Overview: Pipe Bending

Many industries rely on bent pipes to transport, deliver and refine products and streamline operations. For example, bent pipes are widely used in the plumbing, automotive, aviation, shipbuilding, aerospace and oil and gas industries. Here’s what you need to know about pipe bending.

What’s pipe bending?

Once a pipe has been fabricated, it typically undergoes several post-fabrication processes to turn it into a useable product. Pipe bending is one of them. Pipes can be bent manually using a bending clamp or by specialized machines that have been calibrated to bend the pipe into a specific shape.

Additionally, pipes can be cold or induction bent. Cold bending is performed by bending a pipe at room temperature. This process is usually done by wrapping the pipe around a die or shape. On the other hand, induction bending is performed by heating a small section of pipe with a induction coil while continuously applying mechanical force to cause the material to bend. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages.

Bent pipe uses

Bent pipes serve various purposes. For example, large and small diameter pipes are installed on large ships to transport fuel, water, oils and gases. Moreover, various pipe bending techniques are employed in the automotive industry to shape the components in a car’s body, chassis, engine and exhaust systems. Pipe bends are also required to make handrails, bicycle racks and large structures like bridges and oil and gas pipelines. This only scratches the surface of possibilities!

Benefits of pipe bending

Pipe bending offers various benefits over traditional cutting and welding. For example, pipe bending is:

• Affordable. Pipe bending is cost-efficient because it doesn’t require as much labour as welding and requires little to no NDT. This ensures your project, whether big or small, stays on budget.
• Fast. Many manufacturers, including Advanced Bending Technologies, use specialized computers and software to bend pipes quickly and accurately. This significantly speeds up the process to keep your project on time.
• Versatile. Unlike welded pipes with a limited number of curves, you can bend pipes into a seemingly endless number of configurations to meet the unique needs of your project.

Moreover, pipe bending produces high-quality, clean-looking pipes with high wear resistance.

Pipe bending experts

Bent pipes are essential in many industries that require precise components. Fortunately, the team at Advanced Bending Technologies has the expertise to bend large and small diameter pipes (1/2” – 48”Dia.) in various radii and angles to meet your needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you meet your pipe bending needs.