An approximate bending force prediction for 3-roller conical bending process

Roll bending process is an important metal forming process used to produce cylindrical and conical shells and sections for various applications. 3-roller conical bending is one such process. For this process it is important to evaluate the maximum force acting on the rollers during the rolling process for designing the rolling machine as well as for evaluating the coefficient of friction at roller-plate interface. It is observed that maximum force is acting on the roller during the static bending in roll bending process [Gandhi et al. 2008]. In the present study mathematical model for force prediction on the rollers have been developed. Effects of various material properties and geometrical parameters have been studied. It has been concluded that the proposed model can be effectively used to get the roller bending force for given geometrical parameters and material properties. It can also be used to get roller plate interface friction, if the experimental value of roll bending force is available.