Tube bending is an essential service for companies that need parts to make industrial equipment. One crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed but significantly affects the quality of the bend is ovality. Ovality refers to the deviation from a perfect circle in a tube’s cross section. In this blog post we’ll delve into what ovality is, why it matters in tube bending and how it is managed for optimal results.
Ovality is controlled by using a mandrel inside the tube or pipe during bending or – in some part specifications – using drawn over mandrel (DOM) round tubing from the outset.”
What is Ovality?
Ovality, in simple terms, is the measurement of how much a tube deviates from being perfectly round. It’s typically expressed as a percentage, calculated by comparing the tube’s major diameter (the widest point) to its minor diameter (the narrowest point). The greater the difference between these diameters, the higher the ovality percentage.
Why Does Ovality Matter in Tube Bending?
Ovality can impact tube bending for several reasons:
- Bend Quality: Tubes with high ovality are more prone to wrinkling, flattening or cracking during the bending process, leading to compromised bend quality.
- Inconsistent Fit: Oval tubes may not fit properly into connectors or mating parts, causing assembly issues or leakages in fluid systems.
- Uniformity: Tubes with consistent roundness ensure uniform bending and dimensional accuracy, crucial for applications where precision is paramount.
Managing Ovality for Better Results
To mitigate the effects of ovality in tube bending, manufacturers of bent tube employ various techniques:
- Material Selection: Choosing high-quality materials with uniform properties helps minimize ovality variations.
- Pre-bending Preparation: Proper annealing or heat treatment can reduce material stresses and improve the tube’s roundness before bending.
- Mandrel Use: Mandrels support the inner tube wall during bending, reducing deformation and maintaining roundness.
- Optimized Tooling: Customized tooling and dies designed for specific tube diameters and materials can minimize ovality.
- Quality Control: Regular inspection and measurement of ovality ensures adherence to specifications and consistent bend quality.
End Results
Ovality is something that needs to be managed in the tube bending process, as it impacts bend quality, fit and overall performance. By understanding the causes of ovality and implementing appropriate measures to manage it, manufacturers can achieve better results and ensure the integrity of their bent tube products.