Depending on the application of the tubing, mandrel or crush bending may be more appropriate. For jobs that require strong structural integrity of the tube, or need optimal performance, mandrel tube bending is more appropriate. If neither of these factors matters, crush bending would work in its place.
The Mandrel bending is a tube forming/ bending process where the tube is drawn over a mandrel and is bent with hydraulics around a radius die. A Mandrel is a piece of equipment that is inserted into the tube that helps the fabrication process. While it is being shaped the mandrel supports the walls and structure of the tubing. For stainless steel, use mandrel bends to ensure that you can have multiple angles and directions while not deforming the interior of the pipe. It will make sure that the pipe is not deformed like with crinkle bends, roll bends, and press bends.
Three characteristics of mandrel bends are:
These types of tube-forming processes are popular in aftermarket exhaust systems, gas and liquid-based piping, and other applications where you need the maximum flow of material in the tubing.
Here you can see an example of mandrel tube bending on exhaust systems
The crush bending process is when a tube is simply bent without any internal support. This is a common bending process that ends up “crushing” or crinkling the tube’s bending point. Crush bends have a faster turnaround and are more cost-effective in the long run.
While it is cost-effective, crush or empty tube bending leads to low-quality products. This causes deformation without a die to support it. This can lead to imperfections such as wrinkles, which can lead to rusting.
Empty bending does have its place in the market. Tubes made through the crush bending process are good for application for low-pressure flow. It also is used to build furniture. However, the process makes an impractical in most cases resulting in low-quality products. Alternatively, Detroit Tube Product uses mandrel bending for more precision work.
While Detroit Tube Products does not do empty bends, we are professional mandrel benders. Since 1911, Detroit Tube Products has been providing top-tier mandrel bending services for our clients. We have a wide variety of industries that we serve! Whether you need tube bending, tube forming/shaping, or assemblies, we have you covered! With over 100 years of experience, we can help determine the best type of material and fabrication (if needed) your tubing will need. Our company has the knowledge, diversity, flexibility, and innovation to provide the best service in the United States.
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3/4" to 6" diameter bending capacity
Severe radius capability standard - all sizes
Close tolerance available
Large die selection
Bend all tubing materials and shapes.
