Leading Pipe Bending Manufacturers

Pipe or tube bending is a metal-forming procedure in which a pipe is forced into a die to make the pipe take the shape of the die. This process is used to form pipes or tubes permanently. The tube or pipe bending process can be done through heat forming or cold forming procedures. Pipe bending can create multiple angles or positions. Common examples of pipe bending are pipe elbows.

The most common bends performed are U-bends. However, 2D and 3D bends are also used in the pipe bending procedure. Pipe bending may alter the wall thickness of the pipe. The outer walls of the pipe become thinner, while the inside of the pipe may wrinkle.

Purpose of Pipe Bending

Pipe bending is important in plumbing to shape and bend pipes for custom applications. Pipe benders come in a wide range of sizes and materials. The most common materials are copper and steel, but all pipe benders don't need to accommodate all pipes.

Methods for Pipe Bending

There are 4 different types of pipe bending, varying by complexity. Each process is different and suited for different applications. These are:

Compression Bending

Compression bending is the simplest form of pipe bending used to manufacture electrical conduit pipes. This technique is used for simple bending formations. In compression bending, the material is pushed or forced to take the desired shape. Compression bending uses a bend die, mandrel, wiper die, clamp die, and pressure die. The bend die applies pressure to the pipe to mold it. The clamp die holds the part intact during fabrication. A wiper die is there to prevent any defect while manufacturing.

Compression bending is beneficial to manufacturers because it doesn’t require complex tooling parts, yet still offers easy operation and precise results. The disadvantage of the compression bending process is that it can’t achieve complex formations. Furthermore, compression bending can be a slower (and therefore impractical) process.

Rotary Draw Bending

The rotary draw bending technique is more precise than compression bending. The diameter of the pipe must remain consistent throughout the entire rotary draw bending process. Manufacturers use clamps attached to keep the pipe pulled to the required radius. The rotary draw bending technique is used to manufacture tubing components such as railings, bicycle handlebars, and many more.

Roll Bending

The roll bending technique is used for pipes and metal sheets that are sectional in shape. The main component of this machine is roller components that consistently roll throughout the process. The roll bending machine can be adapted for sheet bending.

The roll-bending machine cannot process thick-walled pipes and has limited capabilities for stainless steel and aluminum. Roll bending is used to manufacture rounded metal parts, motorcycle components, and other vehicle rims.

Mandrel Tube Bending

Mandrel tube bending is the most expensive method, but it provides a shorter lead time. It can be used repetitively without sacrificing quality results. A mandrel tube bending machine works by inserting a rod or mandrel into the tube while it is being formed.

Applications of Pipe Bending

The pipe bending process is used in numerous industries such as automobile, architectural, plumbing, marine, and aerospace sectors. Piping bending is crucial in designing elbows, pipe trusses, canopies, bridges, arches, jackets for storage tanks, air conditioning, radiators, and many other components. Pipe bending is used in petrochemical and offshore equipment, and in structural steel bending and rolling.

Residential and retail products also benefit from pipe bending. For example, playground equipment, fitness equipment, HVAC components, refrigeration pipes, tubes, and other products require pipe bending when built. Pipe bending is also used for making equipment for agriculture and transportation.

Choosing the Proper Pipe Bending Company

To make sure you have the most productive outcome when selecting a pipe bending company, it is important to compare at least 4 to 5 companies using our pipe bending directory. Each pipe bending company has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities and a contact form to directly communicate with the company for more information or request a quote. Review each pipe bending business website using our patented website previewer to get an idea of what each business specializes in, and then use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple pipe bending businesses with the same quote.