Cable Tray U Return with Four 45 Degree Folds

Set four folds that turn in the same direction

A horizontal U return reverses the route heading through 180°. This example divides the change into four +45° folds in the same direction. Use a 200 mm base width, 50 mm side height and 350 mm before the first axis and after the fourth.

There are three equal 350 mm intervals between adjacent fold stations on the original straight stock. Each interval occupies a different direction after forming. Mark the incoming reference edge and follow the route from its starting end to its returning end when interpreting the drawing.

Locate the return edge and both leg centerlines

For equal station pitch P and four 45° folds retaining the same outer wall, the return reference-edge offset is P sin 45° + P sin 90° + P sin 135° = P(1 + √2). With P = 350 mm the offset is 844.97 mm.

The incoming tray centerline lies 100 mm inward from its retained edge. The returning leg points in the opposite direction, so its centerline lies 100 mm toward the incoming leg from the return reference edge. Centerline separation is therefore 844.97 − 200 = 644.97 mm. The clear base-edge gap is another tray width smaller, 444.97 mm in this example.

Each full V opening is 2W tan 22.5° = 165.69 mm. The original stock length is lead + 3P + tail = 350 + 1050 + 350 = 1750 mm. The 350 mm lead and tail cancel in the final longitudinal end position for this symmetric example, while the outgoing direction is reversed.

Worked example dimensions

Mark four independent stations and follow all seams

The stock stations are 350, 700, 1050 and 1400 mm. At each station mark a V that closes toward the inside of the turn, leaving the same outside wall connected. Check the remaining stock between neighboring V envelopes. The model requires the adjacent half-notch setbacks plus a 10 mm margin in every segment.

Follow the four stages and use the top camera to inspect the returning leg. Count four same-direction turns and check the reversed exit heading. Adjust pitch, apply the calculation and inspect the complete footprint, including the full tray width and the space between both straight legs.

Review the fabrication detail

The route is a polygon with sharp joints. Review the tray profile, material and cutting allowances, connections, supports and actual cable path against the selected installation requirements.