Abstract: A method for producing a hardened, hot formed workpiece (2) of sheet steel, comprising at least partially heating a workpiece blank to a forming temperature in at least one furnace, introducing the heated workpiece blank into at least one drawing press, and forming the heated workpiece blank into a workpiece in the at least one drawing press. To be able to produce particularly high quantities of hardened, hot formed workpieces in a more cost-efficient manner, provision is made for introducing the formed workpiece into at least one hardening device, fixing the formed workpiece in a receiver of the hardening device which is adapted to the geometry of the formed workpiece, and at least partially hardening the formed workpiece in the receiver by means of direct heat exchange with a cooling medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bush widening apparatus and a process by means of which it is possible to partially, in sections, forge at relatively low investment costs large and heavy bush blanks by means of a motor-driven, e. g. hydraulic, forming tool, and during which process both the diameter and the height of these banks increase in size.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.

Abstract: The system contains a metal tray formed from a sheet of metal. A plurality of pockets is formed in the metal tray, wherein the plurality of pockets is formed from manipulating the sheet of metal. A cover is formed over the metal tray. Optionally, a base may be engaged with the cover, wherein the metal tray is formed to fit snugly between the cover and the base.

Abstract: Method for producing a forging from a gamma titanium aluminum-based alloy. The method includes heating at least a portion of a cylindrical or rod-shaped starting or raw material to a temperature of more than 1150° C. over a cross section of the at least a portion. The at least a portion corresponds to points at which the forging to be shaped has volume concentrations. The method also includes deforming the at least a portion through an applied force to form a biscuit having different cross sectional areas over a longitudinal extension of the biscuit, and finishing the forging through a second heating to a deformation temperature and at least one subsequent step.

Abstract: The method, in which base material ingot 1 is heated and softened in an electric furnace 3, drawn with a pair of pinch roller 6 and 6, and elongated to make base material rod 7 having a smaller diameter than the ingot, features: forming either a roller groove 11 having a curvature radius which is larger than the outer diameter of the base material rod 7 or a V-shaped roller groove 11 having the cross section consisting of straight lines on the surface of the pinch roller 6 made of metal; nipping with the facing roller grooves 11 and 11 respectively formed on the surfaces of a pair of said pinch rollers 6 and 6; and drawing said base material rod.

Abstract: A B-pillar (12) for a vehicle is fastened between a roof member (13) and a sill member (15) of the vehicle. The pillar has a martensitic structure and the steel has an tensile strength of at least 1300 MPa. Close to the lower fastening portion (14) there is a soft portion (20) with a tensile strength of less than 800 MPa. This soft portion has a height of at least 30 mm, extend over less than ? of the pillar height, and is so positioned that the lower fastening portion is martensitic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making sheet metal components includes heating a sheet of hardenable steel to its austenitizing temperature and hot forming the same in a hot forming tool to define a formed workpiece. The formed workpiece is held in the hot forming tool for a first holding time. The formed workpiece is then removed from the hot forming tool and immediately placed in a cooled, form holding tool and is held therein in a closed condition for a second holding time. The form holding tool may be constructed from a material that has greater heat conductivity than that of the hot forming tool.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys work that was conduction heated at an energizing position to a processing position that is separated from the energizing position in the horizontal direction in order to perform hot press-forming, and comprises: a holding member that freely clamps both end sections in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated; a drive mechanism that moves the holding member from at least the energizing position to the processing position; and a guide member that extends between the energizing position and the processing position and guides and supports the middle section in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated and is being conveyed toward the processing position. A hot press-forming apparatus comprises the conveyor apparatus when conveying conduction heated work to a downstream process.

Abstract: A conduction heating apparatus performs conduction heating while clamping a work to be hot press-formed by a clamping mechanism to apply tension to the work. The clamping mechanism has a stationary clamping member and a movable clamping member, a lifting up/down cylinder for the stationary clamping member and the movable clamping member, and tensioning cylinders that drive the movable clamping member along the planar direction of the work, and in conduction heating. The stationary clamping member clamps one side of the work and hold it, and the movable clamping member moves while holding the other side of the work according to thermal deformation of the work, which applies tension to the work corresponding to the thermal deformation of the work.

