Key Steps in Bending Process

Key Steps in Bending Process

* **Drawing Analysis and Process Planning:** Confirm the unfolded dimensions of the bent part, bending sequence, bending angle tolerance (typically ±0.5°), and whether the bending radius conforms to material properties.

**Key Focus:** Identify and address interference issues: Avoid collisions between subsequent bending processes and the already formed structure. For complex parts, a bending sequence diagram must be created.

**Material Preparation:** Select suitable sheet metal materials (cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.). Confirm material thickness and yield strength. Different materials have significantly different bending coefficients (e.g., aluminum has a lower bending coefficient than cold-rolled steel).

**Pre-processing of Sheet Metal:** Laser cutting/stamping, deburring (to avoid stress concentration or scratching the die during bending).

**Die Selection and Installation:**

*Upper Die: Select according to the bending angle (e.g., 90°, 120° bend). Sharp-angled upper dies can easily cause sheet metal cracking; a suitable lower die must be used.

Lower Die: Select the groove width according to the sheet metal thickness. A general principle is groove width = material thickness × 6~8 times (use the larger value for thinner sheets, the smaller value for thicker sheets). A groove that is too narrow can easily damage the sheet metal, while a groove that is too wide will result in unstable bending angles.

Parameter Adjustment: Set bending pressure: Insufficient pressure will prevent forming, while excessive pressure will easily damage the sheet metal or the die.

Adjust Bending Stroke: Precisely control the slider's downward pressure depth to ensure the bending angle meets standards; perform trial bending of 1-2 pieces, and only proceed with mass production after confirming the angle is correct.

Bending Forming: Sheet Metal Positioning: Use the back gauge of the bending machine for precise positioning to ensure bending position accuracy.

Batch Bending: Follow the bending sequence of "inside first, then outside; small first, then large." Complex parts require multiple clamping operations, and dimensions should be checked after each bending.

Post-Processing and Inspection: Remove burrs and indentations from the bent areas. For stainless steel parts, take care to protect the surface coating to avoid scratches.

Inspection items: bending angle, dimensional tolerance, surface quality; non-conforming products need to be corrected or reworked.