Different Tube Bending Machines

There’s quite a few options to choose from, when you want to bend tubes. Pipe and tubing benders come in different forms. The choice of a bending process comes down to the required bending radii, material, etc.

Rotary Draw Bending Machine:

This is the most common type of a tube bender. First, the machine operator secures the tube or pipe on the machine with a clamp die. Then the bend die starts turning around its axis. At the same time, the stationary pressure die makes sure the tube follows the bend die’s radius.Adding a mandrel and a wiper die is a possibility to secure a better outcome. This is only necessary with more difficult jobs though, where deformations are not allowed. For example, a tube with a large diameter and a small wall thickness needs more support.As a highly accurate and programmable machine, it allows the production of complex parts in batches.Applications: handrails, frames, automotive roll cages, handles, etc.

Roll Bending Machine:

These pipe bending machines are also known as 3-roll benders. Similarly to sheet metal roll benders, they are commonly used for achieving large radii bends. The two lower rollers have a fixed position. The upper roller’s height is adjustable. Gradually, with back-and-forth movement between the rollers, the tube bends until obtaining the optimal result.Tube roll bending achieves an excellent result, causing little deformation in the cross section.Applications: coils of pipe, long bends with a large radius.

Ram Bending Machine:

Also known as a press bender, it’s probably the simplest pipe bender on the market. First, the stationary dies are placed onto the work bed. The distance between the dies regulates the length of the bend and the bending angle.The bending radius depends on the radius of the ram. When everything is in place, the ram pushes against the pipe. As the outside wall of the tube is supported by the dies, the ram can effectively perform the metal forming.Ram bending is only suitable if the deformation of the cross section is not an issue. Because there is no internal support, a pipe ends with an oval cross section.Applications: simple bends where accuracy and a constant cross section are not that important.