But when you’re specifying a bending machine, the centerline radius, the outside diameter, and wall thickness are critical variables.Īlso, every pipe schedule has a nominal wall thickness. Pipe, usually used to transport fluid or air, is specified by its nominal pipe size (see Figure 1). Tube Bending Fundamental Termsīending starts with knowing the properties of the tube or pipe you’re working with. Regardless of whether you’re working with tube or pipe, and regardless of the bending process, making the perfect bend boils down to just four factors: the material, machine, tooling, and lubrication. The technology used to bend tubular workpieces has evolved significantly, but all the mechanical magic can’t alter physics. But in reality, the basic principles have remained the same for decades. Many call tube bending a black art, a mysterious process with unavoidable trial and error. Regardless of whether you’re working with tube or pipe, and regardless of the bending process, making the perfect bend boils down to just four factors: the material, machine, tooling, and lubrication.Įditor’ Note: This article is based on the Tube Bending 101 FabCast, facilitated by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA) and presented by Danie Jacobs, president of i-Fab LLC.
