Key techniques to improve the quality of bent pipe

The key techniques for improving the quality of bent pipes include:

  1. Controlling the radius and wall thickness of the bend: During the bending process, the outer wall thickness decreases while the inner wall thickness increases. Reducing the bending radius exacerbates this effect, so appropriately increasing the bending radius can reduce the thinning on the outer side and the thickening on the inner side.
  2. Using anti-wrinkle molds and increasing the mandrel diameter: Thin-walled pipes and small-radius bends are prone to wrinkling. This issue can be addressed by using thicker pipes, increasing the bending radius, and adding anti-wrinkle molds and mandrel
  3. Increasing clamping force and auxiliary thrust: During the bending process, increasing the clamping force and auxiliary thrust can prevent the pipe from sliding, reducing the degree of roundness loss and thinning.
  4. Enhancing the smoothness of the mandrel and using lubricants: Improving the smoothness of the mandrel reduces friction, and using high-quality bending oil reduces friction resistance, thereby enhancing the quality of the bent pipe.
  5. Controlling the bending angle and neutral axis position: In top-bending operations, the neutral axis is located about 1/3 of the way along the outer wall; in rotary-bending operations, it is located about 2/3 of the way along the outer wall. Selecting the appropriate bending method can reduce stress concentration during the bending process.
  6. Ensuring the accuracy of the bending mandrel: The accuracy of the bending mandrel directly affects the quality of the bent pipe. When manufacturing the bending mandrel, it is essential to strictly control the dimensions within the specified range and select the appropriate mandrel based on the pipe diameter.
  7. Optimizing the operation process: During the bending process, a reasonable operation process and lubrication measures are also crucial. Using high-end bending machines and lubrication products can effectively enhance the surface quality of the bent pipe.