Tube Bending Services for Alabama

Xometry offers a full range of tube bending capabilities and pipe bending services. These services include:

• Roll Tube Bending
• Rotary Draw Tube Bending
• Mandrel Tube Bending
• Compression Bending

Roll Tube Bending – In roll tube bending (also known as roll bending), three dies (or rollers) are used to lock down the tube, where a piston presses down on the tube, and the operator “rolls” the pipe through the machine, causing a gradual bend (also known as an arc). The tube is reset into the dies, the piston is lowered further, and the process is repeated until the desired profile is achieved. This method is often a manually-powered process; however, it can also be motorized for additional power input. Roll tube bending offers variable bends and angles without additional tooling and is ideal for large, gradual bends, but its accuracy and repeatability are limited. 

Rotary Draw Tube Bending – by far the most popular method, rotary draw benders use a clamping die, radius (or bend) die, and pressure die to hold the tube to form during the entire bending process. The tube is clamped to the bend die and is “drawn” around the other dies via hydraulic or electrical power, resulting in a highly accurate and repeatable bend. Rotary draw tube bending processes can be manual, semi-manual, or CNC-operated. Computer-guided rotary draw bending allows unmatched precision (especially for high-volume applications). However, setup time can be longer, and each unique bend requires tooling to be created. 

Mandrel Tube Bending – This method (also known as mandrel bending) is similar to rotary draw bending; however, it fully retains the internal tube profile throughout the bend. This process is accomplished using internal support known as a mandrel that preserves the structure of the tube during bending, ensuring that little to no unwanted deformation occurs. The mandrel tube bender has a long bed with a mandrel rod, which holds the mandrel right at the tangent point of the bend. The tube slides over the mandrel, the machine clamps down on it, and the tube is bent while the mandrel remains stationary. Mandrel tube bending is especially useful for thin wall thicknesses, large diameters, and tight radii, where collapsing during bending is common.

Compression Bending – With compression bending, the tube or pipe is clamped in place, and force is directly applied, which creates the bend. This process is primarily utilized for single bend applications. No internal support is used with compression bending, which typically produces an oval cross-section and may result in crushing of the bend. Bends generally are limited to angles of 120 degrees or less.

It is important to note that piping and tubing are two different products that will require specific tooling or machines to bend effectively. Tubing is measured by its wall thickness (i.e., outer diameter - inner diameter). In contrast, pipe sizes are measured in schedules (i.e., ½” schedule 80 pipe) and are helpful in standardized applications. Both tube and pipe will require their own dies and tooling for use in bending.

Xometry offers tube bending for a wide selection of metal tubing and pipe materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and titanium.

The table below summarizes the tube and pipe materials for which Xometry can provide bending services. Our instant quote engine will allow you to select specific sizes and specifications for your chosen material.

In terms of pipe geometry or profile, the round tube is the most common shape that is bent due to its superior structural strength compared to other profiles. Different shapes (rectangular, square, etc.) can be bent, but care must be given to avoid pipe wall collapse.