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How to choose a pipe bender

A pipe bender is a key tool for those working in metalworking, from automotive repair to pipe fitting. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of pipe benders available, their features, advantages and inherent limitations. Electric pipe benders are the most powerful option, providing precise control for a variety of bending requirements and the ability to quickly switch out dies. Manual pipe benders offer a cost-effective choice, providing basic bending capabilities for most light- to medium-gauge tubing. Hydraulic pipe benders offer a mid-range option that combines the power of electric benders with the portability and versatility of manual ones. No matter the bender chosen, this guide will assist you in selecting the ideal tool for your needs.

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This overview examines the various models of pipe benders. Their structure and main characteristics are described, differences in the principle of metal processing, and also comparative tables for the most popular models are provided, which will help you decide on the choice of a pipe bender.

A pipe bender, or a rolling machine, is used to give pipes, profiles, angles and steel rods a given bend radius without disturbing the inner section of the tube or kinking. Tube benders can be used to shape not only steel structures, they are often used when processing hollow parts of various shapes made of copper, aluminum and PVC.

According to the principle of operation, all pipe benders available on the market can be conditionally divided into two large groups:

  1. Three-roll, allowing you to change the bending radius of the entire workpiece.
  2. Corner, bending pipes in a small area limited by the size of the machine.

In turn, each of these types of pipe benders, taking into account the principle of transferring the force that causes deformation, can be divided into the following large subgroups:

  1. With manual drive.
  2. Hydraulically driven.
  3. Electrically driven.
  4. Hydraulically driven, pumped by an oil station with an electric pump.

Angle pipe bender device

This type of pipe bender is one of the most common, due to the simplicity of its design. Has the ability to change the bending angle of the workpiece at the gap located between the corner supports.

Virax Hydraulic pipe bender Virax. 1 – hydraulic cylinder drive handle; 2 – hydraulic cylinder; 3 – movable rod of the hydraulic cylinder; 4 – power bending frame; 5 – holes for installing corner supports; 6 – bending shoe; 7 – corner support

Depending on the maximum force required to move the bending shoe, the following can be used:

  1. Manual worm gear.
  2. Hydraulic cylinder with mechanical pressure drive.
  3. Electric drive with gear.
  4. Hydraulic cylinder with oil injection by means of an electric pump.

This machine allows you to bend pipes at different angles. An important feature of working with the mechanism is the need to change the bending shoe and change the position of the corner supports depending on the required bending angle, pipe profile and diameter of its walls. An incorrect calculation of the parameters can lead to a decrease in the inner section of the tube, the appearance of breaks in the workpiece material. In some cases, bending of pipes at a large angle and work with thin-walled steel pipes can only be carried out after filling their inner part with dry quartz sand..

Tool type Processed metal Price, rub.
Pipe bender TPG-1B, hydraulic Pipes up to 1 “diameter 20,000
Pipe bender TPG-3B Pipes up to 3 “ 45,000
Hydraulic pipe bender with electric drive TG-3EP Pipes up to 3 “ 88,500

Three-roll pipe benders

Three-roll pipe benders differ from those discussed above by the possibility not only to bend part of the pipe, but to obtain a bent profile of 2, 3, 5 and more meters, which is widely in demand in construction. This effect is achieved with the help of a workpiece moved through the rolls, which is bent at a certain angle along the entire processed length..

How to choose a pipe bender 1 – supporting frame; 2 – electric motor; 3 – reducer; 4 – drive rolls that move metal; 5 – pressure shaft

The design of a three-roll tube bender may vary slightly depending on its capacity and performance. In models that do not use electric metal movement, the top roller is made driven, which is scrolled by the operator’s effort and performs vertical metal movement in the bending machine. In this case, the upper roller also moves in the horizontal plane, which is required to transfer the bending force to the workpiece. In powerful machines and working in the mode of semi-automatic bending of the workpiece, the mechanism for moving the upper roll can be performed on the basis of a hydraulic cylinder. The advantage of these models is the ability to bend the workpiece at an angle from 0 to 360 °, that is, into a full circle.

