Copper tube bending is an essential skill for HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration applications. At Hongfang, we manufacture premium copper tubes specifically engineered for clean, precise bends without kinking or weakening. This comprehensive guide covers professional bending techniques, tool recommendations, and our specialized copper tube specifications for flawless results.
✔ Tube bender (manual or hydraulic)
✔ Spring bender (for small diameter tubes)
✔ Mandrel bender (for tight radius bends)
✔ Tube cutter & deburring tool
✔ Measuring tape & marker
Product Code | OD (mm) | Wall Thickness | Temper | Bend Radius | Max Pressure |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HF-CT-06 | 6.35 | 0.81mm | Soft (O) | 2xOD | 45 bar |
HF-CT-12 | 12.7 | 1.02mm | Half-hard (H55) | 3xOD | 32 bar |
HF-CT-22 | 22.2 | 1.30mm | Annealed | 4xOD | 25 bar |
Measure and mark bending points
Insert tube into correct bender groove
Apply steady pressure while maintaining foot pressure on bender
Check angle with protractor during process
Verify final bend meets specifications
Select proper spring size (slips over tube)
Bend slowly by hand while spring supports walls
Remove spring by twisting counter-clockwise
Lubricate mandrel with graphite paste
Clamp tube in bending machine
Engage mandrel during bend cycle
Retract mandrel before removing tube
✓ 99.9% pure copper (C12200)
✓ Phosphorus deoxidized for superior bendability
✓ Annealed temper available for complex shapes
✓ Internal cleaning ensures contaminant-free bends
Test | Standard | Result |
---|---|---|
Flattening | ASTM B280 | No cracks at 2/3 original diameter |
Pressure | EN 1057 | 1.5x rated pressure for 5 minutes |
Bend Test | ASTM B88 | 180° bend without fracture |
Q: How to bend a copper tube without kinking or collapsing?
A: Follow these professional tips:
Always use proper bending tools matched to tube diameter
For tubes >10mm OD, use mandrel benders to support interior walls
Anneal hard temper tubes before bending (heat to 700°F then quench)
Maintain minimum bend radius (2xOD for soft temper)
Rotate the tube slightly while bending to distribute stress evenly
✔ Precision dimensional tolerances (±0.05mm)
✔ Custom lengths and tempers available
✔ Batch traceability with material certificates
✔ ISO 9001 & NSF-61 certified
✔ 20+ years specialty copper manufacturing
For technical support or to request samples of our premium bendable copper tubes:
📧 Email: info@hongfangcopper.com
As Hongfang's lead engineer with 25 years in copper tube fabrication, I personally guarantee our products will outperform standard copper tubes in bend consistency and mechanical reliability. Contact us today for your most challenging bending applications!