What operational characteristic distinguishes a pan and box brake?

The characteristic that distinguishes a pan brake from a box brake primarily revolves around folding capability. A pan brake is designed to perform bending operations by folding the metal sheet over the top edge of the machine, allowing for a high degree of manipulation and control when forming bends typically needed for various types of aircraft components. Its configuration enables the user to create folds at angles which can be critical for achieving the desired shape and structural integrity.

In contrast, a box brake is specifically tailored for bending material into enclosed shapes, like boxes or channels, and features a clamping mechanism that holds the material firmly in place during bending. While both machines are valuable in metalworking, the fundamental operational trait that sets the pan brake apart is its enhanced folding capability, making it more suitable for certain types of bends and fabrications in aircraft structural repairs.