Chapter 4-Line Bending Flashcards
What is line bending?
Line or strip bending is used to form straight, curved bends in thermoplastic sheet material. An electric element is enclosed in a channel which has a top opening. The width of the strip can be changed by adjusting the height of these supports.
What is the process of line bending?
During the process it is necessary to regularly turn over the thermoplastic sheet to ensure that both sides are heated equally. This also prevents any blisters on the plastic. The heating times vary according to thickness and colour of thermoplastic.
Line bending machines often have two heat sources which enable both sides to be heated at the same time.
How is accuracy achieved during heating?
The material can be clamped between the heating wires on the machine.
To avoid stresses around the bend lines of materials, the material is placed in an oven and heated for four hours at 80 degrees. A clear polished surface can be achieved by running a gas flame along the edges of the Acrylic sheet.
What is line bending used for?
Line bending is used to make simple bends in a sheet of thermoplastic polymer.
How is the plastic bent?
During line bending the material is heated along a line using a heating element. The plastic softens and this allows it to become bendable.
What are the disadvantages of line bending?
The materials may become burnt if they are left to be heated for too long. Also it is difficult to make any corrections once the material has been bent.
What are the advantages of line bending?
Straight bends are produced efficiently.
Set up costs are low.
No tooling is involved.
