Forming Sheet Metal Grain Direction

Grain direction is a term used to describe the rolling direction of metal after being manufactured into sheet plate or coil.

Forming sheet metal grain direction. Classification of basic sheet forming processes bending deep drawing shearing. This micrograin runs parallel to the edge of the ribbon of sheet metal as it comes out of the roller. Reducing grain size is a common way to improve material strength which often has little to no effect on the material s toughness. Has anybody heard of bending sheet stock 063 5052 h32 aluminum with grain direction on the diagonal.

Many small companies are required to manufacture curved products and shallow parts with fine details in a small lot size which leads to both a higher production cost per detail and a need for multiple tools. Applying this to metal bending be it plate bending press braking or any other type of metal forming consideration must be given to the grain direction before any process is carried out. The surface area to volume ratio of the starting metal is relatively high. Texture or grain direction must be taken into account for accurate predictions of material behavior and characteristics when forming bending.

To predict the material s behavior accurately during bending especially at the press brake you need to accommodate for the grain direction. Grain direction also plays into the amount of springback you can expect. The bracket is like an upside down 6 long x 4 wide x 2 high box but has integral attaching flanges on the two 4 ends. Tools include punch die that are used to deform the sheets.

This is because sharper or tighter bends can be made across the grain without cracking. Bending the sheet metal longitudinally with the grain allows those grains to separate at the grain boundaries. A metal s grain direction is usually only a factor when bending however. As a third source of grain in the material the rolling mill can sand the surface of the ribbon to give it a cosmetically appealing finish.

As a general rule the grain line must run perpendicular to the bend to avoid the potential for cracking or fracture. The rolling process also introduces a grain direction in the microstructure of the sheet. Other components are often mounted or. This manufacturing method is where hot metal is compressed through rollers and forced into shape elongating the crystals in the process.

Grain structure in the metal sheet is critical for avoiding cracks in sheet metal parts with lugs or tabs that are cut on three sides and bent in or out. Ripin in rubber pad forming processes 2012. A metal s strength is directly related to its grain size. In addition the grain direction needs to be considered when the bend radius is less than twice the thickness depending on the material and its hardness.

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