Numerical simulation research on UDF flexible roll forming of multi-specification thin-walled circular tubes

In view of the problems of poor flexibility of conventional roll forming of circular tubes, the UDF (USTB-Durable F) flexible roll forming method was used to model and simulate five kinds of thin-walled circular tubes with different thicknesses and the same outer diameter, so as to verify the applicability of UDF flexible roll forming method. In order to realize the commonality of UDF rolls, according to the roll positions of seven kinds of thin-walled circular tubes with different outer diameters and thicknesses within the specification range, mathematical models between tube specifications and corresponding roll position parameters were established. Combined with the actual parameters of the thin-walled circular tube roll forming unit, the UDF forming process suitable for the flexible forming of thin-walled circular tubes was obtained and compared with the conventional process by finite element simulation. Results show that the edge molding quality of the UDF process is better than that of the conventional process, and the amount of springback is less and the accuracy of the outer diameter of the section is high. The establishment of the roll position mathematical model and the special process parameters of the UDF flexible roll forming method provides a reference for the development of flexible production of roll forming of circular tubes.