Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum input required ?

There are two tables in the software:

1) Part table: In this table you have to specify the component name, width, quantity required.

2) Bend table: In this table you have to specify the sides of the components, the bend angle between the sides, and the bend radius at each bend.

3) Apart from this there are two common inputs to all components,  material and thickness.

Does the ID of the Part have to be numeric ?

The ID of the parts can be made of any alphanumeric characters. Only keep in mind that the ID's have to be unique.

In what units are the sizes of the components fed in the table ? Can I use INCHES ?

You can select your preferred units using the TOOLS->Unit Settings Menu. 

Should all the components of the file be of same material and thickness?

Yes, PLUS Bend uses the k-factor method to calculate the flat length. The value of this factor depends upon the material, thus all components mentioned in the file should be of same material and thickness.  

Should I feed the part size measured out to out?

Yes, the dimensions of each side of the bent component should be measured out to out i.e. length should be measured from the outer surface of the bend on one end of the side to the outer surface of the bend on the other end of the side.

How should I specify angle measured between two sides?

For each side if the angle is measured in clockwise direction it is negative (value ranges from 0 to-180 degrees). If the angle is measured in anti clockwise direction it is considered positive (value ranges from 0 to 180 degrees)

Where should I specify the angle between two given sides?

When you input an angle in the last column of a given row it represents the angle between the side mentioned in the same row and the side mentioned in the previous row.

Side

Angle

Radius

100

 

 

100

90

4

 

Can the radius be different for different bends?

Yes, the radius can be different for different bends of a given component.

Why is some data mentioned in the braces in the marker diagram?

The data mentioned inside the braces is the sum of all the sides of the bent component. This allows the user to cross check whether he has fed the data correctly.

How do I get the output in word?

You can get the output in word by simply pressing the output button on the screen.

 Can I customize my header in word?

Yes, you can customize the header by clicking on tools > customize header option.  

What is the advantage of having a PLUS 2D interface in the software?

The PLUS Bend software allows you to calculate the total flat length of a component. The optimum cutting patterns for cutting these blanks can be automatically generated using PLUS 2D. Thus the data in the part table of PLUS Bend can act as an input to the part table of PLUS 2D. Therefore the software has an interface with PLUS 2D so that at a click of a button the entire data can be transferred to PLUS 2D.

Help, I seem to have lost the TOOLBAR ? 

Go to the View->Toolbar menu, and ensure that the toolbar is checked.

What if I have a new type of material for bending? Will the k-factor change? 

Yes , the k-factor used by the software for calculation depends on the kind of material to be bent. If you have a new material than the k-factor will change. The user has to calculate the new value of the k-factor by using the k-factor wizard. This new material and its k-factor value can be added in the k-factor table. See also K-factor in bending.

What is this Word 97 compatibility, under Tools menu.

PLUS Bend outputs an RTF file, but sometimes in older version of Word, the pictures are smaller. Though you can always resize it, enabling this option bypass the problem.