Tube bending is defined as a process, whereby, the stock tubing is cast into the die so that it changes its shape permanently. The process takes place with the help of tube bending machine. A variety of pattern can be developed on the stock tube. You can have a single bend or you can use your creativity and get multiple bends in the tube.

There are various methods of tube bending available. One needs to select the method based on the size of the material and the shape that is required by the bending process.

Let us see some of the methods of tube bending:

Mandrel Bending is one of the popular methods of steel tube bending. If the steel is to be bend up to 180 degrees, then this one of the best methods of bending. In this method, mandrel is inserted in the tube. When the mandrel rotates, the metal surrounding the die bends and forms a radius. This is particularly useful when you are trying to bend a thick tube. Mandrel bending is capable of producing uniform results.

Rolling: Rolling is the most common methods used in aluminum tube bending. This method is most useful in manufacturing spiral shapes such as staircases, coils etc. Unlike the mandrel bending, here the metal can be bent up to 360 degrees. The mechanism used in rolling is relatively simple and cost effective. A die that is suitable for the metal size is selected. The rolling and the metal move at the same speed, but in the opposite direction. When the aluminum tube passes from the roll, the tube bends owing to the pressure applied by the machine. There are two types of rolling, hot rolling and cold rolling. The selection of the rolling is based on the type of metal to be rolled as well as on the result. For example, if you want to bend a tube in to a metal sheet, then hot rolling will be used. For plastic and glass, cold rolling is used, whereas for bending tubes made of steel, hot rollers are used.

The other two methods of bending tubes are table forming and pressing. Table forming is used to bend small but heavy tubes. Whereas, pressing method is used when you want to bend large bending tubes, where it is not essential to maintain a tight radius. This method of tube bending is typically used in roofing.