mandrel bending

[MBG]

Is mandrel bending when you don't collapse the inner part of the metal? Also is a mandrel bend stronger than a conventional style bend?

[jphagen]

Mandrel bending refers to using dies to help form the bend. They can be either round
or square, and help to control the side deformation of tubing bends.

[MBG]

thanks a lot I just want to bend some square stock to make a trailer. I am researching if a mandreal bend would be stronger. And also what kind of pipe bender I would need to bend square

[skippy]

"Is mandrel bending when you don't collapse the inner part of the metal?" Yes, the end result is as you say and this is achieved with a special type of bender (mandrel bender) that is very expensive. "Also is a mandrel bend stronger than a conventional style bend?" Yes because you don't have the deformation on the inside of the bend. HOWEVER, none of the above is relevant if you're talking about the construction of a trailer in square wall tubing as mandrel bending is normally used in (A) things such as race car/bike exhaust systems or hydraulic systems where an even flow rate is required due to the consistant internal diameter offered by a mandrel bend or (B) things such as tubular chassis' where maximum strength versus minimum weight is required. A trailer can hardly be considered to fit the above criteria and as well as that I'd imagine keeping costs down is also a consideration.
Skippy

[MBG]

"Is mandrel bending when you don't collapse the inner part of the metal?" Yes, the end result is as you say and this is achieved with a special type of bender (mandrel bender) that is very expensive. "Also is a mandrel bend stronger than a conventional style bend?" Yes because you don't have the deformation on the inside of the bend. HOWEVER, none of the above is relevant if you're talking about the construction of a trailer in square wall tubing as mandrel bending is normally used in (A) things such as race car/bike exhaust systems or hydraulic systems where an even flow rate is required due to the consistant internal diameter offered by a mandrel bend or (B) things such as tubular chassis' where maximum strength versus minimum weight is required. A trailer can hardly be considered to fit the above criteria and as well as that I'd imagine keeping costs down is also a consideration.
Skippy

thanks a lot skippy I didn't think I needed one either