Pipes bent at an angle have found application in the oil and chemical industries, mechanical and apparatus engineering. Not a single architectural or construction project can do without them.
All kinds of fittings can be used for turns, but then leaks may occur, and sometimes this is simply unacceptable for aesthetic reasons. More attractive appearance and high reliability is ensured by bending pipes - a process that does not violate their integrity.
We will tell you how best to bend a metal pipe both cold and cold. hot technology. The article we presented describes the specifics of bending pipes made of various materials. Features of working with profile and ordinary round pipes.
Each metal has its own characteristics, without taking them into account it is impossible to give rolled metal complex shape. The bent pipe is subject to radial and tangential forces.
The former deform the section, and the latter contribute to the appearance of folds. The main requirement for the final result is that the cross-section of the pipe should remain unchanged, and there should be no corrugations on the walls. Bending allows you to minimize the number of welds when laying pipelines with all kinds of bends.
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In this article we will talk about how and where to bend a pipe so that it does not crack and is fully operational for a long time. The topic of the article is relevant, since today the market offers a wide range of pipes made from various materials.
Some materials can withstand deformation and subsequently do not crack when bent, while other materials are not designed for such loads. But almost all the rolled metal necessary for the construction of pipelines can be bent with your own hands, using special devices.
What can be bent and what can’t
Many compatriots wonder whether it is possible to bend polypropylene pipes and how to do it correctly ().
Let's consider which materials are subject to mechanical deformation without harm to subsequent operation, and which are not.
- Almost all rolled metal can be bent, including aluminum, copper and steel pipes various diameters. It is more difficult to change the configuration of products made of stainless steel and similar hard alloys.
To properly deform all metals without exception, you need a special machine for bending pipes. Using a special machine will not only ensure optimal bending quality, but will also allow you to complete the task with minimal physical effort.
Important: You can do without a special machine by changing the shape of the metal sheet. Products made from this material are easily deformed by hand, but to ensure that the cross-section at the bend is always round, a special spring is used.
- You cannot bend pipes from different polymer materials, not reinforced with a metal layer.
Some plumbers, to save fittings, heat the polypropylene with an industrial hair dryer and bend it to the required shape. It is not advisable to do this, since due to deformation in combination with heating, the curved plastic pipe will have uneven wall thickness on the outer and inner radius.
As a result, the operation of the constructed water pipeline will not last long, since under the pressure of the liquid medium, cracks will appear in the thin wall over time.
Important: some polypropylene manufacturers, for example Ekoplastik, allow the possibility of deformation of pipes when heated with hot air, taking into account a minimum bending radius equal to 8 pipe diameters. Therefore, before deciding on the relevance of bending work, read the manufacturer’s recommendations given in the instructions.
Choosing the right tool
A spring is an effective tool for working with plastic. There are two types of springs on the market: external and internal. Both types of instruments are distinguished by affordable price. The tool must be selected in accordance with the external or internal diameter pipes.
The device is made of polished steel. The smooth surface of the coils allows you to remove the spring from bent pipe. The use of a spring makes it possible to ensure the same cross-sectional diameter throughout the bend.
A pipe bender is a wide range of machines or devices designed to deform rolled metal, taking into account the required angle and bend radius. The devices are actively used in the construction of pipelines for various purposes. various configurations and standard sizes.
Classification of pipe benders
All modern pipe benders meet the following requirements:
- the ability to bend at an angle of up to 180 degrees;
- ability to work with pipes made of various materials, including aluminum, copper, steel and polymer compositions.
Such equipment is divided into the following categories according to the type of drive used:
- Manual modifications, as a rule, are used to work with small diameter pipes. The device is driven by a collar, to which significant muscular force is applied.
- Hydraulic modifications- This optimal choice for working with pipes whose diameter does not exceed 3 inches. Exploitation hydraulic devices allows you to work with pipes without excessive physical effort. There are mobile and stationary hydraulic pipe benders on the market.
