Aluminium tube bending

Aluminium tube bending is one of our most important tube bending services.

Unlike steel, aluminum is a more “tender” metal and so it might seem logical to think that bending it is simpler, but it doesn’t work that way. Commercially the most common aluminium temper is T5 (cooled after processing). This temper has technical characteristics that do not make it suitable for the bending of aluminium tubes and pipes.

Depending on the temper you are using – other important tempers include T6, T4 and T1 – aluminium tubes will respond differently to bending. This percent elongation for aluminium needs to be evaluated correctly to avoid jeopardising the outcome of the process. It is therefore essential, during the feasibility study (or design stage), to determine the precise characteristics needed for the material to avoid the following during bending:

• Breakage of the aluminium tube
• “Substantial” differences and/or deformations in the aluminium tube after tube processing

Drawing on its long experience, Tecnocurve works alongside its clientele as a reliable partner in the field of cold shaping of tubular elements in aluminium.  Recommendations are made about the technical and physical specifications of the temper to obtain high-precision aluminium bending results.

Bending aluminium tubes, tubular sections and bars

The bending process for aluminium involves the following elements:

• Tubes
• Tubular sections
• Extruded section bars

Unlike the equipment used for processing steel tubes and tubular sections, these bars need specific types of equipment adapted to the bar to be processed. Thanks to the experience of our engineers at Tecnocurve, this bending equipment is designed and produced directly in-house.

Bending radius of aluminium tubes

The aluminium tube bending radius that can be achieved, for both tubular elements and section bars in aluminum, must always be evaluated by means of a feasibility study that accounts for the technical characteristics of the alloy to be processed.

In addition to bending and roll bending, Tecnocurve can also perform boring and slotting before bending, with the aid of a laser tube.

Tecnocurve also has a 5-axis work centre and a modern CNC lathe that ensures we can supply our customers with products that have already undergone most of the tube processing they require.

The external appearance of aluminium makes it ideal for highly visible parts. Accordingly, aluminium tubes, tubular sections and sections bars are often used in the following sectors:

• Naval
• Interiors for trains, buses, subways
• Urban accessories
• Construction
• Automotive industry
• Machinery with drive cabs