TRP-1 Manual three-roll machine TRP-1

The bending of the workpiece is performed in several stages, with each new pass to bend the workpiece to a larger angle, the idle shaft is moved. To work with each pipe profile, it is necessary to install rollers of the required size and profile on the machine, as well as calculate the maximum possible one-time bending force applied to the distance over which a single movement of the pressure roll is performed.

Tool type Processed metal Price, rub.
Manual three-roll tube bending machine, TPM 2 Steel pipes up to 2 “diameter 15,000
Pipe bending machine, three-roll, TEM-76×50 powered by 220 V and 380 V mains Circle (16, 19, 22, 25, 32, 38, 51, 63, 76 mm), square (16, 19, 22, 25, 30, 38, 40, 50 mm) 75,000

Manual pipe benders

For easy execution of work on laying copper and thin-walled steel pipes, workers widely use manual pipe benders of various designs. Models can be manually operated:

RIDGID 603 38028 RIDGID 603 38028

The device is quite simple and consists of one roller, a half roller and a lever handle. The mechanism is fixed on a vertical or horizontal base using the holes located under the half roller. This type of pipe bender allows you to bend thin-walled steel, copper and aluminum tubes at an angle of up to 180 °.

Or built-in electric motor with gear:

ROBEND 3000 ROBEND 3000

This pipe bender is specially designed to work with copper pipes. Can bend the tube at the desired angle up to 180 °, and at the same time is a portable instrument that does not require fixation.

Tool type Processed metal Price, rub.
Manual pipe bender TR-1 1/2 “, 3/4”, 1 “thin wall and copper tubing 3900
Manual pipe bender TR-25U Steel pipes with an outer diameter of 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22, 25 mm 9,500
Electric pipe bender ROBEND 3000 Thin-walled and copper tubes with a diameter of 12, 14, 16, 18, 22 mm 40,000

Before buying a pipe bender, you need to decide for what purposes you need it and how often you will use it. If you are going to work with thin-walled steel or copper pipes, then the best purchase is a manual pipe bender. The three-roll roller will become indispensable for bending workpieces along a large radius or rings. For bending up to 180 °, a hydraulic angle tube bender is suitable.

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Comments: 3
  1. Avery Turner

    Can anyone provide some guidance on how to choose the right pipe bender? What factors should one consider, such as pipe material, size, and bending capacity? Are there specific brands or models that are highly recommended? Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Caleb Thompson

      When choosing a pipe bender, it is crucial to consider several factors. Firstly, determine the type of pipe material you will be working with, as this will dictate the specific bending technique and tools required. Secondly, consider the size of pipes you will be bending, ensuring that the pipe bender can accommodate the desired diameter. Lastly, evaluate the bending capacity of the machine, which refers to the maximum bending angle and radius it can achieve. As for brands or models, it is advisable to opt for reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality and durable pipe benders. Research customer reviews and seek recommendations to help narrow down your options. Ultimately, choose a pipe bender that meets your specific needs and requirements while offering reliability and ease of use.

      Reply
    2. Dominic Hill

      When choosing a pipe bender, it’s important to consider several factors such as the material and size of the pipes you will be working with, as well as the bending capacity you will need. Different pipe materials may require specific benders designed for that material. Additionally, ensure the bender you choose can handle the size and thickness of the pipes you will be bending.

      Some popular brands that are highly recommended for pipe benders include Greenlee, Ridgid, and Klutch. These brands are known for their durability and precision in bending pipes. It’s also helpful to read reviews and seek recommendations from professionals in the industry.

      Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to determine your specific bending needs and budget. Consider whether you need a manual or hydraulic bender, as well as the types of bends you will be making. Overall, investing in a quality pipe bender that meets your requirements will ensure efficient and accurate pipe bending results.

      Reply
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