Tube bending is a fabrication process that forms metal pipes into curved shapes and angles. Aerospace, automotive, and construction industries use this process with wire forming to create structural components such as frames and exhaust systems.

The process involves applying pressure to a tube through a die fitted with an appropriate radius to achieve the desired bend. This method allows pipes to be bent to various shapes and angles.

Tube cutting requires great precision and accuracy for successful outcomes, as even miscalculations can lead to misaligned bends or inaccurate measurements. Achieving desired results requires proper equipment and tools. This includes a tube bender, die sets, mandrels, and lubricants. Additionally, the material’s pipe wall thickness must be considered, which can affect the bend angle.

What We’ll Cover:

• How does tube bending help manufacturers?
• Types of tube bending
• Top 10 applications for tube fabrication
• How to find a reliable tube fabrication company
• Key takeaways

How Does Tube Bending Help Manufacturers?

This type of bending is an invaluable tool for manufacturers in many industries. Contract manufacturing (or outsourcing) often combines tube bending with robotic welding to manufacture a finished product.

Custom-Shaped Components

With tube bending technology, manufacturers can create custom-shaped components quickly and easily. This entity eliminates the need for manual fabrication processes that are more time-consuming and labor-intensive. Besides that, this process makes it easier to create complex components that would otherwise require multiple parts and additional manufacturing steps. By streamlining the process, manufacturers can save money on material costs and reduce the time needed to create a component.

Flexibility For Usage In Several Industries

It allows for creation of intricate and precise shapes, which can be used in various applications. These include automotive components and chassis, industrial pipes, HVAC systems, medical devices and equipment, aerospace products, furniture designs, architectural elements, and more. Its versatility makes tube cutting an invaluable asset to any manufacturing process.

Types of Tube Bending

Tube bending is used in various applications, and several different bends can be used. Common types of tube bending include,

1) Mandrel Bending

Mandrel bending involves using a mandrel inserted into the tube while it is bent. This mandrel prevents the material from collapsing as it is curved, allowing for tighter bends with smoother edges.

2) Compression Bending

Compression bending uses a compression plate on one side of the bend to help form the tube into the desired shape.

3) Ram-Style Bending

Ram-style bending uses hydraulic pressure to push the tube around a die to form the bend. This is typically used for large-diameter tubes and pipes.

4) Press Bending

Press bending uses a press machine to form the tube into the desired shape. This method is usually used when tight radii are needed or when bends with multiple angles need to be made.

5) Rotary Draw Bending

Rotary draw bending uses a tool to bend the tube around a stationary die. This type of bending is used for tight bends and high-volume production runs.

No matter the type of robotic welding you need, using quality tools and equipment designed specifically for the task is important.