Re: 3-axis wire-bending? - Part 3

Whew! A neophyte, I be. I know virtually nothing what you all are
talking about. Please, some suggestions how I should proceed. A book I
should read? . . . . ah, something more?

Thanks,

Brian Chapman

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "ballendo" <ballendo@y...> wrote:
> Making the machine you have in mind should not be too difficult. The
> design described below could be used for much heavier stock than you
> require, and a simpler approach could meet your needs.
>
> If you use a 5c spin indexer as a "head" you can have the clamping
at
> given length, and rotation, simply. (Use a solenoid/air cylinder to
> lock and unlock the collet closer lever arm. Replace the index wheel
> with a timing belt pulley, to a motor for rotation) Add a brake to
> keep it from turning while bending.
>
> A leadscrew driven "bar feeder" behind the head will give you
> increments between bends.
>
> A single "bending arm", either leadscrew driven, or air cylinder
> powered and "stop-limited" by cnc will perform the bending duties.
> This could also be done with a suitably positioned rotary table,
like
> the sherline 4" model.
>
> The tricky part is if you need more than 90 degree bends, as the
face
> of the collet will get in the way. Same type of problem as with
press
> brakes for bending sheet metal. And "gentle" curves need either to
be
> done in the same sort of "linear segments" way that arcs are done in
> some cnc, or by using different "bell" housings in front of the
> collet.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Balle