This report gives the results of an investigation into heat-line bending and provides a guide to steel-plate forming using this process.

The mechanism of heat-line bending is described together with the main factors influencing its effectiveness.

Plate forming to give double curvature using heat-line bending is described and a theoretical justification of the results obtainable is given. Extracts from the tables compiled for use as a guide to plate forming using heat-line bending are included in the Appendix.

The final section of the report describes the technique of rectifying distortion. In addition methods of tackling shrinkage and straightening problems using other forms of localised heating are indicated.