Choosing the Correct Tool

To ensure you always get a good bend, it is vital to choose the correct set of tools for the job and use them as intended. The right choice leads to high accuracy bending and avoids major problems or defects. Using bad or unsuitable tools will lead to defects and problems, and could have an effect on the functionality of the bending parts.

The basic input parameters for choosing the best tools are the details regarding the parts to be bent and the tools.

In terms of part to be bent, the basic input paramaters include the geometric parameters of the pipe (OD, WT, CLR, DOB and XYZ).

From the perspective of the machines, it depends on the functions of the given machine - whether it is a single-stack or multistack machine, and the options for connecting individual tools. The age and technical state of the bending machine can also affect the design of the tools and their price.

The aim and type of production also has a significant effect on the future tools from the perspective of accuracy, stiffness, functionality, interchangeability and other required properties. All of these attributes are important for designing sets of tools and have a noticeable effect on the final price.

For these reasons, it is important to consider whether the tools are meant for series or one-off production when choosing tools. It is also important to determine for what application it is intended. For example, for bending strong-walled tubes around a large radius, you can use standard tools with no modifications. On the other hand, if you need to bend thin-walled tubes around a very small radius for the aeronautical industry, you will need precise tools. These tools will have special modifications like INTERLOCK or LIP.

You can find more information about this in the Guide to Bending.