Abstract:A multi-point flexible straightening process characterized by reciprocating bending is proposed. Specifically, the process is analyzed in terms of deformation mechanism and verified by numerical simulations and physical experiments of the straightening of a series of metal profiles with different materials and initial shapes. Further, the relationship between the bending radius and the times of reciprocating bending required to unify the curvature is discussed, and the distribution of residual stress after straightening is analyzed. The results show that the reciprocating bending process can eliminate the difference of the initial curvature, make the curvature of each section tend to be uniform; the times of reciprocating bending to reach the uniform curvature decreases with the decrease of bending radius. The straightness of the straightened profile obtained from the experiment and simulation is less than 0.2%, demonstrating a good feasibility of this method.

Key words: multi-point flexibility; metal profile; reciprocating bending; curvature unification; over-bending straightening; straightness