The Fabricator - August 2009

CFIGURE 6 Most rectangular bends are either E-plane or H-plane bends, meaning that the bending force is perpendicular to either the long side or the short side, respectively. Some applications, such as this one, call for a bend plane that is oblique to the tube’s surfaces.

tain the required delivery schedule despite interruptions.

While the variables are too numerous to count, it’s important to stay focused so they don’t overwhelm the project. The goal is to produce the parts at a rate that achieves the target profit margin. With that in mind, one good strategy for dealing with the many variables is a simple one: Elimi-

nate the variables that can be eliminated, then manipulate the rest.

The best way to reduce the number and severity of the variables is to design them out of the product as early as possible in the process, preferably when the project is still in the development stage. Establishing this sort of partnership with the customer early in the process would be ideal. If this is possible, it

would be just as well to try to expand this partnership to include trusted sources for the machinery, material, and tooling, thereby establishing some level of control over the entire project. ■

Bob Want is a technical applications specialist for Tools For Bending Inc., 194 W. Dakota Ave., Denver, CO 80223, 800- 873-3305, tfb@toolsforbending.com, www. toolsforbending.com.

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•Tooling. Take a critical look at how it was designed and built. Work out arrangements for repair or replacement. It might be a good idea to have a spare set.

•Personnel. How much expertise (mechanical aptitude, training, experience, and the ability to pull it all together) does each operator have? Can each articulate problems successfully so they can be resolved quickly? How about teamwork? Are the operators willing to share solutions? Are these traits consistent among all the shifts? If not, the parts might not be consistent from shift to shift.

• Production. Figure out the expected production rate and compare that to the customer’s expectations. Pay attention to the level of supervision your staff can provide to the operators. Work out a backup plan to handle contingencies so you can main- CFIGURE 7 A close look at the tooling's print shows that the bend plane for this application is neither E-plane nor H-plane; it is approximately 30 degrees from the E plane.

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