Tubing benders are versatile tools that are commonly used to bend pipes for various applications. While they are primarily designed for bending cylindrical pipes, many people wonder if these benders can also handle non-cylindrical pipes. In this article, we will explore the capabilities of tubing benders and see if they are suitable for bending non-cylindrical pipes.
Understanding Tubing Benders
Before we dive into the topic, let’s briefly discuss what tubing benders are and how they work. Tubing benders are mechanical tools that utilize leverage to bend pipes. They consist of a sturdy frame, a bending mechanism, and handles for applying force. The bending mechanism can either be a shoe or a die, which is responsible for applying pressure to the pipe to create the desired bend.
Limitations of Tubing Benders
While tubing benders are excellent tools for bending cylindrical pipes, they do have limitations when it comes to non-cylindrical pipes. These limitations arise from the design and function of the bending mechanisms, which are specifically engineered to handle pipes with uniform cross-sections.
Non-Cylindrical Pipes
Non-cylindrical pipes, on the other hand, can have varying cross-sections throughout their length. They can be square, rectangular, oval, or even irregular in shape. Due to their non-uniformity, these pipes pose a significant challenge for traditional tubing benders.
Effects of Non-Uniform Cross-Sections
The primary issue with attempting to bend non-cylindrical pipes using a tubing bender is that the bending mechanism cannot evenly distribute pressure on the pipe’s surface due to its non-uniform cross-section. This uneven pressure distribution can lead to deformations or even failures during the bending process.
Specialized Tools for Non-Cylindrical Pipes
Given the limitations of tubing benders, it is advisable to use specialized tools designed specifically for non-cylindrical pipes. Some of these tools include hydraulic pipe benders, roll benders, and mandrel benders. These specialized tools have adjustable dies or rollers that can accommodate various cross-sections, allowing for precise and accurate bends.
Hydraulic Pipe Benders
Hydraulic pipe benders utilize hydraulic pressure to bend pipes. They are capable of applying even pressure distribution on non-cylindrical pipes, ensuring consistent and uniform bending results. These benders have a broad range of applications and can handle a variety of cross-sectional shapes.
Roll Benders
Roll benders, also known as pyramid or angle rolls, are another type of tool commonly used for bending non-cylindrical pipes. They consist of three rollers that are adjusted to match the desired bend radius and shape. These rollers work together to gradually deform the pipe until the desired bend is achieved.
Mandrel Benders
Mandrel benders are precision tools that use a mandrel, or a solid rod, placed inside the pipe during the bending process. This internal support prevents the collapse or deformation of the pipe’s cross-section during bending. Mandrel benders are predominantly used for pipes with circular or oval cross-sections, but they can also accommodate some non-cylindrical shapes.
In conclusioon, while tubing benders are excellent tools for bending cylindrical pipes, they are not suitable for bending non-cylindrical pipes due to their limitations. When dealing with non-uniform cross-sections, it is advisable to use specialized tools such as hydraulic pipe benders, roll benders, or mandrel benders. These tools provide the necessary features and adjustments to handle the complexities of non-cylindrical pipes, resulting in accurate and precise bends.