Abstract: A die assembly is provided, which is structured to be affixed to a shell press. The die assembly includes at least one die shoe having first and second opposing ends, and a number of divisions between the first end and the second end. The divisions are structured to divide the at least one die shoe into a plurality of pieces to accommodate thermal expansion. Each of the divisions between the pieces of the at least one die shoe has a profile. Preferably, the profile is not straight. Each of the divisions of the at least one die shoe form a gap between the pieces of the die shoe, thereby spacing the pieces apart from one another. The pieces are independently coupled to a corresponding mounting surface of the shell press. A shell press and a method for employing the die assembly in a shell press are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and setting elements of a stent. The apparatus is a mandrel having a central core cylinder with an outer surface including a plurality of raised forms and gaps in-between the raised forms. The mandrel also includes a first and second outer cylinder, each having a curved radial end with a cut-out design similar to the shape of the plurality of raised forms. Once a stent is placed on the central core cylinder, the first and second outer cylinders are positioned on the central core cylinder such that the curved radial ends of the first and second outer cylinders align with the plurality of raised forms, shaping the stent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, a system includes an insulated fabric that is used to grasp and bend a heated elongate member. The elongated member is heated to its glass transition temperature (Tg) using a heating element. The insulated fabric may be lined with a non-stick coating to prevent adhesion of the heated elongate member to the insulated fabric. In another form, a PEEK rod is heated using a sheath. The inner surface of the sheath is lined with Teflon to prevent adhesion as stated above. The sheath includes a plurality of semi-rigid coils to assist in bending the rod and to prevent the rod from being crushed during the bending process. The heating element may be included in the semi-rigid coils in this form.

Abstract: Dispersion strengthened aluminum base alloys are shaped into metal parts by high strain rate forging compacts or extruded billets composed thereof. The number of process steps required to produce the forged part are decreased and strength and toughness of the parts are increased. The dispersion strengthened alloy may have the formula Albal,Fea,SibXc, wherein X is at least one element selected from Mn, V, Cr, Mo, W, Nb, and Ta, “a” ranges from 2.0 to 7.5 weight-%, “b” ranges from 0.5 to 3.0 weight-%, “c” ranges from 0.05 to 3.5 weight-%, and the balance is aluminum plus incidental impurities. Alternatively, the dispersion strengthened alloy may be described by the formula Albal,Fea,SibVdXc, wherein X is at least one element selected from Mn, Mo, W, Cr, Ta, Zr, Ce, Er, Sc, Nd, Yb, and Y, “a” ranges from 2.0 to 7.5 weight-%, “b” ranges from 0.5 to 3.0 weight-%, “d” ranges from 0.05 to 3.5 weight-%, “c” ranges from 0.02 to 1.50 weight-%, and the balance is aluminum plus incidental impurities.

Abstract: A press tool arrangement for use in hot creep forming, a method of hot creep forming a component of titanium alloy, and a resilient urging arrangement usable at elevated temperatures are described. The press tool arrangement includes a die, a holder member engageable with a blank of material in the die, and a resilient urging arrangement engageable with the holder member to urge same against a blank of material in the die.

