how to unbend the tube ?

[arekkul]

Hello,

Just wondering if there is an option in SE to calculate to proper length for unbended tube.

I mean, I designed the tube which is bended already and I want to get the proper dims for manufacturing and further bending the tube.

Thank yo

[beachcomber]

If you create the tube using Frames or XpresRoute you can get the length of the tube

[arekkul]

Thank you for a quick response.

No, its been done using part mode.

Regards,

Arek

[beachcomber · Accepted solution]

Then there is no direct way.

Some calculation will be required or you could use the measure command to try and create a variable from measuring the total length of the centre line elements.

[jinglis]

Yes, Frames and XpressRoute give you the centerline length of the tube. To get tube cut length, you will need to calculate the plastic deformation of each bend based on your bending process. The calculation is very similar to flattening sheet metal. In fact, for the example here you could probably model it as a square bar in sheet metal, adjust the bend formula & neutral factor to fake a flat pattern. Flat square bars and flat round bars look a lot alike on a drawing.

[hawcad]

Hi @beachcomber

there might be also another way to get it.

You can have a variable calculating the Volume / Area (cross section)

Both can be read out directly from the model and so any change of the model will be reflected in the Length = Volume / Area variable

[12GAGE]

The volume to length thing does not account for stretching, that assumes K=0.5. He will need to find out the K factor for the tubes on his tooling to have a chance at getting it right. Then use the square version (insribed and excribed) to start laying it out. Then combine the two for a manual layout. Not fun, but can get it done right.