Pipe Bending Machine Guide

The Main Parts of the Pipe Bender

Bend Die

The bending matrix, also known as the bending form or radial matrix, is the most important part of a rotary bender. The pipe is attached to the bending matrix and the drawing process produces the necessary bending. The choice of matrix is ​​very important because the inner radius of the pipe depends on it.

Clamp Die

The pressure matrix presses the tube against the bending matrix. Its main purpose is to prevent the pipe from slipping.

Pressure Die

A pressure matrix ensures that the pipe follows the contour of the bent matrix.

Wiper Die

The wiper block is placed just after the bend matrix. The goal is to avoid the formation of humps in the inner radius.

During the forming process, the material becomes plastic during bending. This can cause wrinkles with severe deformations. Thus, adding a wiper matrix just after the bend matrix helps smooth the surface.

Mandrel

For bending steel and aluminum pipes, a mandrel is required for more difficult work. Bending a small radius, thin pipes or harder materials can result in unsatisfactory results. In these cases, the stem can be useful. The purpose of the mandrel is to prevent the tube from collapsing.

Pipe Benders Choices

There are many options to choose from if you want to bend pipes. Pipe and pipe benders come in various forms. The choice of the bending process boils down to the required bending radii, material, etc.

Rotary Benders

This is the most common type of pipe bender. First, the machine operator secures the tube or pipe on the machine with a clamping matrix. Then the bending matrix begins to rotate around its axis. At the same time, the stationary pressure die ensures that the pipe follows the die bending radius.

The addition of a mandrel and a wiper is a chance for a better result. This is only necessary for more difficult works where deformations are not allowed. For example, a pipe with a large diameter and a small wall thickness requires more support. As a highly accurate and programmable machine, it allows the production of complex parts in batches.

Rotary Bender Applications: handrails, frames, automotive roll cages, handles, etc.

Roll Bending Machines

These pipe benders are also known as 3-roll benders. As with sheet metal benders, they are commonly used to achieve large bends. The two lower rollers have a fixed position. The height of the upper roll is adjustable. Gradually, with the movement back and forth between the rollers, the pipe bends until an optimal result is obtained. Bending of pipe rolls achieves an excellent result, causing a slight deformation in the cross section.

Roll Bending Machine Applications: tubular coils, long bends with a large radius.

Frame Bending Machines

This is probably the simplest pipe bender on the market. First, stationary dies are placed on a work bed. The distance between the dies regulates the bending length and bending angle. The bending radius depends on the radius of the piston.

When everything is in place, the actuator pushes the pipe. Because the outer wall of the tube is supported on the dies, the slider can effectively perform metal forming. Bending the frames is only suitable if cross-sectional deformation is not a problem. Since there is no internal support, the pipe ends with an oval cross-section.

Frame Bending Machine Applications: straight arcs where accuracy and constant cross-section are not so important.

Vector Pipe Benders

This forming machine is great for getting high quality results. The principle is similar to rotary bending. The pipe forms around a rotational tension, so it is very precise. But the automatic feeding system also makes it very fast. These machines are suitable for bending high-strength materials.

Vector Pipe Bender Applications: aerospace and automotive industry.

Orbital Head Bending Machines

Usually used with automation and computer control, they provide the ability to rotate heads and sleeves around pipes and tubes. This increases efficiency and productivity. Automated feeding and discharging is available.

Orbital Head Bending Machine Applications: air conditioning, automotive and other complex parts.

Induction Benders

For induction bending, the profile is drawn by a matrix. There is an induction coil at the bend point.  In this way the metal heats up. Applying pressure to a hot object enables energy-saving bending. This is an exact method that does not require mandrels. At the same time, a wide range of pipe sizes fit the same machine and a large variety of bending angles are available.

Induction Bender Applications: large industrial components, short radius arches, parts of the heating system, parts with thick walls, etc.

CNC Bending Process

Today, most bends only need human help, not constant guidance. This is possible thanks to CNC bending machines. CNC stands for numerically controlled computer. It is a term often used in production to describe machines cooperating with programming software to perform their operations. Typical CNC machines include lathes, drills and other machining tools.

The operator uses programming software to provide details of operations or required operations. Then the device performs these operations automatically. CNC controlled pipe benders usually use a combination of presses and rollers to guide pipes and pipes along the process. In general, CNC bending is bending, which is more efficient and efficient thanks to the use of automation.

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