Abstract: Hot press forming of a steel material is made possible by coating the surface of the steel material with a plated layer of zinc or a zinc alloy and forming thereon a barrier layer which prevents the vaporization of zinc even when heated to 700-1000° C. Corrosion resistance can also be guaranteed without requiring post treatment, and hot press forming of high tensile steel sheet and stainless steel sheet is made possible. The barrier layer is formed by forming an upper plated layer, by surface oxidation, by contact with an oxidizing agent, by contact with Zn and an oxidizing agent, by anodic electrolysis, by cathodic electrolysis, or by coating with a ZnO sol.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus of the present invention for an electronic induction heating system includes a heat roller and a magnetic excitation coil that generates Joule heat within the heat roller. The fixing apparatus includes a coil positioner that positions the magnetic excitation coil around a portion of a periphery of the heat roller, a fixing roller that fixes toner image on a recording medium, and a belt that contacts a portion of a periphery of the heat roller and the fixing roller to conduct the generated heat from the heat roller to the fixing roller. The coil positioner further has a surface of first curvature substantially identical to a curvature of a periphery of the heat roller at an opposition area, the opposition area being opposite to a contact area where the heat roller makes contact with the belt. The coil positioner is spaced from the belt by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Metal forming apparatuses provide enhanced thermal efficiency by reducing thermal conduction from a forming tool to a shield. In one embodiment, a shield extends between a tool and a mounting plate, and is in conductive heat transfer relationship with the tool via a plurality of protuberances. In another embodiment, a shield extends between a tool and a mounting plate, and thermally insulating material separates the tool and the shield.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium, such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece. The hydrostatic pressing medium is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece is processed, thereby facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece. As such, a workpiece having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.

Abstract: Laser beam irradiation areas are provided in a load curve portion and an angle adjustment portion of a suspension. The laser beam irradiation areas are oriented in a direction in which the suspension is to be bent. A laser beam having a predetermined length and a predetermined shape is irradiated onto each laser beam irradiation area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attachment to a conventional sheet metal forming press. The apparatus allows the sheet metal forming process to be preformed fully submerged in an oil. Methods for sheet metal forming in oil are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method forming a ground bonding strap. A length of cable is measured to determine a segment of cable to stamp to form a pair of connectors. The segment is heated. The segment is stamped to form the pair of connectors. The pair of connectors defining an indentation and a pair of receptacles disposed through the cable. The pair of receptacles being each adjacent to and separated by an indentation. The indentations being positioned to allow a user to cut between the pair of connectors to form a ground bonding strap of a length selected by the user.

Abstract: The invention matches the material quality of a product to target data, even when a materials quality model is insufficient in prediction accuracy. Heating a metallic material, rolling, forging, or leveling the metallic material, and cooling the metallic material are each conducted at least once. Prior to manufacture of a metallic product of a desired size and shape, qualitative data of the metallic material are measured at a position by materials, quality sensor in a manufacturing line, and modifications based on measured data are made to heating, processing, or cooling conditions in at least one of the steps, upstream of the materials measured data sensor so that the quality of the metallic material at the measuring position agrees with target data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for drawing continuous metallic wire having a first diameter to a metallic fiber having a reduced second diameter. A feed mechanism moves the wire at a first linear velocity. A laser beam heats a region of the wire to an elevated temperature. A draw mechanism draws the heated wire at a second and greater linear velocity for providing a drawn metallic fiber having the reduced second diameter.

Abstract: A method for selectively forming at least one region of a gasket sheet metal layer made of a spring steel, wherein, for the purposes of facilitating the forming process, the region of the sheet metal layer that is to be formed is heated up inductively for reducing the hardness thereof and the electromagnetic alternating field serving for the inductive heating process is concentrated onto the region that is to be formed, wherein the application time of the electromagnetic alternating field on each part of said region of the sheet metal layer that is to be formed amounts to at most approximately 2 seconds.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a splined member avoids the generation of waste material and minimizes the amount of dimensional inaccuracies. A hollow cylindrical workpiece is initially provided from a material having a relatively high elongation characteristic. The material used to form the workpiece may be AA-5154 grade aluminum alloy having an elongation characteristic that is in the range of from about 20% to about 30%, preferably in the range of from about 22% to about 28%, and most preferably about 25%. A mandrel having a plurality of external splines is inserted within workpiece, and the workpiece is deformed into engagement with the mandrel to form a splined member using a swaging process, such a rotary swaging or feed swaging. The splined member is thus formed having a plurality of internal splines and a cylindrical outer surface. The use of the swaging process avoids the generation of waste material.

