Way to automate hook shape in pipe

Mickk

Hi,

I am looking for a solution to automate the process to get a hook type end to a tube/pipe like the picture:




I am going to be producing thousands of them and if I can get it completely automated it will be cheaper, eliminate human error and shorten production time.

I have read that ideally you should have a bend radius of 2.5 times the outside diameter of the tube but ideally I need to get it down to around a third of that. That said that recommendation is for pipes carrying liquids (up to 500 psi). I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a graph showing the structural strength you lose as you bend it tighter and increase the ovality. Also I wonder would a better solution be to completely crimp the end of the pipe, so it appears like either 12 or 13:



I was thinking that this could be formed by running the end of the pipe around a small former shaped and about the size of a rollerblade wheel? (A convex shaped former rather than a normal concave shaped one if they exist?)

A third option might be to thread the end of the pipe and have a pressed hook screw into it but if I could just form the pipe into a tight hook it would be better.

The last thing I might do is keep it as in the picture but just set up an automated welding station, I just don't know how practical this would be and if the same factory that would be bending all the metal would have machines like this.

The tubing I am using is 25mm od, 2mm wall thickness, chinese standard Q235. Any ideas welcome...

steifanc

most process can be automated. it normally boils down to the budget .
if u needed a design done ,pm me