Week 12: More Positive Results, Foreseeable Future

Recent work includes the creation of one finalized die with radius and arc angle calculated from equation addressing material springback and wanted dimensions for the final track. The bender was able to reliably and repeatedly bend around the die, producing very uniform results. New holes had to be drilled in the aluminum baseplate, both for the die and for the material hold block as well.

The results produced by the bender confirmed that all calculations used are true representations of what to actually expect. This is significant because it means that every other final die that is made according to calculated numbers should work exactly as planned, so work will proceed in that direction.

Less time was spent working on the project this weekend, owing mainly to accumulated fatigue (and lightheadedness on one of the days).

This particular die was for the top corner rail,

with the intent of creating the corner bend in one go.

The baseplate was drilled for the die and material

hold block. All parts are ready to go in this pic.

And it was raining outside.

The first bend from the die was just about 90 degrees

(matching the concrete lines on the floor) and at the

radius intended. Couldn't have gone better, and

successive bends had the same results.