- Electromechanical modifications are presented on the market with universal devices designed to perform high-precision bending. The main advantage of such pipe benders is the ability to work with thin-walled metal without the threat of damage.
In accordance with the bending method and the configuration of the working part, the tool can be:
- Crossbow, where a replaceable metal guide mold is used as a deforming element, which is selected for a certain pipe diameter.
- Segmental, where rolled metal is pulled out by a special segment that wraps the pipe around itself.
In the photo - a mandrel machine
- Dornov, where work with rolled metal is carried out both from the outside and from inside pipes. This feature allows the device to be used to change the configuration of thin-walled pipes without the threat of metal rupture or the formation of folds along the internal diameter.
Pipe bending technology
The instructions for changing the pipe configuration using an external spring are as follows:
- The spring is put on a metal-plastic one;
- Then the pipe is grabbed with both hands at a distance of 20 cm from the spring and bent until the desired angle is obtained;
- After the desired angle is obtained, the spring is rotated around its axis and removed.
The use of an internal spring differs in that the device is inserted from the edge of the pipe, where it can then be pulled out.
The bent end of the pipe can be obtained using a pipe bender. In this case, the device, in accordance with its modification, is configured to the required parameters. The pipe is then inserted into the receiving gap and the device is driven by one or another drive.
Conclusion
A bent pipe according to GOST is an integral attribute of the construction of pipelines for various purposes. That is why it is so important to choose the right technology and appropriate tool, through which it will be possible to provide high quality bending and no damage to the pipe walls.
More useful information you can discover by watching the video in this article.
During repairs, during construction work there is a need to install water supply and heating systems. And if it is possible to attract a professional team to solve the problem, the process is completed quickly, and the result is pleasing. But what if you have to do without the help of a specialist, and you don’t have the necessary tools at hand - how to bend a pipe without a pipe bender on your own? Let's consider possible options.
Simple ways to bend pipes
Bend by hand
Don't despair if you have to install it complex design using curved pipes, and professional tool out of stock. Even if it was not possible to purchase blanks from the right angle bending, you can make parts to carry out the work yourself, at home and with a minimum of tools.
How to proceed? Grab the structure with your hands, squeeze it tightly and gradually bend it. Proceed carefully so as not to damage the part. Smoothly, centimeter by centimeter, move along the length of the pipe. You need to repeat the manipulation in 5-6 approaches. Working by hand is not suitable in all cases, since bending aluminum pipe, for example, is much easier than doing the same with metal product.
Advice: practice on an unnecessary section before starting “finishing” work. Act smoothly so as not to deform or break the part; the number of “approaches” depends on the diameter and length of the structure.
The pipe can be bent without a pipe bender - by hand
Manual method effective when working with pipes with a diameter of 16-20 mm. With a larger cut, the process will be longer and more labor-intensive, but it is possible.
We use the hot method
We've sorted out the aluminum, but how to bend a metal pipe yourself so that the result doesn't disappoint? A gas burner will solve the problem.
Algorithm of actions:
- We fix the metal piece in a vice.
- We warm up the area of the future bend.
- When scale appears, we begin bending.
How to determine when you can start working?
If the material is aluminum, hold a sheet of paper to the surface of the pipe. The signal will be if it ignites or produces smoke. If the other metal is metal, the heated area will turn red.
Please note: the heating method is not suitable for working with galvanized parts - damage to the coating is guaranteed and the coating will become unusable.
Tip: since it is more difficult to bend a square pipe without creases and deformation, use a powerful blowtorch or burner, warm up all sides of the product before starting work.
Heating - effective method safe bending of pipes
We use fillers - sand and water
The use of fillers allows you to bend both corrugated pipe and aluminum sections large diameter.
Principle of working with sand:
- pour sand inside the structure, put plugs on the ends of the pipe (watch for tightness);
- fix the part in a vice;
- Warm up the bending area with a soldering iron or gas burner;
- when the area heats up, bend the structure rubber mallet or with a wooden mallet, gently tapping it on the heated surface;
- Upon completion of the manipulations, remove the plugs, remove the sand from the cavities - everything is ready.
