How to Use a Hydraulic Pipe Bending Machine Correctly

Tube and pipe bending tools are used in manufacturing plants and production units for the construction of rolling stands, gates, handrails, and various sheet metal fabrication projects. There are different types of bending tools in different specifications. Hydraulic pipe bending machines are designed for use in the automotive and mechanical industries. Such devices are made from high-grade steel and are used for rolling cages, handrails, etc.

Electric hydraulic tube benders and pipe benders require large diameters and wall thicknesses, making them suitable for high-power and precision angles of operation. There are smaller and larger models, many of which can be used in smaller workshops. It is very important to understand how hydraulic pipe bending machines work before putting them into operation. In this article, we will walk you through the pipe bending process and teach you all the things you need to pay attention to during operation.

Pre-operation measures

Check your hydraulic pipe bending machine before each use and fix any issues to reduce the risk of severe electric shock injury, collapse accidents, and other causes and avoid damage to the machine. Clean any blood, grease, or dirt from the bending machine for the hydraulic pipe like handles and controls. This allows for better control of the hydraulic pipe bending machine and prevents the hydraulic pipe bending machine or control from slipping out of the holder during use. Inspect the hydraulic pipe bending machine for hydraulic leaks. Check the hydraulic fluid level and adjust as necessary and also check for any broken, cracked, bent, missing, or stapled parts and other conditions that may prevent safe operation of the hydraulic pipe bending machine, such as cracks in the corner brackets. Make sure the power cord and plug are in a good state and don’t have any. If any problems are found during the hydraulic inspection of the pipe bender, do not use them until the problems have been corrected.

Loading the pipe in your hydraulic pipe bending machine in 5 steps

• Make sure your hydraulic pipe bending machine and the work area are properly set up and free from bystanders and other distractions. The  ON/OFF switch should be in the OFF position initially. If necessary, mark the pipe to bend in a suitable location and open the upper bend frame.
• Select the appropriate bending form for the pipe about to be bent. The forms are marked with their size and catalog number. Put the former on the end of the ram.
• Place the pipe to be bent in front of the first and, if necessary, place supports under the pipe to keep it in the correct bending position. The first contains the character in the middle to be aligned. Support the pipe properly to prevent the pipe and hydraulic pipe bending machine from tipping over during use.
• Make sure to spread some grease on the side of the corner bracket where it contacts the pipe. Place the brackets in the appropriate holes as marked on the bending frame. The corner supports must be in the correct, symmetrical holes, otherwise, the hydraulic pipe bending machine may be damaged during use.
• Finally, all you need to do is shut the bending frame and completely insert the support pins in the corner via the bending frame wings. Align the corner brackets so that the zero marks on the angle indicators line up with the mark on the top wing. Open Wing Hydraulic pipe bending machines do not have angle indicators. Make sure the pins are fully inserted into the lower leaf. Make sure the hydraulic pipe bending machine and pipe are stable.

The bending operation explained

Stand next to the cylinder on the same side as the release knob. Do not reach over your hydraulic pipe bending machine while it is running. Move the ram forward. When the bending template touches the tube, slowly and carefully move the slider to align the bend with the first. Continue moving the actuator until the tube is just against the corner brackets. Do not place fingers, hands, or other parts of the body in a position that could trap or pinch them. Make sure the corner brackets are in the correct position to bend the pipe and the pins are fully inserted into the frame. Otherwise, the hydraulic pipe bending machine may be damaged during use. Make sure the ends of the pipe extend beyond the corner brackets enough to prevent the pipe from slipping when bent. Continue to move the cylinder and bend the pipe. Keep away from the moving pipe. Watch the angle indicators. The average of the angles measured by each angle indicator is the approximate total angular deflection. Watch as the ram expands. If you can see a small groove in the cylinder, stop the cylinder from moving to prevent hydraulic leakage and damage to the cylinder

:: Read More: Show me a nice hydraulic pipe bender

Different approaches for different pipes

Some pipe sizes require a slider extension to create a 90-degree bend. When the groove in the actuator is visible, stop moving it. Make sure the pipe is properly supported to prevent it from moving or falling off. Turn the release knob of your hydraulic pipe bending machine to the retracted position and retract the actuator far enough to allow the extension to be inserted between the end of the slider and the previous one. Insert the extension and carefully move the slider. Do not place fingers, hands, or other parts of the body in a position that could trap or pinch them. After reaching the desired degree of bending, stop moving the slider. Do not try to make bends greater than 90 degrees, this can cause the pipe to kink and other problems. You may need a square or other measuring device to measure the exact bend angles. It is recommended to bend the pipe at an angle as it is easier to bend the pipe a little more than to straighten it. When the actuator is retracted, the pipe may pop off, so a little compensation may be needed to achieve the desired angle. After making a turn, move the power switch to the OFF position. Retract the actuator by turning the release knob to the retracted position and remove the pipe from your hydraulic pipe bending machine. If necessary, also remove bolts, corner brackets, or open the top sash. If the former is stuck to the pipe, you can use a wooden block or a soft mallet to pull it off the pipe. Do not use ordinary hammers, chisels, or other hardened tools to remove the former. They can chip and damage the former and cause injury. And, voila, you have successfully bent a pipe!

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