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Bending is a manufacturing process in which a material—typically metal—is shaped into a desired form or angle by applying force. This technique is frequently used in metalworking to create components for various industrial applications, from automotive and aircraft parts to architectural and construction products.
Characteristics and advantages of bending
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Formability: Enables materials to be moulded into various complex shapes without cracking or fracturing.
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Strength: Bending can increase the strength and rigidity of a component.
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Material savings: Compared to other machining methods, bending can minimise material waste.
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Versatility: Suitable for many materials, including metals, plastics and composites.
Bending processes
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Air bending: The workpiece is bent between a die and a punch without fully conforming to the tool shape.
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Bottoming (coining): The workpiece is pressed fully into a moulding die to produce precise shapes.
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Roll bending: The material passes through rollers to create continuous curved profiles.
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Rotary bending: The material is bent around a fixed axis using a rotating die.
Applications of bending
Bending is widely used in:
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Automotive industry: Manufacturing body panels, exhaust parts and suspension components.
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Aerospace: Producing structural elements and control surfaces.
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Construction: Fabricating steel beams, frames and railings.
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Furniture manufacturing: Designing metal and plastic furniture elements.
Safety and environmental aspects
Appropriate safety measures must be implemented during bending, including wearing protective clothing and using suitable machinery and tools. Environmental considerations involve minimising material waste and reusing scrap where possible.
Additional information:
Further details about bending and its applications can be found on scientific websites and in technical publications.
Conclusion:
Bending is a versatile forming process offering numerous benefits. It is widely used across industries and supports efficient component manufacture.