How to Bend Stainless-Steel Pipe
time2011/11/06
Several methods exist for bending stainless-steel pipe, all of which require power machinery. A ram bender machine is the simplest bending method--it holds the tube securely at both ends, then uses an electric or hydraulic "ram" to push the pipe in the middle; this method will deform the roundness of the pipe where it makes contact with the ram. A mandrel-bending machine uses a flexible tube inserted inside the pipe so that the pipe maintains its round cross-section when bent. A ring-bending machine can also maintain the round cross-section of stainless steel pipes, but only bends pipe into rings or semi-circles. For most needs, a ram bender, available for rent at a home improvement store, is the simplest method.
Set the stop-nuts on the ram bender (these determine how far the ram will push) to the degree of angle you need.
Attach the pipe shoe holder and pipe shoe of the appropriate angle to the ram (these parts come with the machine). This usually requires thumbscrews, but varies by model.
Insert pins (also included with the machine) for the pipe supports at the proper distance apart for the piece of pipe you want to bend, and slide the pipe supports onto the pins. The pipe supports usually look like thick squares that have a concave edge to hold the ends of the pipe while the ram pushes.
Slide the stainless steel pipes into the space between the ram and the two pipe supports.
Depress the foot pedal or operation arm to move the ram forward and bend the pipe.
Set the stop-nuts on the ram bender (these determine how far the ram will push) to the degree of angle you need.
Attach the pipe shoe holder and pipe shoe of the appropriate angle to the ram (these parts come with the machine). This usually requires thumbscrews, but varies by model.
Insert pins (also included with the machine) for the pipe supports at the proper distance apart for the piece of pipe you want to bend, and slide the pipe supports onto the pins. The pipe supports usually look like thick squares that have a concave edge to hold the ends of the pipe while the ram pushes.
Slide the stainless steel pipes into the space between the ram and the two pipe supports.
Depress the foot pedal or operation arm to move the ram forward and bend the pipe.