The line separating the regions of compression (intrados) and elongation (extrados) of the tube wall during the bending process. Because the intrados and extrados extend into the leading and trailing tangents of a bend, so does the neutral axis which widens into an inactive zone at these extremes. Contrary to common misconception, the neutral axis is not the centerline radius, which is a geometric entity. The neutral axis lies inboard of the centerline radius.
FREE Tube-Bending Guide Download:
A complete guide to the principles of the 4-Step set-up for tube-bending tools
This is a printable handbook showing how to implement in four standardized steps the “forward mandrel” set-up for rotary-draw tube-bending machines and establish process control over the so-called black art. The procedure is based upon the guiding principle that the tools make the bend and takes advantage of the inserted design of modern mandrel tooling.