Pipe Bending Rules

Electrical Conductive Aluminum Tubing

For the most minimal deformation of a tube that needs to be bent, a technique called mandrel bending is a common solution. First, a mandrel support stabilizes the pipe from the inside. Next, a counter bending die machine pulls the pipe through it. A radius former die then collects the pipe. This process is crucial for pipes made from more delicate materials that must retain their finish.

Pipes that are bent into a wider circumference as opposed to a pronounced angle can be bent through a ring roll system. There are typically three rollers on individual shafts that make up a standard ring roll bender. The machine rolls large amounts of pipe through each roller. The bending itself is performed by a top roller pressing downward on the pipe between the other two rollers. Strong yet relatively lightweight pipes made from copper are typically used.

Iron, one of the strongest common metals, is formed by rotary draw bending. This type of bending strongly maintains the pipe's diameter. A counter-bending die which is stationery pulls a pipe onto a controlled radius die. This process is often used to create the necessary shapes for sturdy iron hand-railings.

Ram bending is a slightly simpler way to bend electrical pipes and tubing. While the pipe is held securely in place with two external clamps, the ram moves toward the central axis, where the pipe needs to be bent, and shapes it. This method does not ensure as much protection as the others.