Bending machine

This electrically driven machine from the 1920s bends cut-to-size steel rods, the so called “pins”, into the shape of a “U”. A worker puts the “pins” into position. The bending occurs through a chuck on a turning shaft. The chuck’s diameter is determined by the internal dimension of the chain link which is to be forged.
The next step in the production is the forge welding or electric welding in which the “U” shaped “pins” are welded into closed chain links.
Today this machine is in use exclusively for show purposes. It is currently displayed in the Chain Forge Museum in Fröndenberg (Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia), where the manual and industrial manufacturing of chains is exhibited.

Sound recordist: Konrad Gutkowski/Julian Blaschke
Photographer: Konrad Gutkowski/Julian Blaschke
Video recordist: Konrad Gutkowski/Julian Blaschke