Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Method 1: Bending Large Arcs without Dies
- Calculation of Arc Length
- Selection of Bending Dies
- Calculation of Feed Amount per Bending Pass
- Calculation of Bending Passes
- Calculation of Positioning Dimensions per Bending Pass
- Calculation of Bending Angle per Bending Pass
- Actual Processing
3. Method 2: Bending with 2mm Thickness and 120° Angle
- Setting Bending Parameters
- Calculation of Bending Passes and Angles per Pass
- Theoretical Calculation and Actual Adjustment
4. Conclusion
5. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Introduction
Accurately bending large arcs in sheet metal fabrication requires precise mathematical calculations as well as the selection of suitable dies and feed amounts. During the fabrication process, the thickness of the sheet, the radius of the arc, and the desired bending angle must be taken into consideration. This article introduces two methods for calculating and processing large arc bends, providing a practical guide for sheet metal fabrication.
2. Method 1: Bending Large Arcs without Dies
When suitable dies are not available, the following steps should be followed for bending:
2.1 Calculation of Arc Length: Given the conditions of a 2mm sheet thickness, a central angle of 90°, and a radius of 59mm, the formula for calculating the arc length is as follows:
\[ L = \frac{90° \times 3.14}{180°} \times 59 = 92.63 \, \text{mm} \]
2.2 Selection of Bending Dies: Use a straight punch for the upper die and choose the 8V die for the lower die (the minimum limit of V width is 4T, and the normal range is 5-6T).
2.3 Calculation of Feed Amount per Bending Pass: The feed amount per bending pass is half of the selected V width, i.e.,
\[ \text{Feed Amount per Bending Pass} = \frac{\text{V Width}}{2} = 4 \, \text{mm} \]
2.4 Calculation of Bending Passes: Calculate the number of required bending passes:
\[ \text{Number of Bending Passes} = \frac{\text{Arc Length}}{\text{Feed Amount per Bending Pass}} = \frac{92.63}{4} = 23 \]
2.5 Calculation of Positioning Dimensions per Bending Pass: After calculating the positioning dimensions for the first bending pass, subsequent dimensions decrease by 4mm per pass (from the inside to the outside of the tooling arrangement).
2.6 Calculation of Bending Angle per Bending Pass: Calculate using trigonometric formulas.
2.7 Actual Processing: Perform a trial bend using scrap material to ensure that the angle and accuracy meet the requirements before proceeding with formal processing.
3. Method 2: Bending with 2mm Thickness and 120° Angle
This method is applicable to the conditions of a 2mm sheet thickness, a bending angle of 120 degrees, an external bending radius of 30mm, and a neutral layer radius of 29mm.
3.1 Setting Bending Parameters: Set the neutral layer radius to 29mm and the feed amount per pass to 2mm.
3.2 Calculation of Bending Passes and Angles per Pass:
Number of Bending Passes:
\[ \text{Number of Bending Passes} = \frac{\text{Arc Length}}{\text{Feed Amount per Pass}} = \frac{30.37}{2} = 15 \]
Bending Angle per Pass:
\[ \text{Bending Angle per Pass} = 180 - \left(\frac{2}{30.37} \times 60\right) = 176° \]
3.3 Theoretical Calculation and Actual Adjustment: Calculate the theoretical angles based on the formulas and make adjustments during the actual processing.
4. Conclusion
These two methods provide detailed steps for bending large arcs. The first method is suitable for situations where dies cannot be used, while the second method utilizes more precise formulas for calculating bending parameters. In actual processing, the theoretical calculation formulas can serve as a reference, but adjustments should be made based on the actual situation.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine which method to use for bending large arcs?
It depends on the availability of dies and the bending radius. If suitable dies are not available, the first method can be used. If precise die parameters are available, the second method can be used.
How can I ensure the accuracy of the processed arc?
First, perform calculations and select appropriate dies, then perform trial bends using scrap material before making continuous adjustments to achieve the desired accuracy.
How do I choose suitable dies?
The upper die is typically a straight punch, and the lower die should be chosen based on the sheet thickness, using a V width in the range of 4T to 6T.
How does the sheet thickness affect the number of bending passes?
Thicker sheets require more bending passes, but the feed amount will also increase accordingly.
How do I adjust the angles during actual processing?
Theoretical calculation formulas provide a basic angle reference, and the final angles can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the feed amount and fine-tuning the die position.
What precautions should be taken during the bending process?
Ensure that the sheet is securely fixed, the feed amount and die angles are properly selected, and regularly measure and inspect the bending angles.