How to Measure Bend Angle and Radius for Bent Chute Liner Plates
Bent liner RFQ measurements
A complete bent liner drawing should distinguish finished angle, bend radius, leg dimensions, hole datums and bend direction.
Writing “90-degree bent plate” is not enough for a reliable replacement-liner quotation. Thick wear plate geometry changes with the selected reference surface, radius and finished angle.
Bent chute liner plates protect chute corners, hopper edges, valleys and folded transitions. For a drawing-based RFQ, buyers should identify the finished included angle, inside bend radius, plate thickness, both leg dimensions, overall length, hole locations, wear face and installation orientation. This guide explains how to collect those measurements and avoid common interpretation errors.
Start with the finished shape, not the forming operation
Maintenance teams usually need a replacement that fits the installed chute. Therefore, the RFQ should describe the finished part geometry. The supplier can then review the forming method, bend allowance and process route. Unless the drawing is specifically a fabrication drawing, avoid mixing the required finished angle with the press-brake rotation or forming angle.
| Drawing item | Recommended description | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Included angle | State whether the dimension is the finished inside angle or outside angle. | Writing only “bend 90°” without identifying the measured side. |
| Inside radius | Dimension from the inside surface of the finished bend. | Providing a radius without saying inside or outside. |
| Leg dimensions | Measure from stable edges to the bend tangent or agreed virtual intersection. | Measuring from a worn, rounded corner. |
| Orientation | Mark wear face, chute-shell side, upstream edge and bend direction. | Sending an unmarked photo that can be mirrored. |
Included angle, outside angle and bend angle
An angle finder placed inside an L-shaped liner normally gives the finished included angle. If a drawing dimensions the opposite side, the outside angle may be supplementary. To prevent confusion, add the words “finished inside angle” or “finished outside angle” beside the value and include a simple section view.
RFQ note: A section sketch showing the measured angle is safer than a number alone. Mark which surfaces touch the chute shell and which surfaces face the material flow.
How to measure the finished angle
| Method | Recommended procedure | Use when |
|---|---|---|
| Digital angle gauge | Clean the contact surfaces, zero the tool and measure the finished inside faces. | The liner is accessible and the faces are reasonably flat. |
| Mechanical protractor | Seat both arms firmly against the liner legs and photograph the reading. | A digital gauge is not available. |
| Cardboard template | Trace the chute corner or liner section and mark the wear side. | The liner is still installed or badly worn. |
| Chute-shell measurement | Measure the actual mating corner and available clearance. | The removed liner no longer represents the original shape. |
Take measurements at more than one position along the bend line. A long liner may be twisted, worn unevenly or distorted during removal. If readings differ, send all values instead of selecting only one.
Inside radius or outside radius?
For thick plate, inside radius and outside radius are different. As a simple geometric check, the outside radius is approximately the inside radius plus plate thickness, although actual finished geometry should be confirmed on the agreed reference surfaces. Buyers should normally provide the inside bend radius because it directly describes the chute-side corner clearance.
| Radius reference | How to identify it | Buyer note |
|---|---|---|
| Inside radius | Curved surface on the inside of the folded corner. | Preferred reference for most L-shaped and V-shaped liners. |
| Outside radius | Curved surface around the outside of the bend. | State plate thickness and wear face with the value. |
| Chute-shell radius | Radius of the structure that the liner must fit against. | Also state expected clearance or backing material. |
| Tool or die radius | Manufacturing-tool reference, not necessarily the finished part radius. | Do not substitute this for the required finished radius. |
If the part has a continuous rolled profile rather than a defined fold line, refer to Curved Chute Liner Plates and How to Measure Radius for Curved Chute Liner Plates.
Measure both legs and the overall length
For an L-shaped liner, record the width of each leg and the overall length along the bend line. State whether leg dimensions are measured to the inside tangent, outside virtual sharp or overall outside envelope. If the two legs are unequal, label them leg A and leg B and use the same labels for hole positions.
- Leg A width and leg B width.
- Overall length along the bend line.
- Plate thickness at a clean, unworn edge.
- Finished inside angle and inside radius.
- End-square condition, taper or any cutout near the end.
Hole positions near the bend line
Holes close to a bend can affect forming feasibility and may move slightly as the plate is formed. Measure hole centers from stable end edges, side edges and the bend reference. Do not rely only on hole-to-hole chains, especially when the old holes are elongated or field-drilled.
| Hole information | What to provide |
|---|---|
| Hole type | Round, slotted, countersunk, plug weld or stud reference. |
| Hole size | Diameter, slot length and width, or countersink details. |
| Longitudinal datum | Distance from a clearly identified end to every hole center. |
| Transverse datum | Distance from a side edge or agreed bend reference. |
| Bend clearance | Distance from each hole edge or center to the bend tangent. |
| Leg identification | State whether the hole belongs to leg A, leg B or both. |
Related fixing options include Bolt-On, Slotted Hole, Countersunk, Plug Weld and Stud-Backed Chute Liner Plates.
Mark the wear face and bend direction
A bent liner can easily be produced as a mirror image if the drawing lacks orientation. Mark the face exposed to material, the face against the chute shell, upstream and downstream ends, and the direction of the bend. For asymmetric parts, add left-hand or right-hand identification and a photo of the installed position.
What if the old bent liner is worn or distorted?
Do not copy a badly worn radius or elongated hole without checking the chute structure. Compare the old liner with the mating corner, neighboring liners, original arrangement drawing and installation clearance. A cardboard or thin-sheet template can provide a safer finished-angle reference when the old plate has opened, twisted or cracked.
Forming feasibility considerations
Harder and thicker wear plate generally requires a larger practical bend radius than mild steel. Hole clearance, bend length, leg width and rolling direction may also influence the forming route. The final drawing should be reviewed before production rather than assuming every material grade can be folded to the same tight corner.
For changing-width outlines, see Tapered Chute Liner Plates and the guide How to Measure Tapered Chute Liner Plates for Replacement.
Bent chute liner RFQ checklist
- Material grade and nominal thickness.
- Finished inside or outside angle, clearly identified.
- Inside bend radius and bend direction.
- Leg A width, leg B width and overall length.
- Wear face, chute-shell side and material-flow direction.
- Hole type, size, datums and clearance from the bend.
- Part marks, left/right orientation and quantity.
- Working material, particle size, impact and temperature.
- Required inspection, material and packing records.
Related resources
- How to Measure Chute Liners for Custom Replacement
- Chute Liner Inspection Checklist Before Shipment
- Quality Documents for Custom Chute Liners
- Manufacturing Capabilities
- Conveyor Transfer Point Wear Liners, Hopper Liners and Crusher Feed Chute Liners
Send bent liner measurements for review
Attach drawings, section sketches, photos, material grade, thickness, leg dimensions, finished angle, bend radius, hole layout, quantity and working conditions. We will review the forming feasibility and quote the part as a drawing-based RFQ.