Three-dimensional bending apparatus

Apparatus (1) for bending a rod-like member in three dimensions comprising:

• a passive bending tool (16+) having a feeder passage (19) extending therethrough along a first axis (X) for receiving a rod-like member and having an exit end (15) from which a portion of said rod-like member can extend,
• said passive bending tool (16+) being selectively rotatable about said first axis (X) and being provided at said exit end (15) with a plurality of bending surfaces (18+) circumferentially spaced apart from each other around said first axis (X) and differing from one another as regards surface contour;
• and an active bending tool (F) rotatable about said first axis (X) to a position wherein it is engageable with a selected side of said portion of said rod-like member.
• said active bending tool (F) being further rotatable about a second axis (Y) which is perpendicular to said first axis (X) to effect engagement of said portion of said rod-like member with one of said bending surfaces (18+) and bending of said portion in accordance with the surface contour of said one of said bending surfaces (18+).

Apparatus (1) for bending a rod-like member in three dimensions comprising:

• a passive bending tool (16+) having a feeder passage (19) extending therethrough along a first axis (X) for receiving a rod-like member and having an exit end (15) from which a portion of said rod-like member can extend,
• said passive bending tool (16+) being mounted for selective rotation about said first axis (X) and being provided at said exit end (15) with a plurality of bending surfaces (18+) circumferentially spaced apart from each other relative to said first axis (X) and differing from one another at least as regards surface contour;
• a bending head (B) mounted near said exit end (15) of said passive bending tool (16+) for selective rotation about said first axis (X);
• and an active bending tool (F) mounted on said bending head (B) for rotation therewith about said first axis (X) to a position wherein said active bending tool (F) is engageable with a side of said portion of said rod-like member,
• said active bending tool (F) being rotatable relative to said bending head (B) about a second axis (Y) which is perpendicular to said first axis (X) to effect engagement of said portion of said rod-like member with one of said bending surfaces (18+) and bending of said portion in accordance with the surface contour of said one of said bending surfaces (18+).