The demand for curved tubing has increased over the years to serve many purposes across a broad number of markets. As the technology and capabilities of tube benders, the demand and innovation has risen to match the challenge.
There are many reasons for using curved tubing, and one of the most common is to remove unnecessary welding. For instance, cruved tubes are often used in the making of structural components for vehicular parts. Rectangular tubes are frequently used as base components of a structural chassis for their size and strength. In order to fit the chassis around other components, such as the engine block, or wheel axles, one option would be to miter cut and weld the tubing on an angle to create that space. Another option would be to bend the tubing against the strong or weak axis. Sometimes, both methods may be used to curve the frame as needed. The reduction of weld points can offer increased structural security, as well as an improved aesthetic look for the vehicular shape.
Pipe and tubes are also often used in curved or rolled forms for vehicular projects. One common example would be in the construction of protective roll cages for vehicles. The curved pipe allows the form to remain structurally sound while helping to disperse some of the forces involved in the crash. This allows the roll cage to protect the driver within the structure of curved pipe from more serious harm. The addition of curved and rolled pipe to structural cages has helped increase driver safety in racing sports for many years.
Another area where curved tubing is protecting drivers has developed in the off-roading community. Many drivers who prefer to take their vehicles in extreme off-road conditions are adding structures called ‘stingers’ to the front or rear bumpers of their vehicles to protect the vehicle while attempting to navigate steep hills. The ‘stinger’ acts like an extension of the bumper preventing the vehicle from tipping too far forward or backward and becoming unbalanced. For simple versions, these can be made by many off-road enthusiasts with homemade pipe benders. However, for those seeking heavy duty versions, a bender/roller with larger tooling and machines can make them more swiftly.
