Spatial shape prediction of multi-bends metal tube bending

Springback is one of the most important factors that affect the forming quality of tube bending. In this paper, the numerical simulation method was adopted to research on space shape of multi-bends metal tubes after springback. Based on the processing requirements, the springback and elongation of each bend was predicted through finite element simulation. Then the shape information of the metal tube after springback was restored by reverse algorithm, the space shape and position coordinates pre and post the springback were obtained through coordinate transformation, and the space shape information of the tube was gained by calculating the tube´s space offset after springback. According to experiments, the method was proved to be effective in predicting the space shape of the metal tube, which provides anew method to improve the bending precision and assembly precision of tube bending.