Abstract: The basic idea and method about determination of the feature line equations and how to apply them to the numerical control of the press bending of panel skins were introduced. Research indicates that it is feasible to realize the self-adapting incremental press bending by adopting the feature line equation. The feature line equation, which is based on the database of the status of practical processes, can be adjusted in time, and the forming precision can be improved. It is important to correctly select and reasonably predict the feature line equations to enhance the accuracy of the incremental press bending based on the feature line database and algorithm. The determination of the feature line equation settles necessary data foundation for further research on the database of self-adapting incremental press bending, and it supplies a new clue for the development of self-adapting incremental press bending.

Key words: Self-adapting, Incremental press bending, Feature line equation, Panel skin