Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic machine for curving thin and rectilinear metal elements of the wire, strip or tube type.According to the invention, this machine comprises a nipper (2) adapted for positioning and holding on a first axis (X) a metal element section to be bent, as well as two bending devices (3, 4) movable on each side of the nipper (2) along a rail (7) parallel to the axis (X). Each bending device comprises two jaws (17 and 18) between which the metal element section may be clamped at each stop of the bending device, as well as a bending finger adapted for rotating about an axis perpendicular to the axis (X) in line with the noses of the jaws (17, 18) which form the counter bending parts. According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the nipper (2) may further execute an angular rotation about the axis (X).

Abstract: This machine includes a feed device (13) through which a metal element (1) to be curved is advanced with a stepped feeding movement. A bending device is situated downstream and in the vicinity of the feed-device outlet. The bending device can be rotated about a first axis perpendicular to the feed direction and about a second axis parallel to the feed direction, and can also be reciprocated parallel to the first axis. Preferably the bending means thus rotate about the metal element (1), which is secured against rotation.