Clamp
Clamp the tube to the bend die.
Manufacturing services · Chapter D · Method 26
Tube bending
Tube is clamped to a bend die and drawn around it, often over a mandrel, to make smooth bends without kinking or wrinkling.
How it works
Tube bending, step by step.
A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.
Support
Pressure die and mandrel support the tube.
Draw
The die rotates, drawing tube around the radius.
Rotate & repeat
Rotate the tube and position for the next bend.
Reference figures
What to expect.
Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.
Bend Angle±1°Standard
Rotation±2°Between bends
Segment±0.76 mmLength tolerance
Ovality≤10 %5–8 % typical
| Materials | Mild steel, stainless, aluminium and copper tube. |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Die marks under 0.8 mm accepted; free of wrinkles and creases. |
| Design guidance |
|
| Best suited to | Frames, handles, handrails, exhausts and fluid lines. |
| Watch-outs | Tolerances add up across bends; tight radii thin the outer wall. |
More in chapter D
Other methods in Sheet & tube
- 19 · Sheet metal fabrication
- 20 · Laser cutting
- 21 · Waterjet cutting
- 22 · Plasma cutting
- 23 · Sheet metal bending
- 24 · Punching
- 25 · Laser tube cutting
Next step
Not sure this is the right route?
Send a sketch, photo, sample or CAD file with your quantity and target date. We will recommend the most sensible route and explain the trade-offs before quoting.
Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.