Tube bender

A PLC controlled power bender to complete a 80 degree bend in a steel tubing production part from a 90 degree CNC bend was designed, manufactured and commissioned. Prior to the 180 degree bend the part is plated, a flexible hose and other parts are assembled. A split form die, fully supporting the tube to prevent collapse, with both halves moving is provided for ease of loading and unloading with rigid high force clamping during the bending process. A pneumatically driven rack turns a pinion, with the tooling mounted directly on the pinion to maximise rigidity and strength. This unique design uses a second rack and pinion to ensure the pressure die ‘rolls’ around the periphery with no slippage; which together with highly polished contact surfaces, preserves the part surface finish.