Choosing the Right Machine Model for Pipe Bending

I. First, determine the four key parameters (which dictate the machine model size)
1) Pipe Diameter (D) × Wall Thickness (T) (Most important)
Model designations are typically based on the maximum pipe diameter:
DW38 / 50 / 63 / 75 / 89 / 114 / 130
Rules of thumb (carbon steel, ambient temperature, R ≥ 2D):
Φ10–30: Choose DW38 model (30×2.0)
Φ30–40: Choose DW50 model (40×2.0)
Φ40–50: Choose DW63 model

Impact of wall thickness:
T ≤ 2mm (thin-walled): Must use a mandrel + wiper die; otherwise, flattening or wrinkling occurs.
T ≥ 5mm (thick-walled): Choose hydraulic or high-torque servo drive; requires higher power.

2) Material (Determines power requirements and tooling)
Aluminum / Copper: Soft, low springback → Servo-electric or small hydraulic machines suffice.
Carbon Steel: Medium hardness → Standard hydraulic or NC machines.
Stainless Steel / Titanium: Hard, high springback (6°–8°) → Servo CNC + springback compensation + alloy steel tooling.

3) Bending Radius (R) (The core challenge)
R ≥ 2D: Easily handled by standard models.
1.5D ≤ R < 2D: Requires mandrel + wiper die; CNC offers greater stability.
R < 1.5D (small radius): Requires a booster bending machine (with side-push function); otherwise, the inner wall wrinkles and the outer wall tears.

4) Bending Angle and Shape
Single-plane bending (one direction only): 2-axis NC is sufficient.
Multi-angle spatial bending (3D): 3-axis or 5-axis CNC; allows for one-shot forming without repeated clamping.