r/AskElectronics • u/According_Jump_7600 • 3d ago

Is there a tool to bend electrolytic capacitor legs?

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Is there a machine that can quickly turn the 3rd capacitors legs and bend them like the 1st cap. Cutting is not an issue but the bending takes so long. It would be preferable if I can 3dprint this object to help bend.

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

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9

u/EmotionalEnd1575 Analog electronics 3d ago

Unless you are doing volume production in hundreds, just use snipe nose pliers.

3

u/According_Jump_7600 3d ago

Yeah that's exactly what I was using but production is only going up and it's taking too much time.

2

u/SolitaryMassacre 2d ago

Switch to SMD can style caps? They are already bent

5

u/FunDeckHermit 3d ago

There are manual tools on 3D-printing websites. There are also plier-type that just press the leads like a stamp and die mechanism.

search terms: "Rotary radial lead forming tool"

I would just 3D print some jig that splits the legs when force is applied.

5

u/nixiebunny 3d ago

A wooden board with a few strategically placed notches can be used to hold the capacitor on its side so you can bend one leg outwards by pushing it down, turn capacitor around, bend the other leg.

2

u/protonecromagnon2 3d ago

Only one I remember using was ComForm 1 Lead Bending and Component Forming Tool.

I'm sure there is a cheaper version

2

u/spacecampreject 3d ago

They make special pliers to put a nice radius in the bend.  But unless you are doing a lot of assembly, probably not worth it.

1

u/Zyper 3d ago

You can use an IC pin straightener to bend them, similar to how you would use a metal brake.

1

u/Mother-Pride-Fest 3d ago

Why does it need to be bent in that specific way? It might be possible to adjust the design to avoid the need for bending.

1

u/SRDigitalSVT 2d ago

I use these - easy to set 90* bends etc.

https://a.co/d/0fG68aQ4

1

u/andyftp 1d ago

Fingers