[Joe Hartson]

Tipping dies are primarily used to tip the edge of a sheet to form a flange. It can be used on a straight edge or a curved edge.

The hem dies are not the same as tipping dies but you can use one of the rolls as part of a set for tipping. The upper roll is usually the one that has a small rounded edge that will mark the metal to define where the flange will be located. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish and the type of metal that you are working with the lower roll will change. The lower roll can be either hard or soft, smooth or grooved. If you are trying to make a tight turn with a tipping wheel the smaller the diameter of the wheel the tighter the radius you can turn. Most of the time a tipping wheel set has a steel upper roll and a hard UHMW plastic roll for the lower.

On a straight edge to form the flange it is just a matter of bending the flange to whatever angle you want. You can do this by lifting the sheet as you roll it through the bead roller or by using a hammer and dolly to form the flange. The tipping wheel starts the bend and will give a defined place for the flange to bend.

On a curved edge the first pass will define where the bend for the flange is located. To get a flange to form on a curved edge you will have to shrink or stretch the metal in the flange depending on the shape of the curve. This can be done with a hammer and dolly, shrinker/stretcher or several other ways depending on what the flange is suppose to look like when complete.

The wire edge is one method of making the edge of a panel stronger than a just a simple flange. There are several types of wire edges that can be put on the edge of a panel. If you are going to make a true wire edge with a wire inserted and the panel wrapped around the wire it is best to use the same type of material. If you have an aluminum panel then use aluminum wire. This will reduce or eliminate the galvanic corrosion that will take place with dis similar metals in the presents of an electrolyte. For steel you can coat the wire and inside of the panel to help prevent rust.

There are also false wire edges that don't have a wire inserted but have the edge of the panel rolled over to strengthen the edge.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions.