Abstract:
The disclosure relates to a method of bending elongated materials such as pipe by applying a compressive primary bending force to the material at locations on either end of the portion of the material to be bent and locally stimulating bending of that portion of the material by the application of heat or a secondary bending force. The end portions of the materials are engaged by clamps, each clamp having an arm extending normal to the principle axis of the material. The compressive primary bend force is applied by exerting a force on locations on the arms displaced from the principal axis of the material, which force tends to draw the ends of the arms together.
Abstract:
A means and method is provided for reducing radius expansion of bent, elongated materials due to "spring-back" occurring after the material is released from the bender clamps of a hot bending apparatus, wherein the longitudinal axis of the unbent portion of the material is displaced by a small angle from a perpendicular to a line running through the center of the bend and the bender heating means.
Abstract:
A method and hot bending apparatus for metal pipes in which the temperature of the pipe is kept constant during "gradation bending". The temperature may be adjusted by adjusting the power applied to the heater, or alternatively by adjusting the relative movement of the pipe with respect to the heater. While a feedback system may be utilized, a predetermined program is preferred under control of a microprocessor.