Abstract: A method for precision forming by continuous free bending starts with establishing a correlation equation of a continuous axis f(x) to a bending radius R and determining a bending radius R at a real-time location in the axis. Based on the free bending technique, the method further involves establishing a correlation model of a real-time bending radius R of a tube to an eccentric distance U of a bending die and hence correlations of the equation of the axis to free bending parameters, and constructing a complete correlation model among f(x), R, U, and t based on a relational equation of an eccentric distance U to movement time t of the bending die to enable the precision forming of a complex component by continuous bending. Accordingly, the production efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: A free-bending forming apparatus for a tubular component using differential temperatures and a method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus includes an isothermal heating device and a heating device for the differential temperatures. The isothermal heating device is configured to preheat an inside and an outside of a bending section of the tubular component to a predetermined temperature to form a preheated bending section before bending and forming. The heating device for the differential temperatures is configured to heat the inside and the outside of the preheated bending section of the tubular component respectively to different temperatures, and the temperature at the outside is higher than that at the inside. The heating device for the differential temperatures is provided between a pressing device and a guiding mechanism, and the isothermal heating device is provided between the pressing device and the heating device for the differential temperatures.

Abstract: A method for precision forming by continuous free bending starts with establishing a correlation equation of a continuous axis f(x) to a bending radius R and determining a bending radius R at a real-time location in the axis. Based on the free bending technique, the method further involves establishing a correlation model of a real-time bending radius R of a tube to an eccentric distance U of a bending die and hence correlations of the equation of the axis to free bending parameters, and constructing a complete correlation model among f(x), R, U, and t based on a relational equation of an eccentric distance U to movement time t of the bending die to enable the precision forming of a complex component by continuous bending. Accordingly, the production efficiency can be improved.