Pipe bending processes have numerous applications across most industries today. These processes are designed to produce high quality and accurate bends and curves in tubes, pipes and other hollow metal components. Induction bending is one of the most favoured techniques that are utilised in tube bending processes. However, there are other methods such as compression bending, roll bending and mandrel bending that can be used. How do you determine the right technique that will increase quality and promote production efficiency? This article discusses some of the signs that indicate induction bending is the right method for your applications.

The need to reduce welding procedures

Metal cutting and forming procedures are required before welding to ensure that the metal tube dimensions and physical attributes meet the requirements of the final product. However, welding procedures can prove challenging and time consuming if you have to make multiple bends and turns on metal. The more the cuts you make on the metal during bending, the more complicated the process of welding will be.

Induction bending reduces the number of welding procedures required during pipe bending. Since the process uses high degrees of heat, the original pipe can be made pliable by applying high temperatures. It can then be bent without making multiple cuts and welds. By eliminating or reducing welding procedures, you can cut down manufacturing costs.

The need for thick external walls

One of the primary concerns in pipe bending is the reduction in pipe thickness around the bends. These parts with thin walls can eventually turn into areas of weakness of the tubes due to premature wear. They can affect the performance of the pipe by causing leaks. In applications such as the manufacture of petroleum pipes, leaks can cause great losses to the pipeline company.

Induction bending allows you to create bends without affecting the external thickness of the tube walls. Wall thinning and the creation of folds which act as points of weakness are eliminated, and as a result, the performance and durability of the pipes are increased.

Applications with unusual angles

Typical tube bending applications require the use of pipes and tubes bent at 45 or 90 degrees. However, there are other applications where the required curve may be unusual, say 10- or 140-degree angles. It may be difficult to obtain these precise angles using other pipe bending techniques such as cold bending. However, with induction bending, it is possible to achieve different angles based on your product's requirement. You don't have to plan your applications around 45- and 90-degree bends, and this significantly increases versatility in manufacturing.

Analyse the issues addressed here so that you can determine whether induction pipe bending is the best technique for your pipe bending applications.