Bent tubes can be a few different things. There are flexible tubes that allow a single piece connection between two spots that don’t line up or will need to be replaced frequently. There are also flared tubes which are solid tubes that have had their ends either increased or decreased in size to accommodate a different connector or to increase or decrease pressure in the line.
Bent tubing comes in an enormous varity of shapes, sizes and materials. Flexible tubes are usually made of plastic or rubber but can be made out of metal. Each material has distinct advantages over the other depending on its application. Next, there are flared and swaged tubes. These tubes have had their ends increased or reduced in size. They are usually made of metal but can be made of any material suitable for hard pipes. Consider the following when looking into bent tubes:
1. Flexible tubing is great for complex connections.
2. You can have bent tubing equipment custom-made for your specific applications.
3. You can make your own swaged or flared tube that allows tubes of mismatching size to connect properly.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use flexible tubing for difficult connections
Flexible tubes have a wide range of uses, from the medical industry to car parts to buried cable installation. Most flexible tube companies specialize in a specific type of tube, shape or material. The most common types of flexible tubing are made of plastic or other synthetic material. Some companies specialize in metal tubing, some with an inner plastic lining and some without.
I recommend: NewAge Industries sells many types of bent plastic tubing, while
Uniprise International sells an assortment of bent metal tubing.
Purchase a variety of bent tubes custom-made for your business
It isn't uncommon to need a tube increase or decreased in size or even custom bent to a specific angle or configuration. Regardless of the reason, connecting tubes of different sizes is easier with custom bending companies.
I recommend: Acme Tube Bending specializes in making bends in the length of tubes. This gives the tube some of the best aspects of flexible tubing and normal hard tubes.
Diversico Industries makes the ends of tubes bigger, smaller or shaped differently.
Buy your own equipment for flaring tubes
If you require a constant supply of custom bent tubes, look into purchasing your own equipment. These machines are very specialized and quite expensive but can save you money and shipping time over a tube bending company.
I recommend: APS Metals sells tube bending and tube flaring equipment.
Carson Manufacturing sells a variety of tube equipment, from making tubes out of sheet metal all the way to custom bends, flares and swags. For small adjustments,
Auto Tool World sells hand tools that help flare tubes.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- A flexible or custom bent tube is sometimes much thinner than other tubes in the same piece of equipment. Because of this, local temperature may have a greater effect on the substances inside. Don't forget to properly insulate the tubes from their environment. If you stick with all metal tubes, many companies make thawing equipment specifically designed for flexible metal hoses.
The official source of Bent Tubes is the Bent Tubes page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
GlobalSpec.com: Bent TubesProvides database of suppliers for bent tubes. Includes catalogs, technical information, and supplier contact information.
flow-control.globalspec.com
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