Thick pipe bending machine

Types of thick pipe bending machines

A thick pipe bending machine is designed to bend thick pipes. Here are some common types of thick pipe bending machines.

• Roll thick pipe bending machine

  The roller is made of three cylinders, with the upper roller situated perpendicular to the other two lower rollers. The upper roller is adjustable to exert pressure while the lower rollers drive the workpiece to perform the bending action and create circular shapes. The machine exerts a lot of torque, making it an ideal choice for bending thick pipes. They are also easy to operate, and the angular precision is on point.

• Heat induction thick pipe bending machine

  This machine heats the metal using electromagnetic coils. The coils heat the metal directly to provide localized heating. Once the metal heats up, a manipulator applies the force required to bend the thick pipe into the desired shape or angle. This method has a high-speed production rate, but it may not be suitable for all material thicknesses and sizes.

• Mandrel thick pipe bending machine

  The mandrel uses a flexible internal support known as a mandrel to provide additional support during the bending process. The machine may use a hydraulic system or pull-down chains to perform the bending action. The machine achieves accurate and high-quality bends. Next, the mandrel can be withdrawn after completing the bend.

• Welded thick pipe bending machine

  The welded pipe bending machine can make massive and thick steel pipes with up to 32mm wall thickness. It can bend steel pipes like carbon, alloy, and stainless steel. Also, it can make elbows with up to a 6-meter radius. The machine can perform directional changes from 10° to 90° depending on the requirements, and it can either be a single or multiple piece construction. The welded pipe bending machine is commonly used in the aviation industry, chemical analysis, water treatment, and power generation.

Specifications and Maintenance

Heavy-duty thick pipe bending machines usually have some standard specifications, and knowing these is crucial in understanding the capacity and workings of the machine.

• Bending Capacity:

  This refers to the thickness and dimension the machine can bend. Machines with a very high capacity can bend up to 100mm thick pipes and more.

• Bending Angle:

  This is the maximum angle the machine can attain when doing bends. Gradation in angles has a big impact on the versatility of the machine.

• Bending Speed:

  The speed at which the machine does bends is also very important. Faster speed reduces production time and increases efficiency.

• Control System:

  Machines with a high-tech CNC control system give users precise control over the pipes being bent. Manual controls, however, allow operators to have a direct feel of the machine.

• Materials:

  The casing and structure of the bending machine are made from either aluminum alloys or stainless steel. Aluminum is sturdy but more often used in semi-industrial machines. Stainless steel is used more in thicker machines that require a high material strength.

• Bending Method:

  Machines that come with roll bending will have their specifications for the distance between the rolls and the diameter of each roll. This is a critical part of the specification of the machine because it determines the kind of pipes the machine can roll.

• Power Source:

  The power source of the thick pipe bending machine could be electric, gas, or hydraulic pressure. More heavy-duty machines use electricity or hydraulic pressure.

Proper maintenance of thick pipe bending machines ensures they remain bendable for years and helps to sustain their resale value. Regular cleaning is the most basic maintenance practice and goes a long way to keep the machine in great shape. Scheduled lubrication of moving parts is another excellent way to keep the machine in good condition. Manufacturers have recommended some areas of the machine that need to be greased and the type of grease to use.

Before carrying out any maintenance practices, it's always best to consult the manual first. In cases where the manual is not available, the supplier can be contacted for any relevant information on the workings and maintenance of the machine.

Industry uses of thick pipe bending machines

Bending thick pipes is an essential requirement in numerous industrial applications. The versatility of these machines allows for many uses in multiple industries.

In the construction industry, thick pipe bending machines are used to construct huge buildings and other infrastructure projects. These machines bend thick metal pipes to form structural frameworks, door frames, window frames, and other architectural elements. Bending machines are also used to manufacture scaffolding for construction sites and supports for temporary frameworks.

In the industry, thick pipe bending machines can be used to make pressure vessels and tanks. The bending pipes are made into cylindrical shapes, and the large-diameter pipes are made into nozzles, manholes, and support rods.

In the shipbuilding industry, thick pipe bending machines are commonly used. These machines can easily bend thick pipes into the required arcs and angles for ship construction. The curved pipes are ideal for ship frames, bulkheads, guardrails, and other structural components. The ships made with these machines include oil tankers, warships, cargo ships, and luxury cruise ships.