Press Bending
Press bending is one of the simplest types of pipe bending processes. In press bending, two dies that contain the shape of the bend are pressed against the pipe that requires bending. When these pressure die are pressed against the pipe, the shape of the bend is imprinted on the pipe.
Rotary Draw Bending
Rotary draw bending is one of the most widely used tube bending processes. It is used for making roll cages, furniture frames, handrails, and many other applications. The radius of the bend die is the same as the required radius of the bend.
Compression Bending
Compression bending is a bending method of the past and is rarely applied nowadays. In compression bending, the pipe is clamped at both ends, and pressure is applied at the point of the required bend, so the bend moves into space.
Compression bending is generally used in the construction sector for the bending of electrical conduits.
Roll Bending
In roll bending, a series of rollers push the pipe through a coil of the required bend angle. Generally, 3 to 4 rollers are found in the roll bending machine. Roll bending machines can be used to create coils of pipes and truss rod bends.
Mandrel Tube Bending
Mandrel bending is a very common bending technique. Mandrel bending is applied to hollow tubes and involves placing internal support in the tube to protect it from collapsing during the bending process. It is used for creating exhaust pipes for automobiles, aerospace equipment, and exercise equipment.
Wiper Die Bending
Just like mandrel tube bending, wipe die is another modification of the other bending processes like rotary draw bending. In this technique, a die called wiper die is placed beside the bending die to prevent the formation of wrinkles and exceeded flow of material of the tube.
Heat Induction Bending
The heat induction bending method is usually applied for the creation of pipelines in the petrochemical industry. This method is also used in the large radius components that you see in the construction industry, as well as in the power distribution sector.
Sand Packing and Hot Slab Forming
Sand packing and hot slab forming is a combination of multiple techniques. First, the pipe is filled with sand and closed at both ends. Then the pipe is heated in a furnace to a high temperature. After that, it is held on a slab with pins at both ends and bent around with force from a winch or crane.
Ring Roll Bending
Ring roll tube bending is applied to metal strips of minimal wall thinning instead of tubes and pipes. Metal strips are formed into curved bands with machines called ring roll bending machine. These curved bands can then be joined together through welding to form rings.
Ram Bending
In ram bending, the tube is placed on stationary dies called counter dies, which are placed at an angle relative to the bend angle required. A pressure die then applies a force to the tube and creates the required bend.