Can Precision Tubes Be Bent?

As a high-precision, high-strength pipe material, precision tubes are widely used in machinery, chemicals, automobiles, construction and other industries. However, many people have doubts about whether precision tubes can be bent. Can precision tubes be bent? The answer is yes, but due to the high precision and strength of precision steel tubes, appropriate processes and equipment need to be used in the bending process to ensure the quality and effect of the bending.

The latest industry data shows that the bending pass rate of precision tubes processed by the correct process can reach 98.6%, but improper operation will result in a scrap rate of more than 30%. Three conditions must be met for successful pipe bending:

Material properties: Carbon steel pipe above SCH40 can withstand a 6D bending radius

Equipment accuracy: The positioning error of the CNC pipe bending machine must be ≤±0.1°

Process control: The rebound compensation coefficient is accurate to 0.02-0.05mm/m

Two basic principles of pipe bending technology

Pipe bending technology mainly relies on two methods: mechanical bending and hydraulic bending:

1. Mechanical bending uses mechanical equipment and tools to apply external force to deform metal pipes according to a predetermined bending radius and angle.

2. Hydraulic bending uses the pressure inside the pipe to achieve more efficient and accurate bending processing. This method is particularly common when processing hydraulic piping. It can ensure that the hydraulic pipe can still withstand high internal pressure after bending, ensuring its normal use in the hydraulic system.

When selecting precision tube bending equipment, it is necessary to consider the accuracy, stability and reliability of the equipment. High-precision bending equipment can better ensure the quality of the bending pipe, while stability and reliability can ensure the safety and efficiency of the bending process.

Scientific setting of process parameters

1. The reasonable selection of bending radius needs to comprehensively consider the mechanical requirements of the pipe material, wall thickness specifications and application scenarios. For seamless pipes, the selection of its bending radius also needs to consider the strength advantages brought by its seamless characteristics.

Dynamic calculation model of bending radius:

Basic formula: Rmin=2.5×(D/δ) (δ is wall thickness)

Correction coefficient: stainless steel material×1.2, aluminum alloy×0.8

2. Angle calculation must be based on the design size of the pipe fittings, and three-dimensional modeling software must be used for accurate simulation verification.

3. The determination of the rebound compensation coefficient requires accurate physical property data obtained through material testing.

Matching principle of equipment and mold

1. The selection of pipe bending machine should match the pipe diameter range and bending accuracy requirements.

2. The surface design of the special bending mold must ensure precise matching with the outer diameter of the pipe.

3. The pressure parameters of the hydraulic system should set differentiated working curves according to different materials.

Standardized operation process control

1. Raw material pretreatment includes length cutting, end face trimming and surface degreasing and cleaning.

2. The first piece inspection needs to verify the machining accuracy of key dimensions through a three-coordinate measuring machine.

3. Online monitoring is implemented for batch production, and equipment parameters are adjusted in real time to ensure consistency.

Quality inspection and defect prevention and control

1. The cross-sectional ovality detection uses a special gauge for multi-directional measurement.

2. The wall thickness reduction rate is sampled and inspected by an ultrasonic thickness gauge.

3. The surface quality inspection focuses on controlling appearance defects such as wrinkles and indentations.

Notes on precision tube bending

When performing precision tube bending operations, the following points need to be noted:

1. Control the bending angle and radius of the precision tube to avoid cracks or deformation of the steel pipe due to excessive or small bending, and prevent improper bending from affecting the sealing and stability of the connection with pipe fittings such as pipe flanges.

2. During the bending process, keep the inner and outer surfaces of the steel pipe clean to avoid the influence of impurities on the quality of the bending.

3. Select appropriate bending process and equipment according to the material and thickness of the precision tube to ensure that the bending effect meets the requirements.

Application scenarios

1. Automobile industry

Used to manufacture automobile chassis, frames and other components to improve the stability and safety of vehicles.

2. Construction industry

Used to make steel structures, bridges and other buildings to improve the bearing capacity and stability of the structure.

3. Machinery industry

Used to manufacture mechanical parts, pipes and other components to improve the performance and reliability of machinery.

Summary

In short, precision tubes can be bent, but it is necessary to pay attention to the selection of appropriate bending processes and equipment, control the bending angle and radius to avoid cracks or deformation. Mastering scientific bending processing methods and rigorous process control methods is the technical guarantee for the stable production of precision tubes. Accurate calculation of process parameters, reasonable selection of equipment and strict quality control system are indispensable.

Read more: The difference between precision tube and seamless tube or Difference between seamless pipe and seam pipe