Abstract: Fluid conduits for plumbing and other uses having integral end fittings are disclosed herein. A method of forming a fluid conduit in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes providing a copper tube having a first inner diameter and a first wall thickness, and heat treating an end portion of the copper tube to a predetermined hardness. The method can further include increasing the wall thickness of the end portion from the first wall thickness to a second wall thickness, and increasing the inner diameter of the end portion from the first inner diameter to a second inner diameter. The method further includes forming a circular groove in an interior surface of the end portion and positioning a seal in the circular groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for and a method of manufacturing a linear gear (rack gear), in which a forming roll and a guide roll are used to form gear teeth in a sequential manner so as not to require a high load, thereby enabling to easily manufacture the rack gear. A system for manufacturing a rack gear according to the invention includes a forming roll having a convexo-concave portion formed on a part of the surface contacting with a linear bar, a guide roll adapted to roll while facing the forming roll, and at least one support member for supporting the linear bar so as to allow the linear bar to linearly move.

Abstract: A method of hot-shaping and hardening a hot steel workpiece that is at or above its AC3 temperature.

Abstract: The laminated steel sheet for two-piece can satisfies the relation of the height h of the final formed body, the maximum radius r thereof, the minimum radius d thereof, with the radius R of circular disk, before forming, having the same weight to that of the final formed body, as [0.1?d/R?0.25] and [1.5?h/(R?r)?4]. The laminated steel sheet has a polyester resin layer prepared by polycondensation of a dicarboxylic acid component and a diol component. The dicarboxylic component has terephthalic acid as the main ingredient, and the diol component has ethylene glycol and/or butylene glycol as the main ingredient. The quantity of copolymerizing ingredients is ranging from 8 to 16% by mole. The plane orientation factor of the resin is 0.06 or less.

Abstract: A method of making a structure having an optimized sterical shape of a material 4 comprises the steps of forming a pre-form 1 of the structure of the material 4, setting geometric boundary conditions for the material 4 being in a state in which it is able to rearrange under the influence of internal tensions in the volume of the pre-form 1 so that the material rearranges itself into the structure in a self-organized way, and transferring the rearranged material 4 into a state in which the rearrangement of the material 4 is conserved.

Abstract: A method of metal surface hardening treatment inducing transformation, in which transformation is induced in a surface interior of material as hardening treatment object by simple, rapid treatment utilizing a frictional heat under pressure without the occurrence of melt loss, quench crack, soft spot, deformation, etc. to thereby reform the structure of surface interior of material as hardening treatment object into a miniaturized martensitic structure.

Abstract: A tape measure device has an elongated blade with a central concave-convex segment with at least one planar segment adjoining edgewise the central concave-convex segment to form a junction that extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated blade. During formation of the blade the junction is annealed to avoid formation of a flaw or incipient fracture along the junction.

Abstract: A fixture device generally includes a base member, a reconfigurable pad comprising a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece, and a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with the shape memory material of the reconfigurable pad. A process for operating a fixture device includes passing a current in a first direction through a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with a reconfigurable pad in an amount effective to heat a shape memory material therein to or above a shape setting temperature, contacting a surface of a workpiece with the reconfigurable pad, cooling the shape memory material below the shape setting temperature, and fixturing the workpiece with the fixture device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hot forming method and apparatus that can improve strength of a product via die operation. The hot forming apparatus includes a lower die on which a workpiece is placed, an upper die coupled to the lower die to press the workpiece, a holder disposed between the upper and lower dies to form an inner space of the workpiece, and a cooling unit to cool the workpiece. The hot forming method includes coupling an upper die, a lower die and a holder with a workpiece placed on the lower die, followed by pressing the workpiece to perform a hot forming operation, determining whether or not a preset time has elapsed after pressing the workpiece, and cooling the workpiece by supplying a cooling fluid around the workpiece, if the preset time has elapsed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum-assisted method and a device for forming an essentially flat blank (12) of metal into a thin-walled, shell-type body (14), especially for performing the method in accordance with one of the preceding claims, that has a supporting structure (16) forming a mold chamber (18) that holds the blank (12) during increasing deformation into the thin-walled, shell-body (14), a device (20) allocated to the supporting structure (16) for clamping the blank (12) about its circumference (22) to the supporting structure (16), that seals the reverse face (24) of the blank (12) facing towards the mold chamber (18) against the front face (26) of the blank (12) facing away from the mold chamber (18), and a device (28) allocated to the mold chamber (18) that also communicates with the mold chamber (18) for applying a vacuum and evacuating the mold chamber (18), and at least one forming tool (50) applied to the front face (26) of the blank (12) is/are allocated to the supporting structure (16), an

