Pipe Bending machines can boost efficiency for industries that require accurate, but fast bending of metal pipes. It’s essential to know about automatic pipe bending Machine options, applications, materials, and other information to not only ensure the best model for your needs but also to guarantee safety and productivity when using a pipe bender. 

This complete guide to pipe-bending machines will cover all that and more, but first, what is a pipe-bending machine?

What is a Pipe Bending Machine?

An automatic pipe-bending machine is simply a machine for bending metal pipes and tubes. They can create curved sections for many different applications and industries and, depending on the type of pipe bender, they can be used to work on both the outside and inside diameters for precise bending. 

Pipe bending machines use extreme heat and powerful pressure to form the metal into a specific shape around an adjustable die. This allows it to be precise and customizable for your specific applications. 

Compared with conventional types of bending machines, a modern pipe bending machine is extremely efficient and provides technology solutions to accelerate, simplify, and improve the entire process, making it a necessary option for many industries. 

What Materials Can A Pipe Bending Machine Form?

A pipe bending machine can bend all sorts of metals including stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, albumin, titanium, iron, and other metals. However, it depends on the specific machine because some machines are only designed for specific metal materials while others are made to bend a variety of metals. 

Pipe Bender Uses and Applications 

So, what is tube bending used for? Pipe bending machines are commonly used in a wide variety of industries, similar to other types of bending machines. In general, pipe-bending machines are used for any application that requires the bending of metal tubes, pipes, or cylinders. 

Here are some of the most common industries and applications for an automatic tube bending machine:

• Automotive: Pipe bending machines are a necessity in the manufacturing of automotive parts including exhaust pipes, fuel brake pipes, air conditioning rubes, seat frames, and so much more. They are also used for motorcycle, bicycle, and public transport construction. 
• Construction: Pipe benders are used in the construction industry, particularly with the bending of staircase rails, scaffolding, and other tools. Additionally, they can be used for street signs, hydraulic systems, and oil pipes. 
• Home furniture: A pipeline bending machine is a great way to increase output with iron, steel, and aluminum tables, office chairs, frames, ladders, and more. 
• Medical: Automatic tube bending machine models can be used to create medical beds, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment.
• Aerospace: Used to create frames, testing equipment, cleaning gear, and aerospace parts, efficient pipe bending machines are extremely common in this industry. 
• Consumer goods: Whether you need to create fitness equipment, fencing, bathroom accessories, lighting hardware, or even luggage frames and baby strollers, a metal bending machine can help. 

Types of Pipe Bending Machines

There are several different types of pipe bending machines and knowing the differences between them can help you select the best model for your specific metal bending needs. 

Radius Bender

Radius benders are fully manual pipe bending machines that are designed to make radius bends of round or square pipe and tubing. While they are not recommended for large-scale operations, they can be an affordable way to create bends in piping as long as you’re not in need of high performance, precision, and output. 

Hydraulic Pipe Bending Machine

These semi-automatic tube-bending machines are very affordable, but they do require manual feed and rotation. That means that they are a cost-effective way to create single or simple bends, but the speed and output may not be as great as they will be for a fully automatic model. 

Twin Head Pipe Bending Machine

A twin-head pipe bending machine can simultaneously bend both ends of a single pipe. This is a great tool for symmetrical bends and can boost production efficiency by 2x. However, they are typically unable to bend large-diameter pipes and cannot achieve complex bending specifications. 

CNC Tube Bender

This fully automatic pipe bend machine takes care of automatic feeding and pipe rotation using digital input, which means higher precision than hydraulic types. CNC Tube Benders are divided into full servo (fully electric) and partial servo pipe bending machines. A full servo machine, like Accurl metal bending machines, eliminates the hydraulics completely, which allows for extreme accuracy, reduces pollution, and improves work conditions. 

Roll Bending Machine

Roll bending machines are designed for the rolling processing of pipes, tubes, and profiles with a larger bending radius. These machines are often used for the construction of large-diameter tubes, coils, arches, and materials for bridges, stadiums, buildings, and street lights. They can be difficult to operate but are great for certain industries where precision isn’t of the utmost importance. 

How Does a Pipe Bending Machine Work

With a bending machine pipeline, the materials will be bent around the bending die. Clamps will prevent the pipe from shifting during the bending process, and the pressure will ensure uniformity without wrinkling, collapse, or other failures in the material. 

The bending curvature will be determined by the bending die, but the process itself depends on the type of bending machine you have. For example, a pure hydraulic system will use hydraulics and manual positioning to produce the bends while a full servo system is completely electric which means easier operations, lower energy consumption, and high-performance precision. 

Finally, there are also combination hydraulic plus servo systems that are less expensive than some full servo options, but may not have the cost savings and are harder to properly maintain. 

How to Use a Pipe Bender

If you want to know how to bend tubing accurately, you’ll have to learn on a specific machine. However, in general, you’ll follow the pipe bending machine diagram to place the material on the platform, adjust the radius to create the curvature you need, and then use the hydraulic or electric system to create the bends. 

With fully manual options, you’ll have to do some work with a lever or crank to create the bend, but with fully servo models you can input the data into the system and it will automatically create the bend for you. 

Then, when the process is complete and it’s safe to handle the material again, you can remove the pipe from the machine and continue to another piece. Now that you know how to use pipe bender machines as well as the different types, applications, and more, how do you select the best machine for your needs and goals?

What to Look for in the Best Pipe Bending Machines

Knowing how to choose the best pipe bending machine for your applications is critical because it can drive efficiency, boost safety, and ultimately elevate your bottom line. Here are the most important factors to consider. 

Bending Machine Pipeline Material 

Consider the type, size, and diameter of your material before selecting a pipe bending machine. By doing so, you can make sure that the machine will be able to handle the workload and create accurate bends to your satisfaction as well as your customers. 

Type

Weigh the pros and cons of the different types depending on your output and existing operations. For example, if you need something affordable, then a manual option might work. However, if you need high performance, precision, and efficiency, then a full servo machine will probably be a better choice. 

Manufacturer

Make sure you select a pipe-bending machine from a reputable manufacturer. That way, you know that it will be durable, but you’ll also receive warranties, customer support, and other benefits. Accurl has been an industry leader since 1988 and we continuously strive for energy-efficient, technologically advanced, and market-leading solutions. 

Precision

Some industries don’t require much precision, but for others it’s essential. Make sure you consider this when comparing different machines. In addition, you can check how to ensure accuracy with mechanical or digital systems. 

Safety and Operation

Overly complex machines mean more training for your employees, which means higher operating costs. Keep that in mind when selecting a machine. Also, safety is a crucial consideration to ensure an efficient, but risk-free work area. 

Conclusion

As you can see, pipe-bending machines are a fantastic addition to many industries including automotive, healthcare, construction, aerospace, and more. There are several types that offer different pros and cons including the cost-effectiveness of semi-automatic models to the high performance of full-servo machines. Just make sure you keep all those factors in mind to select the best model for your organization, industry, applications, and goals. 

Want a free quote on a full servo, high precision bending machine from a top 10 worldwide industry leader? Click here to request your free quote. 

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