Compression of UHMW sheet in bend
Compression of UHMW sheet in bend
(OP)
We are bending a 12"x5"x.125" UHMW extruded sheet around a 4.5" radius. When we do so, the sheet seems to compress and the overall length decreases by 1.8%.
Is that really what is happening or is there something obvious we are missing?
If it is compressing, over time will the material creep and grow any significant amount?
Details:
Once bent the 12" dimension forms almost a half circle.
We restrain it firmly to shape as it is quite stiff.
We see the same compression even when we have heat formed the material to near net shape prior to fitting (low heat on the outside face of the sheet).
Is that really what is happening or is there something obvious we are missing?
If it is compressing, over time will the material creep and grow any significant amount?
Details:
Once bent the 12" dimension forms almost a half circle.
We restrain it firmly to shape as it is quite stiff.
We see the same compression even when we have heat formed the material to near net shape prior to fitting (low heat on the outside face of the sheet).





RE: Compression of UHMW sheet in bend
Rick Fischer
Principal Engineer
Argonne National Laboratory
RE: Compression of UHMW sheet in bend
Rick Fischer
Principal Engineer
Argonne National Laboratory
RE: Compression of UHMW sheet in bend
But the part is smaller whether we pre bend or not.
To install we just strap it to the curve.