Pipe and Tubing Bending

Using pipe or tube bending machines, a steel plug is inserted into the pipe or tube, while a rotating steel die forms the pipe to the radius of the die. The steel plug, (which is known as a mandrel), supports the pipe internally to stop the pipe cross section pinching during pipe bending. A pipe bending clamp attatches the pipe to the die. The pipe or tube bender then turns the die to the desired bend angle as a sliding pressure die forces the pipe to bend to the die radius. After the bend is complete, the mandrel is removed from the pipe, the clamp is released, then the newly bent pipe or tube can be taken from the pipe bender. With proper equipment, this pipe bending process is capable of producing, tight-radius bends for a wide range of applications, such as go-kart roll bars, football goalposts, and outdoor furniture.