Alloy tube bend - Instructions for curved aluminum pole

• methods
  • 1. Bending machine
  • 2. Bending spring
  • 3. Heat and physical strength
• Preparation and material
• Turn aluminum tube: instructions

You have a tube of aluminum that needs to be bent for one of your projects ">

A bent aluminum tube is rarely needed in the home. Nevertheless, with an aluminum pole in between times a chair can be repaired or a clothes horse can be made. But not every handyman has a suitable bending tool in his own workshop and for this reason, many wonder how well the bending of an aluminum tiller works, without this breaks or it otherwise comes to damage. The advantage: The aluminum tube can be bent by different tools in the right shape and may already have, because they are classic utensils of well-equipped home workshops. As a result, you do not just have to rely on pure muscle power.

methods

Before you start with the actual project, you have to choose the appropriate method, which depends on the actual tool. You have the following options:

1. Bending machine

... the bending machine is probably the simplest variant, in order to bring the pipes into correct shape quickly and effectively. They are mainly used for tubes with a soft alloy and thanks to the special bending device, kinks and dents are prevented. Hand bending machines are ideal for the home because segment bending machines are designed for industrial companies. Costs for lending:

• Bending machine with manual operation: 50 - 70 Euro per day
• Bending machine with electric drive: 90 - 150 Euro per day

Hand bending machines are rarely lent from hardware stores. For this reason, you have to sign up for this variant at locksmiths or other providers. This method is best if you want to shape many tubes of the same diameter.

2. Bending spring

... an aluminum tube can be effectively processed with a spiral spring, as it uses the required torque for the process so that the tube can be bent in a relaxed manner. Here even the pure physical strength usually suffices to work on aluminum tubes. The disadvantage is that a suitable spring is needed for each pipe diameter. In addition, bending angles do not bend right angles, which makes them unsuitable for a variety of jobs.

• Cost: 10 - 20 Euro, depending on the pipe diameter

3. Heat and physical strength

... this method is best for home improvement because you only need tools, utensils, and some muscle power. Also, this method can be a variety of angles bent into the aluminum pole, which of course offers for different projects. In this method, the aluminum pipe is first heated and then bent. The costs are quite low, depending on how many of the utensils you are already part of your workshop.

Tip: if you do not have any of the above-mentioned tools and you only want to bend a single aluminum tube into the correct shape, it is recommended to have the work done by a professional locksmith. The required fee for the work may be less than the initial cost of the tools.

Preparation and material

The bending of the aluminum tubes works best with method 3 of the above, because you can work with this method regardless of the thickness or the diameter of the tubes. The following tools and materials are needed:

• Blowtorch, alternatively Bunsen burner
• fine quartz sand, dry
• 2 conical wooden plugs for closing the tube; not necessary with an aluminum pole or tape
• Wire spiral that fits around the pipe
• chuck
• Die with the desired bending diameter, if the bend must be accurate
• working gloves
• Bucket or bucket of cold water into which the tube can be dipped

The wooden plugs must be adapted to the tubes in most cases. You wonder why you need sand to bend the aluminum tubes ">

As a result, the tube is prepared and can now be bent in shape. The sand inside is not compressed during bending and can effectively act against dents, bumps or kinks. These often occur as soon as the aluminum tube is bent without filling. The result is often a bent or kinked pipe.

Tip: the easiest way is to bend an aluminum bar or an aluminum tube if they are made of aluminum with AlMgSi 1 or AlMgSi 0.5 alloys. Do not bend anodized aluminum because the surface is very brittle and easily cracked.

Turn aluminum tube: instructions

Now that you have prepared the pipe, you can start with the actual molding. The instructions also apply to the aluminum pole, but it usually takes more time for them, since this is a shaped piece of aluminum without a cavity. When bending, proceed as follows:

Step 1: Prepare your jig, such as the vise, and slip into your gloves. Also, check if your Bunsen burner or blowtorch works. Also fix your matrix.

Step 2: Attach the pipe or the aluminum bar with the end in the vice that is not bent. Take your blowtorch and warm the pipe where it should be bent afterwards. Other places do not need to be heated. Make sure that the temperature of the metal does not exceed 250 ° C, otherwise it will be too soft and will change its shape. Likewise, you must not heat a spot all the time, but have to divide the bend into small sections that are heated one after the other. Orient yourself by the color. A bright red indicates about a correct bending temperature.

3rd step: If the tube has been heated sufficiently, it must be immediately cooled in a water bath for a few seconds. Now you have about half an hour to shape the tube before you need to reheat it.

4th step: Then the aluminum tube with the heated spot is placed on the die and bent. Always apply pressure evenly on the sides and proceed with sufficient force, but not too fast. If you do not use a matrix, you must bend it by eye.

Step 5: Then you should check the pipe and if necessary repair it. Once you are satisfied with the result, retighten it in the vise and let it cool down.

Step 6: Alternatively, you can bend the pipe without heating, but this requires much more strength and endurance. If you choose this method, prepare the tube in the same way and then simply place it on the matrix.