Tube Bending Tooling Basic Components Explained

It would be better to know a little bit about tube bending in general, as well as the types of bending process components used in the task, when approaching the tube bending tool first.

The basic bending work components include the bending mold, the clamping mold, pressure die, wiper die, and mandrel, each component contributing to the success of the operation. Before we go into detail about these specific components of the tool, let's look at some basics of pipe and pipe bending in general.

What Is Tube/Pipe Bending?

Tube or pipe bending is any process by which a piece of tube or pipe is fabricated, in its most simple description. Tube and pipe bending components is done so that the piece can be fit to certain machines or structures, as part of a larger whole. Metal Tube and pipe parts can be found in a wide range of application areas and across nearly every industry.

Each tooling component is necessary to achieve the proper bend for whatever the end use application will be. Each component plays a vital role in how the piece of pipe or tube is bent.

How Are Tube And Pipe Bent?

Tube and pipe can be bent manually, however this is not very common any more. Two of the biggest factors manual tube bending is an unpopular solution is that it is inconsistent and difficult to scale.

Tube and pipe bending that is done with a bending machine today. Some bending machines rely on employees to use the machine, setting tooling and operating the machine manually, but more and more companies are opting for CNC machining for tube bends.

CNC, computer numerical control, bending machining is more consistent than human powered machines. CNC machines can also help assist in calculation performance.

There are several techniques for tube bending works, and the use of the wrong thing could do more harm than good. Even trained and experienced workers could make mistakes in the process they use or physically execute the curve. Thus, owners and managers who have qualified staff will also want to use CNC tube benders that help to reduce the risk and strain on tube and tube bends.

There are a number of pieces of tooling that are used during the tube/pipe bending process. Each of these components needs to be set precisely to achieve the correct bend. CNC machines can help ensure the right tooling is being used.

Tube bending calculations and formulas can be tricky even for experienced tube and pipe benders, so we recommend to contact us if you need help or would like to learn more for custom tube bending fabrications.

Bending Tool Kits

The Bend, Clamp, and Pressure Dies

The first component to consider is the bending die. A bending die is used to form the tube and determines the radius of the bend. There are a number of standard tool configurations as well as upright and flange bending dies. The application requirements dictate which type of bending die is suitable, however, base and flange fastening dies are used in situations where the height is greater than the width, and in situations where there is not enough material left for a post through the hole.

The clamp die grips the tube against the bend die as the bend die rotates. While the pressure die applies, as its name implies, the pressure needed to bend the tube. The pressure die applies pressure by pressing the tube into the bend die.

The Bending Wiper Die

The wiper die supports the tube on the inside of the bend to prevent wrinkles. Steel wiper dies are used for bending steel copper, aluminum, and bronze tubing. While aluminum/bronze wiper dies are used for stainless, titanium, and inconel tubing. 

Tube Bending Mandrels

The mandrel is the component that supports the interior of the tube, preventing collapse and wrinkling during bending. Steel / chrome mandrels are used to bend steel, copper, aluminum and bronze pipes. While aluminum / bronze mandrels are used to bend stainless steel, titanium and Inconel pipes. In addition to standard pitch mandrels, narrow pitch mandrels can be used for thin-wall tube and tight-radius bends.

Contact us to learn more about our tube fabrication services and how we can help for your projects.