--
Material Selection
Before bending any material you should know the following:
1. Outside and inside physical dimensions
2. Wall thickness
3. ASTM specifications
4. Desired CLR radius
5. Degree of bend
6. Minimum distance between bends
- Proper tooling selection -
Refer to CML USA Ercolina
®
master catalog for recommended centerline bend radius for the material to be
bent. If your application requires a CLR or profile that is not shown CML USA Ercolina
®
can quote special
tooling on request. As a general guide when bending tubing and pipe, the heavier the wall thickness the
tighter the centerline radius can be without distortion. Therefore when bending thin wall tube select the largest
possible radius for best bend quality. Material requiring CLR smaller than two times the diameter should bent
with a mandrel support, consult CML USA Ercolina
®
for more details. The standard counterbending dies are
brass to accommodate a variety of material with out conflict. Counterbending dies are also available in steel
for heavy usage or polymer for applications in which the workpiece finish is a factor.
Note:
When bending
heavy wall material or solids a special roller style counterbending die is recommended.
- Installing counterbending die vise -
Place vise assembly on tool post of counterbending die axis, vise assembly should pivot counterclockwise
when mounted.
- Mounting center former -
Ercolina
®
center formers are manufactured with an offset hex design ensuring proper installation. When
mounted, the center former’s gripper arm should face right side of machine.
- Mounting counterbending die -
Ercolina
®
counterbending dies are designed for quick installation and removal. Insert male dovetail located
on back of counterbend die into slot on counterbending die vise. Hold die firmly against vise, depress and
rotate black knob clockwise securing die onto vise bracket. Installed properly, the “Ercolina
®
” logo will be
facing the operator (see figure).
Note:
When bending heavy wall profiles and solids, standard counterbend
die and vise must be removed and replaced with a roller counterbend die.
Attention: Failure to use roller
style die on heavy profiles may result in machine damage.
(See Mounting “roller” counterbending die
instructions.)
Note
: Counterbending dies are wear items - Replace as
necessary to insure bend quality. Counterbending die
should never contact center former when material is in
former and tooling is in starting position.
