Rectangular Metal Tube Bending

Bending rectangular tubing is a more difficult process than round tube bending (all else being equal: surface area, radius, wall thickness, material type, etc.). As with almost all metal bending processes, the tighter the bend, the more difficult it becomes. Similarly, bending rectangular tubing with thinner walls is more difficult than bending thicker walls (provided the bending machine has the power to curve the thicker sections).

Unlike round tubing, however, rectangular tubing can be rolled “off-axis,” as in the case of the Little Village Academy (see photo below). For this project, Chicago Metal Rolled Products (CMRP) provided 14” x 4” x 3/8” bent rectangular tubing that was rolled to inside radii from 17’ to 21’, with a 10.9° pitch.

Bent Rectangular Tube: Hard Way vs. Easy Way

In most instances, rectangular tube is bent either the “hard way” (x-x axis) or the “easy way” (y-y axis). It is usually the case, however, that even though more pressure is required to produce a bend the hard way, the resulting curved rectangular tube is less likely to distort precisely because it is more rigid than a section curved the easy way. Easy way rectangular tube bending is more likely to produce a somewhat concave inside diameter.

Whether you project requires curved rectangular tube bent the hard way or the easy way, CMRP are the experts you can trust. Request a quote on rectangular tube bending for your project, or contact us to learn more.

Rectangular Tube Bending Images

The Rectangular Tube Curving Experts

Without the correct tooling, machinery, and method, and a skilled operator, rectangular tube bending can result in distortion. The most common form of distortion is concavity on the inside diameter of the section; there are cases, however, where a project can actually benefit from significant concavity on the inside diameter because, in certain applications, this concavity makes the section actually stronger.

With the correct tooling, machinery, and procedures, excellent quality can be achieved, even with tight-radius, thin-wall rectangular tube bending. For example, Chicago Metal Rolled Products has curved 16” x 8” x 1/2” rectangular tube the easy way to an 11’ inside radius.

CMRP can produce curved rectangular tube in sizes from 1” x 1/2” to 20” x 12”, and virtually every size in between. We use advanced machinery and hundreds of die sets to create high precision bent rectangular tube.

We utilize a variety of methods and techniques, including rotary draw bending with mandrels, three-roll bending, four-roll bending, and compression bending. With these techniques, machines, and tooling at our disposal, our customers’ rectangular tube bending projects rarely include tooling charges.

Value-Added Services for Rectangular Tube Bending

In addition to rectangular tube bending, Chicago Metal Rolled Products also provides a variety of ancillary operations, including saw cutting, drilling, and welding.

Applications for Curved Rectangular Tube

Bent rectangular tube is used in OEM applications like roll-over protection, framework, bumpers, and playground equipment. Architectural structures of all kinds are built using bent rectangular tube: roofs, trellises, canopies, arches, balconies, and portals. Like round and square tubing, rectangular tubing can be formed into a helix, most often for circular staircases.

Click here to learn how to properly specify curved rectangular tube sections.

Contact Us for Complete Rectangular Tube Curving Service

Chicago Metal Rolled Products has the skills, experience, and technology needed to produce precision curved rectangular tubing for your project. Request a quote or contact us for the bent rectangular tubing you need.

