What Is Induction Pipe Bending

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Induction pipe bending is a process when heat is used on a particular area of a metal section- pipe or tube, in order to allow it to bend easily. The heat is applied using an induction coil heated to a preset temperature to give the metal a bend of a preset radius. The process is also often referred to as hot pipe bending.

The temperature of the coil ranges from 800-2,200 degrees depending on the type of metal, its grade, temper and thickness of the section. The process involves applying pressure on the metal while the coil is hot thereby allowing for easy bending. Once the desired radius of bend is achieved, the section is cooled with a water or air spray.

The benefits of induction pipe bending:

There are several advantages of bending metal pipes using this technique:

1. Since the process involves heating a particular area of the pipe, it ensures that the distortion on the section is minimal once the bending process is completed.
2. The amount of energy required to carry out the process is minimum, the process results in systems that have higher energy efficiency.
3. Induction pipe bending does not require internal mandrels and sand filling, thereby saving on cost.
4. The process does not take very long compared to the other metal bending techniques, thereby adding to its cost efficiency.
5. The need for welded or mechanical joints is eliminated by this method which means that there is no need for smoothening the surfaces for a neat finish.

The applications of Induction Pipe Bending:

The process of bending can be used for nearly any metal and even alloys such as steel and for all kinds of pipe sections. In typical cases, this metal bending technique is used on massive pipes like the petroleum pipelines. However, its use also extends to smaller pipe sections such as farming tools and springs.

Induction pipe bending is often confused with hot rolling. The latter is actually quite different and it involves changing the thickness and shape of the metal after heating it to a required temperature called the critical temperature. The technique is generally used for metal sheets where the entire sheet is heated and then rolled to a desired radius. Its applications are limited because it of its relatively lower cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. The sections thus produced are generally used as feed for rolling mills or directly for fabrication.

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