Ram Style Tube Bending
Ram style bending is arguably the easiest and cheapest method of bending pipe and tube.
The pipe or tube is restrained at both ends the ram exerts pressure on the central axis and bends the pipe or tube to the required angle.
Ram bending does have dome drawbacks though, as t the bent pipe or tube is likely to deform on both the inside and outside curvature. The pipe or tube will then have an avular cross section, depending on the wall thickness of the material. Ram Bending is most often used for bending electrical conduit and similar light gauge product.
Mandrel Style Tube Bending
Mandrel bending of pipe and tube is used where the bent pipe and tube need to retain thei circular cross sections after bending. Other styles of bending can resuld in deformation or flattening of the pipe or tube.
When Mandrel Bending, the pipe and tube is supported internally with a flexible mandrel support that bends with the pipe or tube, and ensures that the pipe retains its shape. The pipe or tube is drawn through a counter bending die onto fixed radius former die, which ensures the the pipe or tube is properly bent without any damage.
Mandrel bending of pipe and tube is most often the method of choice for the manufacture of exhaust pipes, turbocharger exhaust and intake tubing, dairy tubing and process tubing, and just about any steel or aluminium tubing where absolutely no deformation of the pipe is required.
Ring Roll Style Bending
Ring roll Bending is primarily used for bending pipes and tubes which have a large circumfrence. Pipe and tube ring roll benders generally have 3 rolls on separate shafts that roll the pipe while the top roller exerts downward pressure on the top roll to bend the pipe to the required angle. Ring Roll Pipe and Tube benders are available in 2 or 3 driven roll machines, and can use either manual or hydraulic settings for the rolls. Roll tube benders are usually used for awnings,frames for barbecues, outdoor furniture, and a round tubes with a large radius.
Rotary Draw Bending
Rotary draw bending is the most commonly used style of bender for bending pipe and tube where maintaining a smooth bend and constant diameter is required.
The pipe or tube is drawn through stationary counter- bending die onto fixed radius former die. This method of bending pipe and tube is used mainly in the production of handrails, car chassis, Drag car chassis, Roll cages, and Trailer frames
