Metal Forming Question

[pb57]

I need to reproduce this shape in some 14 gauge metal strips like shown in the following pictures. What method was used to do this? Possibly a bead roller? Need your input on the best way to do this please. If a bead roller was used I may purchase one but I'm wondering if there is a guide used on the roller to keep the shape running true with the center of the metal strip. Thanks Paul

 

[The Cobbler]

my suspicion is that it was pressed with a die and punched to size at the same time

 

[B.Y]

Most likely was produced with specialty tooling to make production runs.

Bead rolling 14 Ga. / .075" will be a bit of a challenge, though not impossible depending on machine. We use a ring roller tat would, but our duct bead machine would not.

You could set up section dies the length of the indent you want while hanging the non indented lengths past the top & bottom dies. I would use a large bottom die, and a 1/2" bullnose top die. The ends will deform but could be straightened back by bending or flattening.

Good Luck.

 

[pb57]

Thanks Cobbler. Some of the strips are 2 1/2 foot long while others are shorter strips. I was wondering if this was done in a press. I was thinking of making a die for my press to accomplish this. I have a mill, lathe and 50 ton press and may try making something. I did a quick search on bead rollers and anything under 1000 dollars is rated for 18 gauge only in mild steel. My only concern if I made a die was having to reposition multiple times for the longer pieces and how this would affect the strips integrity. They need to be flat. Paul

 

[pb57]

Thanks BY, we were typing at the same time. The strips I'm making are 1.5 wide and 14 gauge. The bead will run the full length.

 

[readhead]

It could be done with a series of dies on a Pulmax type of machine. For some reason that piece looks familiar. What are you building?

 

[pb57]

I'm restoring a D4 Caterpillar pedal Dozer made in 1948 and need to make a few pieces. They are as rare as hens teeth and I want it authentic. Paul

 

[nutjob]

Take a look at what Robert did for some under hood bracing:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182565&page=166

Kevin

 

[readhead]

I was thinking it was something tractor related. Those were probably stamped as individual pieces. I think your best option is to find someone with a pulmax and have them made. How many do you need?

 

[readhead]

Nutjob found what I was looking for. Robert is your guy.

 

[MP&C]

What is the width across the bead?

 

[Keyblazer]

Good Beefy Bead roller or E-Wheel with a home made die and fence... thats what I would do!

 

[PugetDude]

Those pieces were probably rollformed from a continuous strip and cut off after forming.
14 gauge takes quite a bit of horsepower to form, I doubt if you can do it on a hobbyist grade bead roller or English wheel without springing the frame. For just a few pieces, find someone with a press brake.

 

[pb57]

Thanks for the replies guys. MPC the width across the bead on the high side is approximately 3/8".

 

[MP&C]

If I were to do something like that in 14 gauge I would opt for the Lennox (Pullmax) as the punch action of such a machine does more stretching than a bead roller, which merely pulls the metal from other areas. I agree with the previous sentiment, most bead rollers on the market today are not rated for 14 gauge metal. If you can find someone with a Maplewood, it would be one beadroller that would do the job:

….although the bead ends would need additional work to add the rounded end.

 

[pb57]

Thanks Robert

 

[pb57]

Ok guys for those interested I took a couple heavy blocks of steel and cut a key slot lengthways the correct width in one of them. The other block I cut a slight channel for the correct size rod to keep it in place while pressing. Here are some photos of my contraption on my press as well as pics of a piece of scrap 14 gauge hot rolled to test it all out. It turned out to be a perfect duplication of the original piece. I will cut some 14 gauge strips on my plasma table the correct length and feed them into the jig and make them as long as needed. Now that it works I'm going to join the two heavy blocks together so it will always press downward without any deflection. It never even made the press grunt. Here are a few pics. Thanks for looking Paul

 

[readhead]

That is what a Pulmax does. It just does it faster. Good job.

 

[PugetDude]

That bead looks really nice, Paul. Good job!

 

[pb57]

Thanks Read and Puget

 

[The Cobbler]

nice job!

 

[MP&C]

Well done Paul! The best part is using machinery you already had!

 

[pb57]

Thanks MP&C and Cobbler