Finite element analysis of punch height effect on V-bending angle

Considering the advantages of the V-bending die, the economical set-up time and the fabrication of a wide range of part size and complex shape, the V-bending die is generally used, especially in the Press Brake machine. However, the punch heights in the partial V-bending die affected the bending angle. In this study, the finite element method (FEM) was used to investigate the effects of punch height. The FEM simulation results revealed that the effects of punch height on the bending angle were clearly theoretically clarified based on the material flow analysis and stress distribution. The punch height affected the gap between the workpiece and the die, as well as the reversed bending zone, which resulted in a non-required bending angle. Therefore, applying a suitable punch height created a balance of compensating the gap between the workpiece and the die, and the stress distribution on the bending allowance and the reversed bending zone. This resulted in achieving the required bending angle. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.