What Does Line Bending Mean?

Line bending involves passing an electric current through a conductive wire creating a low heat. The plastic to be formed is then placed over the wire at the precise place where the bend is required. The process is used to make acrylic shelves, leaflet holders, machine guards and POS display.

Other products made by line bending include garden furniture, binders, POP display products and acrylic tables.

Line bending is a thermoforming fabrication process. It involves passing an electric current through a conductive wire creating a low heat. The plastic to be formed is then placed over the wire at the precise place where the bend is required.

Line benders, consist of a resistance wire heating element (such as nickel-chrome resistance wire) that heats up when a controlled amount of current is passed through it.

The heating element may be:

• a single nickel-chrome resistance wire stretched between two terminals
• two or more nickel-chrome resistance wires stretched between terminals
• braided resistance wire
• a coiled resistance wire element enclosed in a quartz, metal or plastic tube.

These heaters radiate heat. Thermoplastic sheets are held close to the heating element but are not in contact with it.

A wide range of thermoforming plastics can be used in line bending, and the process can be used to manufacture a wide range of products.

More about Line Bending

Successful line bending projects require a combination of efficient machinery and skilled operatives. Even with the very latest technology, line bending requires experienced technicians – not only in to determine whether a project is suitable for bending but also in ensuring bending is done to the highest level to create a high standard finish that not only looks good but is durable too.

Larger equipment now allows for line bending on a much larger scale with lengths up to 3050mm and material thickness up to 25mm. This means a much larger range of products can now be manufactured using line bending technique.

Access to a fabricator with a large range of equipment helps deliver the most cost-effective line bending solution for any project. Exactly the right machine can be used to deliver a project efficiently and speedily – this will help reduce costs, minimise completion time and reduce the environmental impact of the project.