Pipe bending is a method used by plumbers to enhance the fabrication capabilities of pipe work and plumbing fixtures. There are a few different pipe bending techniques a plumber can chose to use.

One method of pipe bending is compression pipe bending. With this process, the pipe is bent into a tight radius. This can be done without the use of mandrel tools or other precision tools that are used in other forms of pipe bending. With compression pipe bending, a piece of pipe is clamped behind the rear tangent point. The pipe is then placed onto a die after rotary arm rolling or compression has been established.

Draw pipe bending is specifically used to create tight radii within thin wall materials. This form of pipe bending involves mandrel tooling. Draw pipe bending provides maximum control of wall thinning.

Aluminum pipe bending is considered to be the most difficult form of pipe bending. This is because aluminum pipe is such a hard material. In addition, older pipe is harder to bend. In fact, these pipes are prone to breaking when bent.

Copper is undoubtedly the best material for pipe bending. Not only is it soft, but it can also easily be bent to a four inch (10.16 cm) radius for a 15mm pipe. A key advantage of copper pipes is that the material reduces costs because the ease with which it can be bent eliminates the need to purchase an additional connector. Copper pipes can also be bent to give both right-hand bends and bends less than 90 degrees.

A pipe bending machine is vital component for any pipe bending project, particularly those of a large scale. A pipe bending machine makes the job easier and is capable of completing multiple jobs in less time than when working by hand. A pipe bending machine can be either handheld or floor mounted. In either case, the pipe bending machine allows the user to hold the pipe at one end of the channel while the shape roller forces the pipe through and carries it around in a curve. A pipe bending machine can be purchased with a variety of pipe bending capabilities.