Non-iterative control of small-radius bend angle

Controlling first-part quality in small-radius press brake bending operatio ns is motivated by the need to produce small-lot parts of high quality. A n ew technique for angle control has been developed based on an experimentall y measured model of material properties, tooling geometry variables, and on -line measurements of part deformation. This technique requires the off-lin e measurement of part thickness and hardness, plus the on-line measurement of loaded angle and press ram position. Linear regression and neural networ k techniques are compared to develop a robust model of springback. A contro l scheme is introduced that provides accurate first-part bend angles for sm all-lot sheet metal manufacture.