Wire bending machine? 2

[Refracted]

I'm looking for a machine that would bend wire, say... 1mm diameter, into paperclip-like shapes.. but not so simple as that.. imagine a paperclip, and bend it in half.. thats a bit closer to what i'd need to manufacture. If i had access to a scanner i'd show you exactly.. but alas, my explanation will have to do... The machine would need to be pretty automated to be cost effective.. anyone ever seen something that would do this? even something that could be modified to work like this would be great..

Thanks.

 

[TVP]

The latest generation of CNC-controlled machines used to make springs, paper clips, etc. can make just about any shape imaginable. The best and most expensive equipment comes from Wafios (Germany) and Shinko (Japan), but there are a number of manufacturers to consider. Use the following links for more information:

http://www.wafios.de/Table_of_Contents/table_of_contents.html

http://www.shinko-mach.co.jp/frame-e.htm

http://www.smihq.org/public/springmakers/search.lasso

(search under the Products category for CNC formers, slide formers, or spring coilers)

 

[rhodie]

Your assumption that automation = cost effectiveness is incorrect. The level of automation should be determined by the volume produced. (High volume = high automation)


Here are examples of commerically available wire benders:

http://fabritex.com/tuberod.html?source=Google_Wire_Bending

http://www.opton.co.jp/wire/wiree.html

http://www.aitechnik.com/english/equiptment.htm

You may discover that building a fixture and manually bending the wires, or finding someone that already has a machine of this type and paying for its use might be more suitable for you.

 

[Refracted]

wow, thanks for the quick replies..

all those links should be pretty helpfull..

And Rhodie, what i really wanted to say that i'd probably need it automated to even DO high volumes.. manpower is expensive....

In any case, thanks!

 

[ornerynorsk]

A 4 slide machine is just the ticket.

 

[metman]

I concur with onerynorsk. even though I have never seen a 4 slide, I have worked in a spring shop making tooling and making flat-forms and wire-forms and to repeat his verbage it sounds like just the ticket. For prototyping you could make some simple hand bending tools.

Jesus is THE life,
Leonard