Industry News

How to Bend a Copper Tube

2025-08-05

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.

copper tube

Copper Tube Bending Fundamentals

Essential Tools for Proper Bending

Tube bender (manual or hydraulic)
Spring bender (for small diameter tubes)
Mandrel bender (for tight radius bends)
Tube cutter & deburring tool
Measuring tape & marker

Hongfang Copper Tube Specifications

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

Step-by-Step Bending Techniques

Method 1: Manual Tube Bending

  1. Measure and mark bending points

  2. Insert tube into correct bender groove

  3. Apply steady pressure while maintaining foot pressure on bender

  4. Check angle with protractor during process

  5. Verify final bend meets specifications

Method 2: Spring Bending (for 6-10mm tubes)

  1. Select proper spring size (slips over tube)

  2. Bend slowly by hand while spring supports walls

  3. Remove spring by twisting counter-clockwise

Method 3: Mandrel Bending (Precision Bends)

  1. Lubricate mandrel with graphite paste

  2. Clamp tube in bending machine

  3. Engage mandrel during bend cycle

  4. Retract mandrel before removing tube

Hongfang Copper Tube Advantages

Material Properties

99.9% pure copper (C12200)
Phosphorus deoxidized for superior bendability
Annealed temper available for complex shapes
Internal cleaning ensures contaminant-free bends

Performance Testing Data

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

FAQ: How to Bend a Copper Tube

Q: How to bend a copper tube without kinking or collapsing?
A: Follow these professional tips:

  1. Always use proper bending tools matched to tube diameter

  2. For tubes >10mm OD, use mandrel benders to support interior walls

  3. Anneal hard temper tubes before bending (heat to 700°F then quench)

  4. Maintain minimum bend radius (2xOD for soft temper)

  5. Rotate the tube slightly while bending to distribute stress evenly

Why Choose Hongfang Copper Tubes?

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

Get Expert Copper Tube Solutions

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!

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