Single Line Heat Bending

Single Line Heat Bending

Designed Plastics has the ability to take on all of your bending needs, with 10 different single line heaters at our facility.

Our capabilities include small  ¼” bends to a maximum bending width of 117”, which is one of the largest benders in the Chicagoland area.

Most of our benders also will bend two to four lines at once, reducing the overall cost of your job. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

All of our cutting machines have a table size of at least 60” x 120″ with the largest being 80” x 240”. Big or small, we can handle your project.

What is Single Line Bending?

Discover the precision and versatility of single line bending, a popular technique used in the fabrication of thermoplastic materials. Ideal for creating sharp bends and intricate angles, this method is essential to construct flat sheet plastic into shape and design.

Single line bending, also known as line bending or strip heating, is a focused heating process used to form a pliable line on a plastic sheet. This technique allows the plastic to be bent at precise angles, making it perfect for creating a variety of products and components.

How Single Line Bending Works

1. Heating

A narrow section of the plastic sheet is heated using a specialized heating element or wire. This targeted heat softens the plastic along the desired line without affecting the entire sheet.

2. Bending

Once the line reaches the optimal temperature, the sheet is bent to the required angle. This can be performed manually or with the help of bending machines that ensure consistent results.

3. Cooling

The bent plastic is then cooled to harden and retain its new shape. Cooling methods can vary from natural cooling to the use of fans or water sprays, depending on the material thickness and production urgency.

Suitable Materials for Heat Bending Applications

These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand heat and form clean bends.

  • Acrylic (clear or colorized)

  • Polyethylene

  • Digital Printed Acrylic

  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

  • Polystyrene

  • Polycarbonate

  • PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)

Applications of Single Line Bending

Single line bending offers a versatile and precise method for shaping thermoplastic materials into a variety of products. This technique is widely used across different industries to create components that require clean, sharp bends and intricate designs. Below are some of the key applications:

Retail Displays & Signage

Create eye-catching retail displays and informative signs.

Gaming

Design sleek, modern components for arcade or pinball machines.

Display Cases

Eliminate solvent bonded joints for cleaner edge finishes

Construction Details

Craft unique fixtures and architectural details like lighting fixtures.

Advantages of Single Line Bending

Single line bending offers numerous benefits that make it a preferred method in plastic fabrication:

  • Precision: Achieve sharp, accurate bends where needed.

  • Efficiency: Quick setup and execution make it ideal for both small and large-scale projects.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Low equipment and setup costs make it accessible for all levels of production, no molds or high set up costs.

Limitations to Consider

While single line bending is a versatile technique, there are some limitations to be aware of:

  • Thickness and Smoothness: The thickness of the heated line can impact the bend's radius and smoothness.

  • Material Behavior: Different plastics may react differently to heat, with some potentially warping or having discoloration.

GET A QUOTE

Contact us today to speak with one of our project managers to discuss the needs of your next Acrylic Fabrication project and allow us to demonstrate the advantages of working with Designed Plastics.

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