Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Overview of Design Principles for Sheet Metal Bending Components
3. Detailed Explanation of Design Principles
- Minimum Bend Radius of the Sheet
- Height of Straight Edges in Bending
- Distance for Bending Edge Punching
- Control of Residual Arcs
- Symmetry of U-shaped Bending Components
- Cracks and Deformations in Side Bending
- Fillet Extrusion and Wrinkles
- Wrinkles on Planes with Right Angles on Both Sides
- Control of Springback in Bending Components
- Prevention of Cracks after Punching
- Control of Internal Contraction
- Overlapping of Bent Right Angles
- Control of Cracks in Convex Bending
- Prevention of Hole Deformation on Bending Surfaces
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Conclusion
1. Introduction
Sheet metal bending components are widely used in various industries such as machinery, electronics, and construction. Well-designed bending structures can enhance the mechanical performance, prolong the lifespan of the parts, and reduce defects and rework costs during production. This article explores 14 important design principles for sheet metal bending components to help designers avoid issues such as cracks, wrinkles, and deformations, thereby improving product quality.
2. Overview of Design Principles for Sheet Metal Bending Components
Bending is a process that uses dies and presses to bend sheet metal. Due to the potential problems such as cracking, wrinkling, and deformation that may occur during the bending process of different thicknesses and materials of sheet metal, a series of design principles need to be followed to ensure the final product's shape and dimensions meet requirements.
3. Detailed Explanation of Design Principles
Minimum Bend Radius of the Sheet: A too small bend radius at the bending point can lead to surface cracks, while a too large radius can affect the accuracy of the bent component due to springback. Generally, a minimum bend radius is set to ensure the quality of the finished product.
Height of Straight Edges in Bending: A small straight edge height makes it difficult to generate sufficient bending moment, resulting in inaccurate shapes of the components. It is usually recommended to maintain a height of h ≥ R + 2t.
Distance for Bending Edge Punching: The distance (L) from the punching edge to the center of the bending radius should not be too small, as it can cause deformation of the hole after bending. Typically, the distance is maintained at L ≥ 2t.
Control of Residual Arcs: When a < R, residual arcs may appear near the edge b after bending. To avoid this, it is necessary to ensure a ≥ R.
Symmetry of U-shaped Bending Components: It is preferable to have equal lengths for both sides of the bent edges to prevent displacement during bending. If symmetry is not achievable, process positioning holes can be used.
Cracks and Deformations in Side Bending: Slots or stepped designs should be included to prevent cracking or deformations in side bending. The slot width (K) should be maintained at K ≥ 2t, and the slot depth (L) at L ≥ t + R + K/2.
Fillet Extrusion and Wrinkles: Fillets during bending can lead to extrusion and wrinkles. Designing pre-cut notches can help alleviate this issue.
Wrinkles on Planes with Right Angles on Both Sides: Notches should be included in the design to prevent wrinkles on the planes with right angles on both sides after bending.
Control of Springback in Bending Components: Designing appropriate notch forms and overlapping structures can effectively reduce or eliminate springback in bending components.
Prevention of Cracks after Punching: Designing appropriate notch forms can prevent cracks from occurring after punching.
Control of Internal Contraction: To prevent internal contraction on one side, techniques such as process positioning holes, simultaneous bending on both sides, or increasing the width can be employed.
Overlapping of Bent Right Angles: The overlapping structure should be designed to maintain stability when bent into a right angle.
Control of Cracks in Convex Bending: Avoid overlapping of bending lines and stepped lines in the design, or adjust the bending line to avoid the stepped line.
Prevention of Hole Deformation on Bending Surfaces: Designing with a sufficient distance (A) from the hole edge can prevent deformation of the hole after bending.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the minimum bend radius?
The minimum bend radius helps prevent surface cracks during bending and ensures the accuracy of the bent component.
How to avoid residual arcs in bent components?
Ensure that the edge (a) of the bent component is greater than or equal to the bend radius (R) to prevent the appearance of residual arcs on surface b.
What is the purpose of designing positioning holes in U-shaped bending components?
Positioning holes ensure that the bent component does not shift during bending, maintaining symmetry.
How to prevent springback during the bending process?
Designing appropriate notch forms and overlapping structures can effectively prevent springback in bending components.
Why is cracking or deformation prone to occur in side bending?
Due to the complex stress distribution in side bending, slots or stepped designs should be included in the design to prevent cracking or deformations.
5. Conclusion
The design principles for sheet metal bending components play a significant role in the bending process, ensuring that the product meets design requirements and reducing manufacturing defects. By following these principles in practical operations, product quality and reliability can be improved, while material waste and production costs can be reduced.