Bending a pipe might sound simple, however, in reality, it is a very intricate process. If not done properly, it can bend the pipe in a wrong way. So, in order to bend a pipe properly, certain steps are required to be followed. What are these steps? The steps are described in two part posts.
Step-by-Step Working of a Pipe Bender
The following are the steps you need to follow, while using the pipe bender effectively for better results:
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Step 1: Die Installation
This is the first step in the whole bending process. To begin with, determine the size of the pipe to be bended, and then select the die based on the size. Now, remove its pivot pin and install the die into the die slot properly. Use the pivot pin to secure the die in its place. Once this is done, make sure that the die is installed properly. This will help you in eliminating any chances of errors while bending the pipe. It is always recommended to choose the die based on the requirements of the pipe to be bent.
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Step 2: Readying the Follower Block
After you have installed the die properly, comes another most important step – installation of the follower block. This block plays a very important role in the precise, and error-free bending of a pipe, provided it is installed properly. Keep some space for inserting the tube, and place the follower block near to the die. Now, you will be required to secure the position of this block. To do so, insert the block pin of the follower into the follower block, and the main arm of the bender. Next, set the adjustment dial based on the radius in which you desire to bend the tube or pipe. Whether to use a vise or not is another consideration to be made. It is always better to use the vise if you intended to work on a pipe with a heavy wall thickness.
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Step 3: Placement of the Pipe
The way you place the pipe is very important, as it will decide how it will bend. It is quite obvious that you may make multiple bends on the pipe. Take the pipe, and mark it at the points, where you want to bend it. These marks must be made on the opposite side of the bend direction, so that you can use them to monitor the progress. Remember, the size of the pipe should be according to that of the die and the follower block, else it won’t fit. Insert the pipe, and adjust the height of the follower block, so that the pipe fits perfectly between the block and the die. The position of the die might change, when you are inserting the pipe into the machine. Therefore, once the pipe is placed, bring the die back to its correct position. Always ensure to keep the follower block loose, so that its height can be adjusted according to the tube or pipe inserted. The pipe must be held between the die and the follower block. Do not forget to align the pipe and block, before inserting the tube in the machine.
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Step 4: U-strap Installation
The pipe benders has a component called as the U-strap. It is one of the most important components, which helps in holding the pipe properly, and firmly in place, as you use the tool to bend it. This is done by the lug and the pin that the U-strap has. The size of the pin depends on that of the follower block and the pipe. Now, you need to remove the pin for placing the strap over the pipe. Once the strap is placed, reinsert the pin.
Then, fix the pivot arms to the die. This will contribute to the bending process better. Align the pipe such that previous marked lines lie at the leading edge of the die. This can be easily accomplished by seeing through the drive pin holes.
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Step 5: Inserting the Drive Pin
The drive pin is the one, which enable the bending of the pipe, by locking the pivot arms to the die. Thus, to facilitate the proper movement of the arms, you are required to insert this drive pin into the gap present between the die and the arms.
In the next section of this post, we will have a look at some more steps required to follow for an effective pipe bending.
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