Tube Bender
Tube benders can be utilized to create one bend in the tubing or multiple bends, and works best with ductile tubing materials such as steel, iron, copper, aluminum, zinc and nickel. While simple bends that tube benders form include elbows and u-bends, more complex bend shapes can also be formed including helical and coiled. By altering the mechanical properties of the previously-straight tube, tube benders are able to benefit a wide range of industries including: construction, for use in building materials such as plumbing systems that require maneuvering capabilities; industrial manufacturing, to be used in applications such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems; automotive, in exhaust systems, heating and cooling systems and more; and wastewater, used in treatment facilities for a range of applications.
Tube benders may be manually or mechanically powered through means such as pneumatics, hydraulics or electrical. In order to begin the tube bending process, the tube is loaded into the machine and is clamped into place between two dies, the clamping block and the forming die. In addition, the tube is held loosely by the wiper die and the pressure die as well. After the tube is secured in position by all of these components, the actual bending process can then occur. There are three main ways in which the tube can be formed: ram bending, roll bending and rotary bending. In ram bending, the die is pushed against the tube by means of mechanical force, which causes the tube to conform to the shape of the die. In roll bending, a series of rollers are used to apply pressure to the tubing in place of the die, and this type of tube bending is best suited for forming helical-shaped tubing. Lastly, in rotary bending, a steel plug is fitted inside the tube while a rotating steel die is used to form the tube. The plug, which is also known as a mandrel, functions to internally support the pipe so that the cross section of the tube is not severely flattened during the process.
