Three-Dimensional Free-Bending Flexible Forming Technology
Freeform Bending Machine,
CNC 3D Freeform Tube Bender
Three-dimensional complex components: moldless forming, fast forming speed, high forming precision, and wide material adaptability. Freeform tube bending opens up possibilities never before possible.
3D Freeform Tube Bender / Freeform Bending Machine
BIT boasts an expansive toolbox of design, manufacturing, and technical capability paired with a passion for service and innovation. Among those capabilities machines, we are proud to offer the 3D Freeform Bending Machines ( for tube we called 3D Freeform Tube Bender).
What is Freeform Bending Machine or 3D Freeform Tube Bender? A freeform bending machine is a type of industrial machine used for the precise bending of various materials, typically metal tubes, into complex shapes and curves. This machine is specifically designed to handle non-linear or irregular bending patterns, allowing for the creation of highly customized and intricate components.
Features
The freeform bending process differs from traditional bending methods, such as press bending or roll bending, which typically produce straight or simple curved shapes. Freeform bending machines employ advanced technologies, such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) systems and servo-controlled hydraulic systems, to achieve precise and flexible bending operations.
- Tight radius bending
- Multi-radius bending
- Continuous radius bending
- Symmetrical bending
- Tight tolerances
- Precise part consistency
- Tube generation
- Prototype or large volume
- Highly efficient, less waste
- High-Quality parts
Works Principle
- Design input: The desired shape or pattern is input into the machine’s control system. This can be done through CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software or by directly programming the machine.
- Material preparation: The metal sheet or tube to be bent is prepared, ensuring it is clean and properly positioned in the machine’s bending area.
- Clamping and positioning: The machine’s clamps secure the material in place, while the positioning system accurately aligns it according to the programmed design.
- Bending process: The machine’s bending mechanisms, which often include multiple servo-controlled axes, apply controlled forces to the material at specific points, gradually bending it into the desired shape.
Applications
Freeform bending machines(3D Freeform Tube Bender) are widely used in industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, architecture, and industrial design, where complex and customized components are required. They offer greater flexibility and precision compared to traditional bending methods, allowing for the production of highly intricate and aesthetically appealing shapes and structures.
Technical Parameters of 3D Freeform Tube Bender
Whatever your project specifications require, BIT can deliver. We can bend a wide range of metals, thicknesses, and diameters in up to 6000 mm(20 feet) lengths.
| Technical Parameters | PFB-T10 | PFB-T30 | PFB-T60/TFB-S60 | PFB-T90/PFB-S90 |
| Process Dia | 4-14mm | 8-32mm | 30-60mm | 60-90mm |
| Max Radius Bending | ∞ | ∞ | ∞ | ∞ |
| Min Radius Bending | 3D | 3D | 3D | 3D |
| Bending Angle | 0-360° | 0-360° | 0-360° | 0-360° |
| Feed Axis Positioning Accuracy | ≤0.05mm | ≤0.05mm | ≤0.05mm | ≤0.05mm |
| Bend Axis Positioning Accuracy | ≤0.02mm | ≤0.02mm | ≤0.02mm | ≤0.02mm |
| Maximum Bending Speed | 50mm/s | 250mm/s | 250mm/s (T60) 330mm/s (S60) | 250mm/s (T90 330mm/s (S90) |
Notes: Standard model, the maximum length of processed tube blank is 3000mm, the longest can be customized up to 6000mm, and the order can be increased in units of 1000mm. (PFB-T** is a three-axis machine, PFB-S** is a six-axis machine)
3D Freeform Samples
PFB-T (3-axis freeform bending)
The main working principle of the three-axis free-bending system: The distance between the central axis of the guide rail and the central axis of the bending die is called the eccentricity U, and the material is pushed from the guide rail into the bending die by the axial force PL, and the bending of the material is completed by changing the value of the eccentricity U. In the process of bending a pipe with a complex shape, the distance V between the center of the bending die and the exit of the guide rail does not change. The size of the extrusion load Pu depends on the size of the eccentricity U. During the bending process of the pipe, the bending moment M =PuV+PLU. The position of the bending die is continuously changed through the control of two servo motors in the X direction and the Y direction. By changing the distance V value and the eccentricity U value between the center of the bending die of different materials and the exit of the guide rail, the bending process of materials of various specifications and materials can be completed.
PFB-S (6-axis freeform bending)
The three-dimensional free bending forming system is mainly composed of four parts: active bending die, guiding mechanism, pressing mechanism, and pushing mechanism.
The working principle: The billet passes through the guiding mechanism and the bending dies sequentially under the continuous push of the propulsion mechanism. When the billet passes through the bending die, the bending die makes compound movements of deflection and twisting along a specific angle in space.
The distance between the center point of the bending die and the center point of the exit of the guide mechanism in the vertical direction is the eccentricity U, and the distance in the horizontal direction is the length A of the bending and torsion deformation zone of the component. Since the bending mold of the pipe/profile three-dimensional free bending forming equipment is usually designed as an eccentric structure, the value of A will change with the change of the rotation angle during the forming process, and U and A jointly determine the size of the bending radius.
When forming, the blank is pushed into the bending die from the guide mechanism by the axial force P, and at the same time, the bending die exerts a force P perpendicular to the feeding direction and a torsional force τ around the axis to the blank. The profile member generates a torque T under the action of τ, which causes the billet to undergo torsional deformation. T is determined by the parameters of the motor controlling the torsion axis and the material properties and cross-sectional shape of the formed billet. Under the joint action of bending moment P and torque T, the profile member produces bending and torsional deformation.
