Development of a hydraulic jack system bending tool for improved manufacturing efficiency

Abstract

This article presents the design, fabrication and testing of a hydraulic sheet metal bending tool. The main objective was to create a tool capable of bending sheets of various thicknesses, ranging from 2 mm to 4 mm, with high precision and minimal operator effort. The design incorporates a hydraulic ram for easy operation, allowing multiple plates to be bent in a short period of time. Key calculations including bending force, spring load and hydraulic force are performed to ensure the efficiency and safety of the tool. Experimental results show that the tool is able to achieve the desired bending angles, with minimal spring return, and can handle up to three 10 cm wide sheets in approximately 10 minutes. The performance of the tool has been proven by tests and the results confirm that it can meet the requirements of industrial sheet metal bending. Based on these results, the tool demonstrates its effectiveness in small and medium-scale operations, providing a cost-effective solution for sheet metal production.