CNC Tube Bending: An Alternative to Welding

Our in-house computer numeric controlled bending (CNC) machine may be the solution you seek. Consider CNC tube bending of stainless-steel tubing as an alternative to welding for gas and fluid system applications.

Precision tube bending company, Axenics’ Horn Metric TBRE Hybrid CNC bender keeps metal tubes from breaking or wrinkling, making it the ideal machine for exceptional performance, versatility and reliability. We utilize the bender for clients in various industries, including, medical device, alternative energy, semiconductor, life sciences and chemical manufacturing.

How the CNC bender works

Our in-house precision tube bending machines​is an electric/hydraulic CNC tube bender, combining electric drive bending with hydraulic bending actuation. The bender is environmentally friendly as it consumes a small amount of power and produces low noise and heat. The clamp, pressure die and pressure die assist are hydraulic driven while the mandrel is hydraulic with early withdrawal.

A great feature of the bender is the ability to import 3D designs, simplifying the process for original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers. The bender’s user-friendly controls allow simple operation and programming, allowing for simple 3D simulation. There is also easy access for online troubleshooting.

Surprisingly, some engineers aren’t aware of the CNC option or they do not completely comprehend the benefits that CNC bending offers. Here are a few key reasons why you should consider CNC tube bending for your next project:

Save money

CNC tube bending is a cost-efficient solution to consider if you’re looking to keep costs down while achieving high-quality results. Eliminate the cost of a large number of joints and fixtures required with joint welding, as precision CNC tube bending allows manufacturers to achieve the required bends of tubing with a few keystrokes.

That said, the CNC bender results in primarily automated tube bending processes, eliminating the need for a big team of welding technicians. The machine performs most bends, followed by a bending technician checking for quality. This cuts down on labor costs throughout the course of your project, especially in cases of high-volume orders.

Save time

There is far less manual labor involved, allowing the entire process to move along quickly because the machine automates much of the process. Labor time decreases because CNC tube bending eliminates the need for using joints and fixtures to connect and secure components.

The high-performance precision of a CNC bending machine allows for consistent and accurate bends, which cut down on time spent having to fix or “re-do” welds that don’t meet quality standards. Custom bends are also a more efficient and faster solution to fitting unique spaces and designs.

Gain top quality and consistency

Not only does using a CNC bending machine guarantee a high-quality product, but you also receive the same high-quality result over and over again. Bend radii set to fit your necessary specifications, and the CNC machine bends accurately each and every time a tube runs through it.

There is less of a chance that the end product will have defects by using CNC manufacturing. By eliminating joints and welds within the complex assembly system, there is less opportunity for leaks or cracks to occur.

Axenics CNC tube bending process

We have experience working with a variety of metals for your gas and fluid system challenges. Here’s how our tube bending process works:

1. We receive a work order from a client, which goes to the kitting department.
2. Our expert team of tube cutters receives a cut list.
3. Sizing of tube piece occurs, and it receives a clean, dry cut (no oils used).
4. The cut piece of tube inserts into the bender’s mandrel and clamps down.
5. The CNC tube bender operator loads the program that includes the part number that informs the bender of the proper bend.
6. The CNC operator presses a foot pedal to begin the process (which is part of the safety features of the bender).
7. The tube bends in less than one minute using the sheer force of the bender.

Our CNC machine offers two types of bending to for your manufacturing needs:

1. A mandrel on a pipe bender, which requires a tight radius 
2. A three-roll bender to roll the tube/pipe, where large radius’ work best

Our technicians help save clients lots of time and money by explaining the benefits of CNC tube bending. This may not be the ideal solution for each and every project, which is why we offer a variety of metal tube manufacturing options. Our experts will offer sound advice on which options are best suited for your operation. 

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