Concrete Pavers: Ideas, Inspiration and Information

Metal Bending: Understanding the Suitable Tube Forming Techniques

20 April 2017 by Benjamin Rice

The metal forming industrial sector has advanced significantly over the years. There are numerous methods to consider choosing for your pipe and tube bending projects. The right technique for your commercial metal products will depend on factors such as the final application of the products, the desired quality of bends and even your metalworking budget. Consider this short discussion on the tube bending techniques to think about before selecting the most suitable match.

Press Bending

The most basic method utilised in bending pipes and tubes is press bending. As implied, the technique uses mechanical force to create the required curve. Typically, the tubing will be held between two supporting tubes to ensure stability during the metal forming operation. Specialised tooling will be used to bend the pipe by repeated hitting or ramming of the tubing. Various radii can be achieved using this method, but some level of distortion occurs. Therefore, press bending is not the right choice for aesthetic bends.

Induction Bending

The induction bending process is an advanced technique in the modern metalworking industry. The popularity of the method can be attributed to the high-quality bends achieved and the low level of pipe distortion. The bending technique starts when the metal tubing is heated to make the material more malleable. An induction coil is used for heating, so only a small section of the metal is affected. The localised heat limits the detriments of heating and cooling metal.

When the desired temperature is achieved, a specialised pivot arm is used to mold the pipe. Different radii can be created without any damage to the tube. However, the process is usually slow in comparison to simple mechanical techniques like press bending. After an ideal curve is made, the hot pipe is quenched using air or water. You should consider using induction bending if you want high-quality functional curves or are handling large pipes.

Rotary Draw Bending

The rotary draw bending technique is precise and produces visually appealing curves on pipes and tubes. The process requires multiple die sets which are designed to stabilise the tubing and help in the retention of a consistent radius. A mandrel body is also inserted into the pipe to prevent the formation of wrinkles in the inner curve and ovalisation of the tubing. The quality of the bends depends significantly on the type of tooling; therefore, you should choose a fabricator with CNC machines for excellent results. Also, you should note that rotary draw bending causes thinning of pipe walls, so purchase thicker tubes.

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