Mandrel vs Crush Tube Bending

Depending on the application of the tubing, mandrel or crush bending may be more appropriate. For jobs that require strong structural integrity of the tube, or need optimal performance, mandrel bending is more appropriate. If neither of these factors matters, crush bending would work in its place.

Mandrel Tube Bending Process

The Mandrel bending is a tube forming/ bending process where the tube is drawn over a mandrel and is bent with hydraulics around a radius die. A Mandrel is a piece of equipment that is inserted into the tube that helps the fabrication process. While it is being shaped the mandrel supports the walls and structure of the tubing. For stainless steel, use mandrel bends to ensure that you can have multiple angles and directions while not deforming the interior of the pipe. It will make sure that the pipe is not deformed like with crinkle bends, roll bends, and press bends.

These types of tube-forming processes are popular in aftermarket exhaust systems, gas and liquid-based piping, and other applications where you need the maximum flow of material in the tubing.

Here you can see an example of mandrel tube bending on exhaust systems

Crush Bending Process

The crush bending process is when a tube is simply bent without any internal support. This is a common bending process that ends up “crushing” or crinkling the tube’s bending point. Crush bends have a faster turnaround and are more cost-effective in the long run.

At Detroit Tube Products, we will help you determine the best type of tube bending that fits your needs.  With over 100 years of experience, we can help determine the best type of material and fabrication (if needed) your tubing will need.  As an industry-leading mandrel tube bender, trust Detroit Tube Products! Finally, Contact us for more information on all our different types of bending processes!

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