Abstract: A metal forming apparatus characterized by rapid cooling includes a forming tool having a first portion defining a forming surface and a second portion defining a cavity for a working gas. A plurality of fins are in conductive heat transfer relationship with the forming tool. The metal forming apparatus enables a high thermal efficiency mode of operation when the effect of the fins is negated for use during metal forming operation, and a rapid cooling mode for use in preparing for tool maintenance. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: Metal forming apparatuses provide enhanced thermal efficiency by reducing thermal conduction from a forming tool to a shield. In one embodiment, a shield extends between a tool and a mounting plate, and is in conductive heat transfer relationship with the tool via a plurality of protuberances. In another embodiment, a shield extends between a tool and a mounting plate, and thermally insulating material separates the tool and the shield.

Abstract: A portable conduit bending frame assembly comprises a support member having a conduit support surface extending substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member. A shoe is attached to the top surface of the support member. The shoe has a first alignment surface extending substantially perpendicular to a second alignment surface. A conduit bending surface extends between the first and second alignment surfaces and has a substantially arcuate configuration. The conduit bending surface faces the conduit support surface. A heating device is arranged proximate the conduit support surface for heating a conduit prior to bending the conduit at least partially about the conduit bending surface.

Abstract: A workstation has a base, a conveying device, a driving assembly and a working device. The base is composed of multiple supporting frames. The conveying device is mounted on the base and has a rail, a moving base, a motor, a pushing rod and two rotating rods. The rotating rods are rotatably mounted on the base and are parallel with each other. Each rotating rod is composed of multiple connecting rods and multiple connecting elements. The connecting rods are combined with each other, and the connecting elements are mounted respectively between the connecting rods to connect adjacent connecting rods together. The driving assembly is mounted on the base to drive the rotating rods to rotate along a same direction. The working device is mounted on the base to process a manufacturing process to a worked object.

Abstract: A production apparatus for a tapered steel pipe which holds the two ends of the steel pipe by shafts on carriers and moves it in the axial direction while rotating it to draw it to a taper by an intermediate working roll, wherein the shaft of the working roll is inclined 20 to 40 degrees with respect to the axis of the steel pipe and a roll caliber of the working roll is made an outwardly curved surface with little difference in roll peripheral speed; the face plate for mounting the working roll is positioned and supported with respect to the body by a hinge mechanism and is fastened to the body by fastening members; and the bearing of the working roll at the side close to the steel pipe is made smaller than the bearing at the side far from the steel pipe and the two bearings are connected by a tie-rod.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously adjusting the gram load and radius geometry height of a head suspension by scanning a spring region of the head suspension with a laser beam. The incremental height difference between left and right legs of a spring region of the suspension may also be concurrently corrected. Apparatus and method for measuring the radius geometry height are provided by two or more non-contacting optical probes. A nitrogen atmosphere may be maintained in the region scanned.

Abstract: A hot forge forming facility includes at least a material supply device, a heating device, a guiding device and a punching device. The material supply device carries a continuous supply of metal material in rolls. The heating device heats and softens the metal material. The guiding device guides and drives the metal material to the heating device. The punching device compresses, forms and cuts the softened metal material in continuous punching operation to smoothly and quickly produce desired products that are consistent with actual production requirements.

