Research on the precision bending of a workpiece with a complicated cross-section for manufacturing a large flange

A new technology used for manufacturing large flanges with a complicated cross-section is presented in this paper. It consists of precision bending combined with finish machining. First, the rules of the bending process were determined by experiment. A large flange, 8.5 m diameter, is manufactured by using this technology. The results show that it is feasible to manufacture large flanges by this method.