Multi-radius bending is commonly used for complex parts when one continuous pipe or tube requires two or more center line radii. (Photo courtesy of Sharpe Products)
When one continuous pipe or tube needs two or more center line radii, multi-radius bending is a common choice. Sometimes hard tooling is not the best option for complex parts that need to be formed in one complete cycle and in this case multi-radius tube bending is an especially good fit for these parts that have a large centerline radius.
Many Bends in One Cycle
Changeovers between right-hand and left-hand bending heads may be repeated multiple times as needed. This allows complex shapes to be completely fabricated without removing the tube or involving any other machines.
This method is often requested for parts made of steel or stainless steel, but a wide range of industrial metals, wall thicknesses and lengths can be accommodated.
BLM’s E-Turn permits switching between left-hand and right-hand bending heads as many times as necessary, allowing complex shapes to be fabricated completely without removing the tube from the machine.
What are the Applications for Multi-Radius Tube Bending?
There are a wide variety of applications for multi-radius tube bending, with ideal applications in exhaust and emissions control and oil and gas. This type of bending is also effective for instances in which interior surfaces must be consistent in order to withstand pressure, flow rate and volume of the material going through the tube or pipe.
Multi-radius tube bending is also used to create components for heavy equipment and a range of structural frames.
What are the Benefits of Multi-Radius Tube Bending?
As the process utilizes dual head machine technology, bending and setup is customized to successfully deliver both small and large radii on the same part. What makes multi-radius bending ideal for both high-volume orders as well as complex, highly engineered parts is its ability to do multiple bends on one part in one cycle.
How to Get Started with Multi-Radius Tube Bending
Creating a multi-radius bend involves setting the machine according to the tube geometry listed in the bend data sheet or production print. The coordinates the data sheet in addition to the LRA data (length, rotation and angle) can either be entered to the machine manually or uploaded from the customer record for each specific part.
After this step is completed, a simulation can be performed on the part. This will ensure that the tube will successfully clear the machine and tooling as it is bent. It is important to look for any collision or interference. Any necessary adjustments should made to the software, clamps, head or other parts on the bending machine before the start of the process.
Inserts for the tube or pipe, called mandrels, are sometimes incorporated to ensure that the tube maintains its shape and integrity during the bending process.
When the machine is set, the tube or pipe can be inserted into the machine’s collet. This clamps onto the part to guide its movement. The machine then runs through the program, making the entire part in one cycle.
About Sharpe Products
Founded in 1990, Sharpe Products provides custom pipe and tube bending, laser cutting and custom fabrication services for commercial and industrial applications.
More information is available at sharpeproducts.com.