Abstract: The present invention is a bending machine for bending material such as steel to form cutting dies for products such as cloth, leather or the like. Coiled material is fed through a material washer, straightener and printer by a material feeder to a bending head. If required the material is forwarded through the bending head to a heating unit and retracted to the bending unit to aid in bending. A nicking tool is also provided ahead of the bending tool to nick the material. The nicks enable the cutting die to cut notches in the product being cut. A support surface at the output end of the machine supports the material as it is bent into the required form.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the static attitude of a head suspension by scanning a region of the head suspension with a laser. A head suspension having a gimbal region is provided that permits a head slider attached thereto to gimbal about pitch and roll axes in response to fluctuations in an air bearing over which the head slider flies. One or more predetermined regions of the head suspension are irradiated by a laser beam by scanning the laser beam across the head suspension regions to affect the static attitude of the head suspension. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned on the leaf spring arms of a flexure with the laser to correct pitch errors in static attitude, and a plurality of parallel spaced apart lines are scanned with the laser in the cross section attached to the leaf spring arms to correct roll errors in static attitude. One or both sides of the head suspension can be scanned to create a desired pitch and/or roll correction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a lubricating material to an outer surface of a workpiece. Initially, a workpiece is provided that is preferably formed from a closed channel structural member having a circular or box-shaped cross sectional shape. Lubricating material is applied to an outer surface of the workpiece. In a second step of the method, the workpiece may be heat treated. The workpiece is then heated to elevate the temperature of the workpiece so as to cause the lubricating material to dry substantially immediately on the workpiece, thereby providing a coating of lubricating material having a substantially uniform thickness. In a fourth step of the method, a deforming process is performed on the workpiece during the period of time following the heat treatment process, and after applying the lubricating material, in which the workpiece retains the full or partial softening characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forging press of the hot-die type with an operating temperature above a temperature T, comprising two dies between two die support elements, a thermal insulation means being placed between each die and its support element. The press is characterized in that the said means comprises at least two superposed layers (A, B), a first layer (A) comprising a first material having mechanical and thermal properties suitable for operation at a temperature above the temperature T, a second layer (B) comprising a second material having mechanical and thermal properties suitable for operating at a temperature below the temperature T, the thermal conductivity of which is lower than that of the first material and is approximately equal to 0.2 W/m·K, with a tolerance of 10%. Thanks to the invention, it is possible to obtain an effective thermal insulation means of small thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and setting elements of a stent. The apparatus is a mandrel having a central core cylinder with an outer surface including a plurality of raised forms and gaps in-between the raised forms. The mandrel also includes a first and second outer cylinder, each having a curved radial end with a cut-out design similar to the shape of the plurality of raised forms. Once a stent is placed on the central core cylinder, the first and second outer cylinders are positioned on the central core cylinder such that the curved radial ends of the first and second outer cylinders align with the plurality of raised forms, shaping the stent.

Abstract: A method of producing a tubular device is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular stock having an axial passage, heating the tubular stock at a first heating location to form a softened section, the softened section separating a workpiece portion of the tubular stock from a remaining portion of the tubular stock, and drawing the workpiece portion away from the remaining portion to elongate the softened section and separate the workpiece portion from the remaining portion to form the tubular device. The drawing is performed at a rate such that the tubular device has an axial passage having a substantially uniform inside diameter, and an end of the tubular device formed from the elongated softened section is tapered.

Abstract: The present invention is a bending machine for bending material such as steel to form cutting dies for products such as cloth, leather or the like. Coiled material is fed through a material washer, straightener and printer by a material feeder to a bending head. If required the material is forwarded through the bending head to a heating unit and retracted to the bending unit to aid in bending. A nicking tool is also provided ahead of the bending tool to nick the material. The nicks enable the cutting die to cut notches in the product being cut. A support surface at the output end of the machine supports the material as it is bent into the required form.