Sponsored by: nVent - Hoffman
Project Summary
nVent HOFFMAN specializes in enclosures for electrical systems in various sizes, environments, and purposes. They are seeking a method to manufacture a new line of enclosures they are developing, which have 75° slanted corners and sides. Within the manufacturing process, they want the corner forming process to not require welding and grinding, and they succeeded in designing a tool for that task for the regular 90° door by using a hydraulic press and various mechanisms. The main goal of this project is to adapt that tool to create the corners needed in the new door design.
Design Goal
nVent HOFFMAN has a tool that currently bends sheet metal to form a 90° corner. The design goal of this project is to adapt that tooling to be able to form a 75° corner.
Design Constraints
- The design needs to be able to be used in the same hydraulic press and in turn be roughly the same size as its predecessor
- Ergonomics and ease of use should be similar to the old design
- Must allow for quick swapping of tool (no permanent installation)
- It can bend 14-gauge steel with reliable results
- Follows every safety and hazard consideration that the workspace demands
CAD model of new tooling to bend metal to a 75° corner
Members of the Project Team
Student Team:
- Tri Phan - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Nate Spurgat - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Valentina Pedevila - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Paige Heitkamp - Major: Mechanical Engineering
Industry Representative: Scott Schramske
Faculty Advisor: Brian Plourde
Picture left to right: Tri Phan, Nate Spurgat, Valentina Pedevila, Paige Heitkamp