The question we hear most often when someone is buying a rebar bending machine is: “Should I get an 18 mm, a 24 mm, or do I need something bigger?” In this article we have put Afacan rebar bending machine models side by side and explained in plain language which model suits which job.
What does “18 mm machine” or “24 mm machine” mean?
What craftsmen call an “18 mm machine” is a machine that can bend reinforcing bar up to 18 mm in diameter at most. This number shows the capacity of the machine. It also bends thinner bars with ease. For example, a 24 mm machine bends 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 mm bars alike. That is why, when choosing, you should base your decision on the thickest rebar in your project.
Afacan rebar bending machine models
| Model | Capacity | Motor power | Power supply | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R18 | 18 mm | 1.1 kW | 220 V | Portable |
| R20 | 20 mm | 1.5 kW (2 HP) | 220 V / 380 V | Portable |
| R24 | 24 mm | 2.2 kW | 220 V (380 V on request) | Portable |
| R26 | 26 mm | 1.5 kW | 380 V | Fixed |
| R36 | 36 mm | 3 kW (4 HP) | 380 V | Fixed |
| R42 | 42 mm | 4 kW (5.5 HP) | 380 V | Fixed |
| R50 | 50 mm | 5.5 kW (7.5 HP) | 380 V | Fixed |
| HB32 Filiz | 32 mm | 2.2 kW (3 HP) | 380 V | Starter bar bending |
For weight, dimensions and other details, click the model name in the table to go to the product page.
18 mm and 20 mm: for small jobs and frequent moving
Who is it for: teams building detached houses, doing renovations or small buildings, and craftsmen who bend rebar on the formwork.
The R18 and R20 are portable models; weighing about 94–96 kg, they can be carried by two people and fit in the back of a van. Since they run on 220 V, they can also be used on sites where three-phase power has not yet been installed. They are fast and practical for work dominated by stirrups and reinforcement up to 16 mm. The R20 is the most preferred rebar bending machine in our sales records.
Note: if your project uses rebar thicker than 20 mm, these models are not enough. Constantly working at the limit of capacity also wears out the machine.
24 mm and 26 mm: the workhorse of residential sites
Who is it for: multi-storey residential projects and sites using 20–24 mm rebar in columns and beams.
The R24 is the most powerful model in the portable class. Because it can run on 220 V, it can be used from the very first days of the site; a 380 V option is also available. Being both portable and capable of bending the thick reinforcement of residential projects, it is one of our most preferred models.
The R26, on the other hand, is a fixed model that runs on 380 V. It is a good choice if the machine will be set up in one corner and stay there for the whole project.
36 mm and 42 mm: large sites and rebar workshops
Who is it for: large residential and commercial projects, sites using thick rebar in shear walls and foundation reinforcement, and rebar preparation workshops.
The R36 and R42 are fixed machines designed for intensive all-day work. Thanks to their more powerful motors, they bend thick rebar in one go without strain. They require 380 V three-phase power. The R36 is our second most preferred model after the R20. On large sites we often see it used together with a portable machine: thick reinforcement is bent on the R36, stirrups and thin rebar on the portable machine.
50 mm: infrastructure and heavy reinforcement
Who is it for: projects using rebar thicker than 40 mm, such as bridges, viaducts, dams and high-rise foundations.
The R50 is Afacan’s highest-capacity rebar bending machine. With its 5.5 kW motor it bends 50 mm reinforcing bar. In this class, the weight and robustness of the machine are important for clean, accurate bends.
Starter bar bending machine: a separate machine for a separate job
A standard rebar bending machine cannot be used when starter bars protruding from concrete need to be bent in place. HB32 starter bar bending machine was developed for this job; it bends starter bars up to 32 mm right where they are.
Quick decision guide
- If your thickest rebar is 16 mm or less: R18
- If your thickest rebar is 20 mm: R20 or R24
- If your thickest rebar is 22–24 mm: R24 or R26
- If your thickest rebar is 28–36 mm: R36
- If your thickest rebar is 40–42 mm: R42
- Heavy reinforcement above 40 mm: R50
To also consider criteria other than capacity (power supply, portability, daily workload) when choosing, read our article How to choose a rebar bending machine? .
From our service line: 3 points to watch, whatever the model
In our service records we see that many problems thought to be machine faults are actually caused by simple usage errors:
- Is the bending pin in the right place? In some “the machine does not bend properly” complaints, it turns out that the bending pin has been inserted in a hole that does not match the diameter of the rebar being bent. Always insert the pin in the position shown in the user manual.
- Are the sensors clean? Iron dust and rust accumulating on the machine can cause the sensors to give false signals. If the machine makes strange movements “by itself”, first clean around the sensors.
- Is the cable too long? Thin extension cables longer than 40–50 metres cause voltage drops and drive faults. Install the machine close to the panel.
Full warranty on all models
All Afacan rebar bending machines are manufactured at our facility in Balıkesir and are covered by warranty on all parts, including the motor and electrical parts. If you are not sure which model suits you, contact us via our WhatsApp line (+90 530 665 60 56) or by phone at +90 266 281 11 30. You can see all models on our Rebar Bending Machine page.