Using the tools

You could say that one of the most important factors effecting the quality of the bend and the life of tools is the they the operator uses the bending machine.

The most often problems cause by the operator:

Poor set up of the tools (see Setting and adjustment tools)

Using damage tools with undamaged ones
Bending tools and preparation must be understood as a functional system, which will not produce quality bends with optimal lifespan if damage parts are used in combination with broken parts. During bend this will result in increased waste and a sharp drop in longevity with damaged parts. e.g: If the operator is using a worn-out mandrel or wiper die, this will lead to increase wear on the clamp die, pressure die and pressure clamp.
The operator must ensure that all parts of the tools are in order!

Use of unsuitable tools
e.g. Using a small mandrel (or heavily worn mandrel) will cause waves and wrinkles in the bending of the pipe. These waves are likely to damage the wiper die. A common error of the operator is using too much pressure on the pressure clamp, which has the result of pushing out the wiper die and causing more wrinkles. Further increases in pressure can lead to cracking of the mandrel and the beads.
Increases in pressure lead to further quicker wear on the tools, and increased stress on the machine etc.

Poor choice of material for the tools (especially the mandrels and wiper dies) compared to the material of the pipes and other serious operator errors (see. Material and quality of the tubes)

Dirty pipes
The machine operator must ensure the cleanliness of the tubes => significant reduction in the wear of tools, higher quality bend.

Insufficient greasing (see. Greasing).