Tuesday 19 January 2016

Understanding the Basics of Tube Bending Processes - Part II

In the previous post, we had provided descriptions of compression and rotary draw bending. In this post, we shall look at the remaining types of bending methods.

An Overview of the Remaining Tube Bending Methods

Along with the method and application, we shall also discuss the equipment that can be used to perform the method.
  • Roll Bending: Roll bending involves using a manual or power slip roll. The slip roll consists of three rollers in a pyramid configuration. The procedure involves passing sheet metal through the rollers, which apply pressure to form the material in the desired bent radius. The roll bending method is generally used for large radius bending. It is specifically used for materials that cannot be bent using compression or rotary bending methods. This method is ideal for producing large coils or parts with large radii. It is not appropriate to use roll bending if the bend radius is smaller than the tube’s outside diameter.
  • Freeform Bending: Freeform bending involves passing a single die through the pipe or tube and creating the bend. As only a single die is required, multi-radii bends can also be created with this method. The use of a single die eliminates the need for clamping. This minimal tooling allows for production of bends over 180 degrees. Freeform bending is ideal for complex parts requiring multiple radii. It is also useful if you want the part to be aesthetically pleasing, or not have straight lengths between bends. It is not the best method if your part requires tight bends.
Having the right equipment can help make your tube bending job a lot easier. Woodward Fab offers a variety of manual and power pipe and tube benders. Contact us to find the right product for your workshop.

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