Tube bending mistakes aren’t impossible to avoid

Tube bending is a science in itself. Even technicians with experience cannot always locate the right answers to the issues that manifest. But, there are some standard error patterns that you can rectify with ease. What we are going to do is discuss the important details here. We’ll talk about some of the most common problems and how you can fix them. Then, if you need reliable tube bending services you can come to us.

Springback

Tube bending servicesIf you have ever attempted to bend a workpiece, you might have experienced this. What can happen is it will try to return to its original shape. This is what we know as springback.

Let’s say you bend a steel tube at a 60º angle. It will spring back a few degrees automatically. The result will be an angle that is below 60º. As a result, it is vital for you to overcompensate bends for springback. It could be that your tube springs back to a 57º angle. What you’ll need to do is bend it to 63º.

Flattening

As your tubing’s walls become thinner and the bend radius tighter, you could end up with a flat bend. This happens because the wall along the exterior lacks the thickness to support itself. It ends up collapsing.

A mandrel could aid you in stopping the issue. You position it within the tube and it supports it during the bend. You are able to use many different mandrels here, like segmented, ball or simple plug designs. Speak to us if you require first class tube bending services.

Buckling and wrinkling

The external radius of a tube may be vulnerable to flattening during bending. But, the internal radius is prone to wrinkling and buckling. Usually, this is a normal problem with tubing possessing a smaller bend radii and relatively thin wall.

To stop these two issues from occurring, you need to use a wiper die. Its correct placement is essential for a successful bend. You need to put it just behind your bend die so the tip is at the tangent point.

The wiper die can experience frictional force during bending. When it does, its material needs to be operationally compatible with your tubing. If you use the wrong material, you can experience galling after several bending cycles.

Low pressure

Particularly with an old collection of tools, the tube will probably slip in the clamp die. Having too little pressure can lead to deformations like wrinkles or kinks on the interior of your bend. This would make the workpiece useless. So, you need to address it. Ensure you have good quality tools that exert the correct pressure.

We can do much with tube bending services

At Multiform Tubes Engineering Ltd, we use our expertise to create a wide variety of products. Examples include chair frames, shop fittings, barriers, and more. Our team uses top quality machinery and tooling to complete projects. As a result, it enables us to bend tubes with the utmost accuracy.

So, if you’d like to work with us for tube bending services, please get in touch. We have the skills you need to get the very best bends.