Line Bending Flashcards
What is line bending?
Line bending is used to make simple bends in a sheet of thermoplastic polymer. A simple enclosure can be made from two U-shaped parts, attached together using a suitable adhesive.
Plastic bends where the heat is applied
Line bending involves heating the material along a line, using a heating element. The plastic softens as it heats, allowing it to be bent. As the plastic cools it will retain its shape. A wooden former is often used to ensure accurate bending.
What is line bending? (Longer)
Line bending is a thermoforming process, i.e. it is a method of forming a thermoplastic after it has been heated until it has become soft and pliable.
Line bending involves heating a thermoplastic sheet material over a strip heater until it becomes soft and pliable, then bending it, usually over a former. Thermoplastics may be bent to any angle, using a jig or a former, or if the angle is not critical, simply by bending the thermoplastic sheet by hand and then holding it until it has cooled.
The animation below is one of a set covering line bending processes, including jigs, formers and line benders / strip heaters.
What must you do while line bending?
When using a line bender the work must not be left unattended and must not be too close to the heat. Too much heat can blister and crack the plastic being shaped.
