct Shops
The affordable first bending machine — no power supply beyond a hand lever, minimal maintenance.
Repair & Retrofit
On-site and repair work where a portable manual folder goes where the duct is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click each question to see the answer. These are the questions our sales engineers hear most often:
Professional Packaging & Global Shipping
Every machine is professionally packaged and secured in a container for safe delivery to your port. We send you loading photos before the ship sails.
Calculate Your Return on Investment
Based on average industry data, here is what a typical customer saves after installing this machine:
* Figures based on average customer data for a shop producing 100-500 bends per day. Your actual results will vary based on production volume, labor rates, and current efficiency levels. Contact our engineers for a customized ROI calculation based on your specific operation.
Ready to Upgrade Your Electric Production?
Get a customized quote within 24 hours. Our engineers will help you configure the right machine for your specific production requirements.
WhatsApp / WeChat: +86-18355321923 | Email: jason@predamachine.com
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Buying Guides for This Machine Type
Before you request a quote: how this machine class compares, what it costs, and how to size it for your production volume.
Sheet Metal Brake Types Guide
Press brake vs pan brake vs folder — what each machine is for in a duct shop, and how they divide the work.
Read the guide → Buying GuideSheet Metal Bending Buying Guide
Sizing brakes by tonnage, length and control level — with the 8-tons-per-metre rule worked through.
Read the guide → SetupHVAC Duct Factory Setup Guide
Laying out a duct shop: which machines, in what order, for your production volume.
Read the guide →