Integrating optical 3D measurement techniques in pipe bending: a model-based approach minimising waste by deriving real functional design behaviour

Due to springback, deviations compared to the designed ideal modal occur during pipe bending processes. With quality control gauges no quantitative statements can be made regarding the process stability. The components are either good or bad and no production trends can be determined. This leads to high scrap rates and in addition, the real performance of the produced components may differ from the target behaviour of the initially designed CAD model. As addressed within this contribution, with integrating optical 3D measuring systems into the bending process, the actual state can be detected continuously. This enables to give feedback to the bending device for automatically readjust of bending parameters and thus prevent producing defective components. Moreover, the digitalisation of the actual contour allows a parametric correction of the designed CAD model, whereby the functional behaviour can be closer to reality within simulation models.