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Thursday, November 23, 2017

Crucial Factors That Will Affect the Bending Process of Square Metal Tubing


No matter the application, square metal tubing requires proper skill and the right machine to get it to bend at just the right angle. Even with modern innovations such as computer-controlled bending dies as well as refined bending techniques and tools, however, the process still relies on a handful of simple variables. Keeping in mind the following factors will help reduce the amount of distortion you see in the bent sections.

Type of Material

Before feeding the tube to any kind of bending machine, make sure that you know your material very well. What is exactly is it made of? Different metals have their own sets of properties that you have to take into account. For instance, copper tubing is softer and much easier to manipulate. Not to mention, alloys made from various types of metals may also behave differently when you put them in the machine. If possible, order your tubes correctly by giving your supplier a list of specifications. You can better predict the outcome this way.

Thickness and Size

When you bend a square metal tube, you are essentially stretching the outside diameter and compressing its inside diameter. This is what causes the distortion on the surface. If you want there to be less noticeable contortion, you might prefer to work with a heavier wall thickness that allows for a tighter bend radius and more stretchability. Similarly, a smaller tube bent to a larger radius will have less chances of developing distortions. Carefully choosing the dimensions of your materials will solve any bending problem before they even arise.

Bending Technique

With access to a plethora of machinery, fabricators can bend tubing using more than just one technique. It is important to note that your method of bending is one of the vital elements in controlling distortion. Most tubes today are bent using one of these procedures: ram-type bending, roll bending, compression bending and rotary draw bending. Each process requires the use of different tooling that may include bend dies, clamp blocks, follower blocks, mandrels and wiper dies. Considering the amount of work that needs to be done with specialized equipment, it’s best to have a plan.

Using Lubricants

The bending process puts a lot of friction and pressure between the tooling and the material being bent. Without a lubricant, the tube could get tightly lodged in the machine. This will only increase the distortion on the metal’s surface. Applying non petroleum-based synthetic lubricants internally and externally decreases the friction, allowing the material to flow smoothly and efficiently through the equipment. A good rule of thumb to follow is to put more concentrated lubrication on tubing with thick walls and tighter radii.

Using the latest machines and correctly sourced metal tubing, you can create works of art and marvels of architecture. Find reputable suppliers such as Rotax Metals to get started on your project.

About Rotax Metals

Established in 1947, Rotax Metals has be the preferred supplier of high quality copper, brass and bronze products across numerous industries. We have an extensive inventory of competitively priced products, and we offer a range of special services as well. Our knowledgeable and experienced sales team are more than capable of catering to your needs.


Sources:
Tips on Bending Tubing With a Pipe Bender, ItStillRuns.com

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