

Corner radii determine whether a mandrel will fit properly to the inside diameter (ID) of the tube. The challenges associated with square and rectangular material include its physical dimensions and characteristics.Īlthough bending the hard way (left) requires more force, it results in less distortion than the easy way (right). The workpiece has a mind of its own, and the operator must be the liaison between the tools and the workpiece to overcome what the material doesn't "understand." This is especially true of square and rectangular materials that generate unique problems that usually require blacksmithing knowledge to correct. This is because the workpiece being formed does not know what the tools are telling it to do. Getting the Material to Cooperate When Bending Square TubingĪll the available modern tools-sophisticated mathematical formulas, computer-generated programs, and CNC bending machines-may not create the desired product. Bending methods are the same for round, square, and rectangular material:Īs with all bent parts, the customer's tolerances and appearance requirements help determine the proper method. However, at least three must be known to produce a bent section.Īfter the information is collected and analyzed, the appropriate method of bending is chosen. It isn't necessary to know all six parameters.
