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The inclusion of hydroforming in the bending category
recognises that this process widely considered to be
“unconventional” is nothing of the kind – especially
since almost every metal capable of being cold formed
can be successfully hydroformed. Because it involves
hydraulic fluid under pressure, the method – valued
especially for its tooling economies and specific
modulus – is subject to multiple evaluation and
verification measures.
But this level of care is standard operating procedure
in a state-of-the-art tube mill, where bending
machinery and tools – and everything else – are
monitored throughout the production process. What
informs this level of care is the conviction that quality
can be assured only when it is comprehensive. It is
shared by the like-minded professionals in companies
like those reviewed in this section of Tube & Pipe
Technology.
Bending machinery
& tools
Photo: Inductaflex (see story on page 79)