Our work TESTIMONIALS
  • "A big thank you to your team. Your parts are receiving the most positive feedback possible. Your company has new fans here."
    Bruce E., Kansas
  • "Without CMRP able to roll these channels to my specifications, there was no way this beautiful round antenna would have ever worked. 
    Damon S., Wisconsin
  • "My customer has installed several truckloads worth of 36" x 160# WF beams you rolled and cambered for us. The quality is spot on."
    Justin J., Alabama
  • "The rolled stringers were right on the button as far as pitch and radius."
    Bob O., Illinois
  • "I really appreciate your company coming through on this order & expediting the material when you said you would.You stick by their word."
    Jason R., Missouri
  • "The last order of rings were the best that we have received from you. The flanges were all flat. Keep them coming like that."
    Lenny P., Ohio
  • "Thanks for OVER AND ABOVE EXCELLENT SERVICE.  The quality and accuracy of CMRP's work is outstanding"
    Peggy, Texas
  • "The ring looks good! The OD is dead on. Thank you for your concerns regarding our questions and responding so quickly. I was impressed!"
    Fran Z., Pennsylvania
  • "Please pass on to the workers, . . . (your) rings . . . were some of the best our fitter has seen."
    Jeff K., Illinois
  • "I want to thank CMRP for exceeding what you promised. You are ahead of schedule and the strakes are fitting great."
    Jim A., New York
  • "Your advice was a significant contribution to the project.  You provide excellent service and knowledge"
    John Z., Illinois
  • "These pipes were rolled DEAD ON. The shop guys said they had never seen a pipe come in and hit every point like that in a long long time."
    Joe C., Missouri
  • "The rolling on these rectangular tubes was absolutely perfect! Barely any adjustment needed to be made."
    Tom G., Massachusetts
  • “We just placed an order for Rolled Angle Rings & you delivered them to us within 2-1/2 days ... we are three states away.”
    Jim S., Pennsylvania
  • “I would like a quote on a spiral project. I have heard many good things about your quality and timeliness from other fabricators.”
    Ryan L., Utah
  • “The rolled beams were delivered yesterday and look very good. Thank you for great service!”
    Thomas S., Maine
  • “I’ve worked with CMRP for over 16 years and can rely on them for any size job and in any time frame. CMRP delivers every time.”
    Mindy, H., Indiana
  • “It is unbelievable how good a job you guys did rolling these beams.”
    Richard G., Canada
  • “You all helped us out greatly when no one else seemed they could. Everything worked out wonderfully!”
    Cliff P., Florida
  • “The parts are very impressive and the service was stellar. I will certainly be recommending you to anyone needing such services.”
    Randy W., Georgia
  • “We got everything we needed in a very short turnaround, I appreciate it.  We are happy to have a reliable source to turn to.”
    Russell P., Illinois
  • “Quote was great! Timely, appropriate, and frankly less money than we expected.”
    James L., New York
  • “CMRP immediately took action and shipped out my order the same day! This all happened like clockwork, allowing us to meet the deadline.”
    Margo R., Ohio
  • “We only use CMRP for our rolling needs. We can always depend on getting a finished product that is to our expectations or better.”
    David P., New York
  • “I wish everyone could get quotes back that fast! That is why we use you, fast response to quotes and questions and great quality!”
    Will F., Indiana
  • “Your quotes are always so well organized and thorough, I trust your work.”
    Jessica, South Carolina
  • “On larger more complex rolling items, I typically only go to Chicago Metal Rolled Products for pricing due to quality.”
    Kevin H., Pennsylvania
  • “Thanks for providing the material. First two sets were laid out and fabricated. Radius was excellent!”
    Brad, Iowa
  • “We really appreciate your work on this. Amazing attention for a smaller sized job. Thank you for coming through.”
    Erik J., New York
  • “The project was AMAZING! Thank you so much for your help. I really do appreciate it. Always a pleasure doing business with you.”
    Kelly E., Iowa
  • “Your salesman provided a quick quote with an offer to explain things we should take into account. It's known you guys do the best work.”
    Mark R., Maryland
  • “Thank you for your help with the project and for getting everything complete and shipped out in a such a timely fashion. You guys saved the day.”
    Ben B., Florida
  • “You guys did an amazing job on these stringers. We would NOT be having such a success story without your team's effort & patience!”
    David B., Oklahoma
  • “You gave me excellent service and help which I appreciated very much. Material was on time and right on spec.”
    Brian S., Pennsylvania
  • “Your positive attitude is noted & CMRP reputation in the steel industry is impressive. All of our locations will contact you in the future.”
    Dave B., North Carolina
  • “My boilermakers in the field had positive things to say about the quality and accuracy of the angles that you rolled. Thank you.”
    Walter L., New York
  • “The project is complete and our customer is very pleased. I appreciate your diligence and quality on this one.”
    Dusty A., Texas
  • “CMRP has been instrumental in our ability to deliver high quality & great looking parts. Any job, big or small, CMRP has come through.”
    Eddie C., Kansas
  • “Your rolled steel worked great! We check lengths & chord dimensions ...everything was within an 1/8".”
    Don L., Michigan
  • “We received our order on time and the level of workmanship is excellent!"
    Roger R., Georgia
  • “Your company did a great job rolling these parts. Our fab and installation is going very well thanks to the quality of your work."
    Ronnie S., North Carolina
  • “Your company is the only one that was able to give me a quote that was right on with my specs, everyone else had to modify at least one dimension."
    Adam S., Minnesota
  • “Thank you for the follow through & turn around time, it greatly helps in the environment that exists today."
    Don F., Nevada
  • “This was our first experience with your company & I was very impressed with all aspects."
    Rick N., Minnesota
  • “I want all to know your hard work and efforts have not gone without appreciation."
    Lance B., Minnesota
  • “The accuracy and quality of your product put a smile on our foremans face - that is hard to come by."
    Jonathan S., New York
  • “Competitive price. Beat the schedule. No complaints from the project site."
    Lane K., Florida
  • “We appreciate you working with our tight schedule and overdelivering on this project."
    Alyson M., Texas
  • “The rolled segments were perfect and priced right. We will definitely use you again."
    Joe M., Nebraska
  • “Your group is awesome to work with and greatly appreciated!"
    Tammie N., Kansas
  • “You did EVERYTHING correctly. That's why you guys are the best in the business!"
    Walt W., Florida
  • “It was very impressive to get such rapid service and a great product."
    Jeff L., Pennsylvania
  • “Very impressed with your speed and overall service!"
    Brian W., Iowa
  • “Great service, product looks good, arrived a day early. Thank you!"
    David C., New York
  • “Your work, as always, near perfect, timely, and accurate. Exactly the same for the last 40 years."
    Pat M., Wisconsin
  • “Absolutely fantastic job by your guys! The fit of the two parts in AWESOME!"
    Kenny R., Florida
  • “The other guys were off by 3/4", CMRP spot on. We won't even question where to send our rolled plates in the future."
    Brant M., Illinois
  • “Your guys responsiveness is way better than any vendor that I have ever dealt with!"
    Jay W., Minnesota
  • “I always appreciate your continual positive attitude even in some difficult situations."
    Christopher L., Illinois
  • “We could not be happier with the parts and customer service you and your team provided. We have never been disappointed."
    Rodney H., Virginia
  • “What an amazing first time experience!! Couldn't be happier!."
    Jason S., Indiana
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    Andre T., Missouri
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    Jim R., Illinois
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    Patti W., Texas
  • “Pieces fit like a glove"
    Mark F., New Jersey
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    Dan P., New York
  • “Couldn't be happier with both the order and how quickly you processed everything. Very happy!"
    Dan M., Texas
  • “The rolled plates & tube laser parts are perfect - having the plates rolled without any pickup, & ends meet up on true verticals is HUGE!"
    Jim M., New York
  • “High praises on the work you folks did. It's nice to know you guys are around."
    Peter B., Illinois
  • “Your superior service and quality are unmatched. This is not a cliche."
    Ted S.,Indiana