There are several sizes and shapes for a beveled cut, and each has unique uses and factors to take into account. The many kinds of bevels will be covered in this section. Read more about what is beveling by visiting our website and if you have any questions related to this topic, connect with us.
V-shaped or plain bevel
The most popular kind of beveled cut is a simple bevel, sometimes known as a V bevel. It is a straightforward slanted edge that frequently has a constant face width and a constant angle. Despite having a fairly simple geometric shape, it is useful in a variety of technical applications.
For instance, a simple bevel’s slant angle offers a sufficiently deep area for effective weld penetration. Additionally, having it for aesthetic and safety reasons is also rather prevalent.
Furthermore, a simple bevel’s straight face is quite easy to create, which makes it highly precise to machine. This is a crucial characteristic as a smooth bevel face helps lessen the development of cracks, spalling, and stress accumulation.
J. Bevel
J bevels get their name because of their edge, which resembles the letter “J.” Its edge features both rounded and straight parts in a composite shape.
Because it provides a greater surface area for welding joints with deeper penetrations, this kind of bevel geometry is more robust. For butt welds, the J bevel is recommended because its rounded part makes it easier to reach the welding edge and gives the weld pool plenty of room to develop, while its straight face makes it an excellent assembling reference.
Bevel Compound
A compound beveled edge has at least two distinct profiles and a more intricate shape. It usually consists of two straight bevels at varying angles and widths on the same edge. But there are many combinations that can be made. Compound bevels are also among the most adaptable bevel edge kinds, finding use in pipe assembly, metallurgy, and carpentry.
Although the compound bevel’s ability to prepare weld edges is restricted due to superior technology, it can occasionally be helpful for more complex welding tasks. For instance, in some circumstances, non-uniform weld strength throughout the edge could be necessary to provide one end more support. In this situation, a compound bevel may be helpful.
Knife Edge Bevel
A unique type of bevel geometry with an extremely sharp, point-edge preparation is called a knife-edge bevel. It is helpful for items that need a sharp edge. For instance, cutting tools, knives, medical instruments, and woodworking tools like chisels.
Bevel Radius
The rounded, bullnose contour at its sharp edge is what distinguishes a radiused bevel. It may be used to add safety features to metal frames, car panels, and other items.
Its rounded edge also lessens the concentration of tension at the beveled edges. Cutting tool edges, for instance, are slightly rounded to prevent unintended chipping.
Tools & Equipment for Beveling
Although the beveling process is still highly specialized in terms of tools and equipment, it is not all that different from most other machining operations.
Hand Tools
For the beveling procedure, machinists in many workplaces employ hand instruments including handheld grinders and hand files. For modest to medium-sized tasks, they require their abilities and expertise to make bevel edges.
However, because manual instruments cannot produce complicated bevel profiles on a wide scale, their use is restricted to simpler bevel geometries.
Power Instruments
Power equipment such as routers and angle grinders are one step ahead of manual instruments. This choice provides a fair amount of speed, precision, and bevel geometry diversity. As a result, beveling power tools are widely available in most machine shops.
Cutting with Flames
Another common option for beveling is flame cutting. It functions by heating the material to its melting point using a flame torch, after which it splits from the main edge of the workpiece and leaves behind a bevel.
Applications such as thin workpieces and pipe beveling are where flame cutting is most helpful. Finish procedures are typically necessary to remove extra molten material because the flame cannot completely penetrate thicker workpieces.
CNC devices
When manufacturers want to complete a beveling procedure that calls for high accuracy, intricate geometry, and productivity, they turn to CNC machining centers.
Complex bevel profiles may be easily machined thanks to multi-axis machining capability. Furthermore, CNC technology can precisely create small bevel edges because it is extremely precise and can use very small cutting tools.
Utilizing CNC machines for beveling has the added benefit of requiring virtually no post-processing. The surface finish is good, there aren’t many burrs, and there isn’t any obvious heat damage.
Specialized Equipment for Beveling
A specialized beveling tool is frequently purchased by workshops that perform beveling tasks on a regular basis. Although these machines are specifically made to support beveling operations on a range of geometries, such as plates, pipes, and angle irons, they are fairly similar to CNC machines in terms of accuracy and speed.
Additionally, they use custom milling bits to support specialized beveling processes.
FAQs
Which bevel defects are most prevalent?
Bevels are prone to various types of flaws. Uneven bevel angles, uneven edges, edge burning, chipping, and edge cracking are a few of the frequent ones. By using professional manufacturing techniques and process parameters, all of these can be avoided.
Which beveling parameters are the most crucial?
The four most crucial beveling parameters are speed, federate, bevel angle, and bevel width.
Why is bevel edge preparation necessary?
Bevel edge preparation is an important part of the beveling process. It ensures smooth and clean edges, helps achieve machining accuracy, and improves tool life.