Bend Tooling Inc.
1009 Ottawa Ave. N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-454-9965
Fax: 616-454-9958
Sales Contact
Steve Parrow
Sales Engineer
Email: sparrow@bendtooling.com
Sales: 616-454-9965
Toll-free: 800-284-8823
Recent Content on The Fabricator for Bend Tooling Inc.
Optimizing tube bender tooling to improve results
The ultimate, repeatable setup for a tube bending application can be elusive, but not for the reason that many fabricators think. Often the tooling is worn or inadequate for the application, leading some machine operators to compensate by using excessive bender force.
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- From The Fabricator
Bend Tooling launches redesigned website
Bend Tooling Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich., has launched a redesigned website at www.bendtooling.com highlighting its tube bending tooling. The upgraded website offers simplified navigation and a mobile-friendly platform. A rotary draw tube bending guide is available for free download. The interactive...
Squaring up your next nonround bending application
The use of square and rectangular tubing is on the increase. Fabricators who understand the processes, material, and tooling stand the best chance of success in bending these shapes, which are substantially more challenging than like-sized rounds.
Getting a grip
Setting the grip die securely in rotary draw bending requires close attention to three factors: the pressure exerted by the machine, the contact area, and the material’s coefficient of friction.
Selecting the right mandrel and wiper
Tube bender operators could rely on complex mathematical formulas and rules of thumb, but it’s much quicker to use a tooling chart. This sort of chart lists the two main bending criteria, D of bend and wall factor, on the X and Y axis, respectively. However, these charts have just two axes, and usually are based on bending mild steel to 180 degrees. Tube bending comprises many more variables, materials, and bend angles. Knowing how to make adjustments to compensate for additional factors is critical for successful bending.
Tube bending tooling alternative to solid wiper tooling
Bend Tooling Inc. has introduced the patent-pending High-Pressure Wiper System™ as an alternative to solid wiper tooling. It is an assembly consisting of a solid steel body, a single- or double-sleeved bore insert that can be replaced without removing the system from the machine, and an...
The right stuff
The best material for a tube bending tool is the most cost-effective in terms of the ratio of tool life to tool cost. A cost-effective tool tends to wear out rather than break at the end of its service life. This article addresses choosing the optimal material for a rotary die tube bending machine's full toolkit.
Setup or cover-up?
Setting up the tooling for a tube or pipe bending machine isn't as simple as it seems. Many variables are involved, making this a difficult task. A further complication is the tendency for many operators to adjust various pressure settings to compensate for poor tooling setup. The bend might turn out okay, but at a cost—a loss of process control and shortened tool life. Using a simple four-step setup process is the key to good bending, process control, and optimal tool life. This setup procedure also facilitates troubleshooting.
The wiper die's feathered edge
The mechanical aspects of rotary draw tube bending haven't changed since modern tooling was developed 50 years ago. Likewise, the role of the tooling (mandrel, pressure die, bend die, and wiper die) hasn't changed. However, tube fabricators these days have many choices in regard to the tooling, especially wiper dies. Choices include material, rake angle, and whether the wiper die's feathered edge is fully machined or honed by hand.
Shock-resistant die set designed for mandrel tube bending
Bend Tooling Inc. has introduced Shockmate™ shock-resistant precision die sets for mandrel tube bending. The die sets are a product of proprietary metallurgy and Datafacturing® machining technology. They are resistant to chipping and fracturing and mate precisely, the company reports. The...