5 Different Pipe Bending Techniques

What are the different types of pipe bending techniques?

1. Press Bending
2. Roll Bending
3. Rotary Draw Bending
4. Mandrel Bending
5. Compression Bending

Pipes are used in a multitude of applications and industries. From residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, the requirements when it comes to shaping, diameter sizes, and bend angle vary. The tubings available in the market are limited to making customization essential. For this reason, different pipe bending techniques are used. Continue reading to learn more.

Press Bending

Also known as ram-type bending, this method is one of the most straightforward among all the different techniques. It needs 2 pivot blocks or counter rollers where a pipe is fixed in place. Then a ram, a tool that can be hydraulically operated, puts pressure on the center which makes the tube bend.

Press bending is an affordable technique. The only downside with this method is its susceptibility to stretches and warping. It is commonly used for square pipes and electrical conduits. It is also suitable for tubes without aesthetic requirements.

Roll Bending

In this technique, it requires one working cylinder where the inner bent part of the pipe will pass. On the other side of the pipe, two counter rollers are put in place. Visually, it looks like a triangle where a tube may move back and forth to achieve the curve required by a client.

Roll bending is primarily used in large-scale construction materials, and it can make spirals or coils. It also has little deformation and warps compared to press bending.

Rotary Draw Bending

This method is suitable for creating more precise and consistent bends. It requires the use of different dies to complete a clean and smooth product. A clamp die holds a pipe in place while it is pushed by the pressure die. What awaits is the bend die which is where the pipe will make its curve or angle.

Rotary Draw Bending is used in applications that require an aesthetically pleasing product. This process allows more control than press bending, which also results in opportunities for customization.

Mandrel Bending

This approach is an upgraded rotary draw bending technique. It also requires the same tools such as the clamp, pressure, and bend die. The only difference is a mandrel is inserted inside the tube to prevent warping and deformation on the inner part while undergoing the process.

This technique is suitable for thinner materials that can stretch easily. It is commonly used to make exhaust pipes in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Compression Bending

Compression is a fairly simple technique to bend pipes. On one side a stationary bend die is fixed in place. Compression dies located on the other side puts enough pressure towards the tube to reach the required angle or curve.

This method is used in making uniform pieces with the same angles on each side. It is common in towel racks, electrical conduits, and other construction materials. It is only used in thick materials to reduce the possibility of breakage.

Key Takeaway

Different pipe bending techniques are used to achieve the varying requirements of diverse industries that use this material. A dedicated machine is used according to material thickness, desired shape, or needed diameter for a specific application.

Roberts has its own pipe bending machines which can be used to process pipes with different specifications. If you have any questions and inquiries about their products and services, you may send a message here.