Tube bending is the process of shaping pipes or tubing permanently. It typically involves a bending machine for precision and to save time, allowing operators to create various multiple or single bends and shape steel into exact specifications. The process is crucial to fabrication applications and is versatile for many purposes, including stair railings, building parts for vehicles and musical instruments, and crafting custom hydraulic lines for aircraft.

The bending process depends on various factors, such as wall thickness, desired accuracy, required quantity, and material type. Tube benders are often selected based on those factors, but despite several methods for meeting accurate bends, there is usually only one that can address them. Knowing the different tube bending processes, how they work, and their applications can help you pick the appropriate ones for your project. Here are some of them:

Press bending

The most straightforward way to bend tubes is by press bending. It relies on a press brake, hydraulic press, an ironworker, or any similar machine to press against the pipe or tube while straddling the material across two fixed supports, so it conforms to the desired shape.

Press bending is affordable and versatile, but without careful planning, it may crush the pipe or tubing and result in poor accuracy, low repeatability, and slow production.

Roll bending

This tube bending procedure uses a section roller or angle roll to pull a pipe or tube through the rolls while pressing into an increasing bend. Similar to press bending, it uses a triangular pattern with a pressing roller and support rollers, but this time, it can bend material at various angles. However, it can be slow, with chances of poor repeatability and accuracy. Thin-walled tubing may easily collapse with tiny bend radii.

CNC tube bending

CNC tube benders can perform complex bends more precisely. Reputable service providers use state-of-the-art machines for cutting, forming, and bending tubes from 1/4” to 2” to your required bending angles.

CNC tube bending machines are fully automated and computer-operated, with heavy-duty mechanical parts run by electrical motors or a hydraulic system. They can create accurately sized stainless steel tubing and pipes for various applications, such as automotive parts and fuel or water pumps.