Bending is a manufacturing process that produces a V-shape, U-shape, or channel shape along a straight axis.
In folding, clamping beams hold the longer side of the sheet. The beam rises and folds the sheet around a bend profile. The bend beam can move the sheet up or down, permitting the fabricating of parts with positive and negative bend angles. Large sheets can be handled in this process, making the operation easily automated. There is little risk of surface damage to the sheet.

Picture: Folding of a RABA® fencing panel.