Abstract
This paper seeks to carry out design of a small scale electrically powered bending machine for a
developing nation, case for Zimbabwe. The bending of metal is of great importance in the manufacture of
products such as nut shelling machines and maize shelling machines. Currently being used at Company X
engineering is a manual bending machine with a single operation hence this design will help to increase
the number of metals being bent, an increase in the efficiency and production. The paper deals with
manufacturing or bending of sheet metal by using power operated sheet bending machine. Especially
discussion made the productivity analysis of manually or power operated sheet bending machine.
Considering manual operation is replaced by power operated devices. It also gives information about
limitation of manually operated sheet bending machine and power operated sheet bending machine. The
existing machines are limited to a single operation. The aim of the research is to increase the number of
bent parts and to place an adjustable table to suit the height of the user thereby reducing back pain internal
injuries in the long run. The researchers visited the Company X to gather information concerning the
problems faced by the employees. Material tests which are of great value were carried out and the use of
software. A Plate Rolling Machine is a machine that will roll different kinds of metal sheet into a
round or conical shape and a rod bending machine will roll or bend different kinds of metal sheet into
right angles or circular shapes. The research aims at making it possible to do the operations on a single
machine. We recommend the machine to be automated and the use of a servo motor to reduce human
injuries at the workshop. Use of oils and maintenance is of great value to increase the life span of the
machine.