3 Simple Ways to Properly Bend Steel Tubing

To bend steel pipe or tubing, you need to support the interior of the tubing using a mandrel, then set the tubing into the bending machine, and finally bend the tubing.

Bending steel tubing can be done using a ram bender, rotary bender, or roll bender, such as an angle roll. Here are simple steps you can follow to properly bend steel pipe:

Before mounting the steel tubing or pipe to the bending machine, first you need to support the tubing using a mandrel. Sliding the mandrel into the tubing will help ensure that the tubing will keep its shape while being bent by the machine. The mandrel has the shape as the inside of the tubing with a narrowed tip as in a bullet or banana to keep the pipe from breaking during bending.

When the tool is not available, you can also make a sand mandrel to support your tubing. To do this, first, you need to secure one end of the tubing using many layers of overlapping duct tape to ensure it endures the pressure. Next, fill the tubing with water. Slowly displace the water with sand, constantly hammering the pipe at the side where the sand is to prevent air bubbles from forming. When water has been completely displaced and the pipe is filled with sand, wipe the tubing dry on the open end and seal it with layers of duct tape. Be sure to properly secure both ends of the tubing as pressure may build up and cause the sand to blow hard while bending.

The next step is to set the tubing into your bending machine. Open all handles well to fully insert the pipe. Make sure to set the pipe into the lines of your machine’s contact points. The three contact points include the central curve where your tubing will be bent and two other spots that keep the pipe in place while being bent.

Now you are ready to bend the tubing. Different instructions apply to different types of benders. Read the specific instructions that come with your machine to be able to bend your tubing properly. Generally, you need to make sure that the pipe is properly mounted on the bender; the bender is properly secured; screws are tightly fastened; the right buttons, levers, and switches are used; and proper removal of tubing is observed.

Different steel tubing come in different sizes and thickness, so it may take some trials to find the right setting for bending a particular pipe. It is also advised that you wear proper gear, such as goggles and gloves, while bending your steel tubing to protect you from accidents.