Sand protects the pipe from deformation and uneven bending.
- Galvanized parts are bent in this way without heating
- Fill the cavities tightly so that inner space was filled to the brim.
- Square pipes process on each side - it will help to avoid unevenness.
Make sure that pipes are sealed tightly when working with sand and water.
The principle of working with water is almost identical - pour water into the part and install plugs. Before bending a PVC pipe or product made of other material, let the water freeze (expose it to frost or place it in refrigerator). Once the liquid freezes, we apply the required bending radius to the structure using translational movements.
Using this principle, you can either bend a sheet of metal into a pipe (only without using water and sand), or bend the pipe itself.
Pipe bending equipment
Plane-parallel plates
If heating and cooling is not your thing, use a parallel plate. A primitive, but trouble-free and proven method.
Plate – curved blank made of wood or metal with a groove. Suitable for working with steel and metal-plastic products diameter up to 45 mm.
Operating principle:
- We place the pipe in a clamp on a plane-parallel plate and fix it (clamp it).
- We bend it, repeating the shape of the workpiece along the groove, and remove it.
Fast, reliable way, which does not require large expenses. The disadvantage of using plane-parallel plates is the unchangeable curvature of the workpiece. The use of plates with different radii of curvature will help solve the problem. Will give in and steel structure.
The peculiarity of the method is the limitation in length; the shape of short tubes can be easily changed, but it will not be possible to accurately bend a product whose length exceeds the length of the workpiece.
Plane-parallel plate - reliable, affordable way bend the pipe yourself
Let's look at how to bend a pipe into a spiral with your own hands or give the product an angle of up to 90°.
It is better to use a metal spring for working with parts made of ductile non-ferrous metals. The spring prevents deformation of the structure. The choice of size depends on the internal “girth” of the tube.
How to proceed:
- Insert the spring into the part (insert until it bends).
- Gradually add a bend at the knee or by first clamping the structure in a vice.
The spring simplifies the process by taking the compression/tension force and load onto itself. When working with soft, pliable materials, choose springs of medium hardness and small diameter. Precautionary measures will prevent the part from bursting or tearing.
Please note: Before placing the steel spring inside the pipe, attach a strong cord or long wire to one of its ends. This step will make it easier to remove the spring after bending.
Metal springs serve as a “frame” for the pipe when bending
Radical measures - welding
Bending of metal sheets and pipes is also carried out using a grinder. Welding is a cardinal method, problem solver, if other options are not suitable for objective reasons. Required Tool – welding machine and Bulgarian.
Algorithm of actions:
- Make calculations - estimate the radius of curvature of the product (to be sure, you can sketch out a drawing and make markings on the part).
- Three transverse cuts are made along the length of the bent section (on three sides).
- The details add curves.
- The sawn sections are welded.
- The bent end of the pipe at the welding site is ground, removing “sawdust” and irregularities.
The bend is neat, aesthetic and durable.
As you can see, there are enough answers to the question of how to bend a pipe - choosing the method that is relevant to solve your problems will not be difficult. All you need is the right tool and desire. Consider the diameter of the product, its length and the material with which you will be working.
The above methods have two disadvantages:
- Possibility of product damage, breakage and ruptures.
- Getting a uniform, aesthetic curve at home is problematic.
Welding – quick way give the pipe the desired bend
There is only one way to insure yourself against troubles if you do not have the skills and experience in pipe bending work - to hire a professional.
If you have no desire or opportunity to use the services of a specialist, do not despair. Before starting the event, carefully study the mat. part, watch videos or master classes from professional builders(there are plenty of them on the Internet).
Video recommendations: how to bend a metal-plastic pipe by hand
Prepare necessary tools- and get to work. Be brave, the one who walks will master the road.
