bending small diameter rods

I know that it was discussed before, but could someone please tell me where
to get some info on using sheet metal to form, bend and unbend (flat
pattern) small diameter rods (1/4" diam. or less). I need to do several
bent rods and would like to have flat patterns and accurate actual lengths.

Tom

 

create the part so that it has a square profile, insert the sheet metal
bends on it. Then you can flatten and fold. Just add some fillets to all the
edges and it becomes a round rod!

Maybe there's another way to do it but thats the first that comes to
mind....

Todd

 

Todd,

Thanks. I knew about this method, but had never tried it. It seems to work
acceptably as long as I keep the thickness in a single plane.

However, since it is a sq. rod to start with, I need to bend the rod 45
degrees in the direction of the original thickness. It errors out. Any
ideas on this.

Tom

 

Yep, the sheet metal method fails when bending in multiple planes. The
method I have used is to simply make a separate straight configuration
and MANUALLY calculate the straight length.

 

Arlin,

Thanks for your comments. I just found a way! What a workaround! I made
two separate sheetmetal parts. Both have flat-pattern configs. I then
assembled the parts, and generated an assembly flat-pattern. I also marked
the assembly to not show child components.

This gave me the result that I was looking for, but it sure seems like the
long way around.

Maybe we need a tube/rod/pipe bending enhancement.

Tom

 

Hmmm.. never thought of that method before. Like you said though, a lot
of effort. (not really worth it for me, IMO)

 

Arlin,

It is worth it if you have to have the results. Although SW could make it a
whole lot easier.

Tom

 

"...generated an assembly flat-pattern" How do you do that? I haven't dug
into it, but I thought a flat pattern is only the result of a sheetmetal
part.

WT

 

Wayne,

Sorry for lack of good English. I meant to say that I generate two
different parts with flat-pattern configurations and then made an assembly
from the parts. I then generated a flat-pattern assembly configuration and
selected each of the parts flat-pattern. I then remated the parts and
Viola, "An Assembly Flat-Pattern"

Tom