Metal Bending for Chutes and Ladders (and Pipe Clamps)


Metal bending is often the most economical way to produce chutes, ladder hoops and pipe clamps.  A common design calls for 180 degree segments of plate or bar rolled the “easy way” (like a belt and not like a washer) with flanges on the ends.  The flanges could be welded on, but a better solution might be to bend back the ends of the 180 degree segment and create a one-piece construction rather than a three-piece one.

To produce a one-piece chute, hoop or clamp, an accurate stretch out–the material required to make the piece–must be calculated.  Sometimes trial and error provides the most precise length required.  After the material is cut to length, the production process may go two routes.

Metal sheet rolled 180 degrees
Metal Sheet Rolled 180 Degrees with Outward Flanges to Create Chutes

Depending on the design of the part and on production capabilities, sometimes the ends are bent and then the bar or plate is rolled, and sometimes the part is rolled and then the ends are bent.

Metal Bar Rolled 180 Degrees with Straight Tangents and Inward Flanges

From 20 gage stainless to 1″ thick HSLA (high strength low alloy) plate, the one-piece design of a 180 degree segment with formed flange has the benefit of no welding and therefore no worrying about weld failure in some high pressure applications.

Heavy Plate Formed with Outward Flanges
Heavy Plate Formed with Outward Flanges

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