Induction pipe bending technology was first introduced in the metal
bending market in the 1960s, using high frequency induction heating.
Induction bending uses inductors to locally heat steel by induction,
resulting in a narrow heat band in the shape to be bent. The shape is pushed
through the inductor by an accurate drive system causing the hot section to
form the bend at the set radius. The resulting bent component is then cooled by
water, forced or still air to fix the bend shape.
Induction bending delivers several advantages in pipe bending
applications including precision control of conditions for heating and cooling
narrow sections of steel pipe ensuring consistent quality and shape; and continuous
and highly automated bending process from start to finish.
Induction bending technology has evolved since the 1960s, with improvements
in shape and dimensions as well as the ability to undertake small-radius
bending.
Induction pipe bending is widely used in a number of applications including
marine, power generation, petroleum, gas and chemical exploration plants, line
pipes for LNG and gas as well as steel materials utilised in building and civil
construction.
Thanks to CAD advances, Bendpro Durabend bends support the free design
and creation of a wide range of structures and applications including
pedestrian bridges, roof beams for stadiums, bridge footing arches, train
stations, sports pavilions and community facilities among many others.
Durabend’s induction bending offers several advantages over cold bending
including extremely accurate processing minimising any spring-back
affecting the bend radius and angle to assure stable dimensional accuracy; free-shape
processing with no bending die needed to process any bending radius or
angle; small-radius bending of heavy walled steel pipes for high-pressure
steam piping; and bending for even mechanical properties such as strength
and robustness.
Bendpro stocks the full range of Durabend products including 3D and 5D
radius pipe bends in 100NB to 400NB sizes as well as 1.5D butt-weld elbows in
STD and XS gauge.
Bendpro’s induction bending also reduces labour costs in plant piping
construction by using bends instead of elbows. The reduction in the number of
welds means reduced welding and inspection costs, and higher piping quality.
Induction bending is also delivering critical specification accuracy, strength
stability and robustness to meet customers’ requirements.
Bendpro serves petrochemical, mining and energy among many other
industries with its weldless piping system technology.
