The parts are rolled back and forth until the desired radius is achieved.

With this method, pipe or tubing is passed through 3 or more rollers which induce the curve at the point of contact. Rolling sizes this large is not that common a more common range would be from 2in to 8in outside diameters. Stepping up in capacity, three-roll benders (also called “section benders,” and “angle rolls”) can bend pipe and tubing up to 24” OD pipe and 20×20 tube. tractor parts, process piping, and bollards. Seldom used in construction, these curved parts are commonly used as component parts of equipment, e.g.

The maximum limit on the outside diameter of the pipe is usually 10in the minimum limit might be 1/8in or smaller. And the radii can be as tight as two-times the diameter of the pipe. Once set up, however, the method can produce quality parts relatively quickly. Each die must conform not only to the desired radius, but also to the outside dimensions of the material to be bent. Perhaps the most common method of pipe and tube bending is done on what is called a “rotary draw bender.” Round pipe, as well as round, square and rectangular tubing, is clamped into a form and drawn over a die with the desired radius. By the skillful match of material, machinery, methods, and talented operators, a wide variety of bends can be achieved with great accuracy and appearance. Then there are the equipment and methodologies available as well as the skills of the machine operator. Factors to be considered include the size of the pipe or tube to be bent, the wall thickness, the desired radius, and, of course, the material. Pipe bending and tube bending can be achieved in various ways.

Small tube bending