Tube bending tool features integrated cutting device

Schwarze-Robitec has developed a bending tool with an integrated cutting device. This allows the user to bend and cut pipe components of commercially available lengths in a single process step. According to the company, this reduces material waste up to 90 percent and decreases production times.

The combination bending and cutting tool provides the option to process longer pipe units instead of cut pipe pieces. During the first step, the bending machine forms the front of the pipe according to the program geometry. Subsequently, the integrated cutting tool separates the finished component from the unmachined pipe. The latter is moved through the bending machine, formed again, and cut. This process is repeated until the pipe bending process is completed and a single piece that cannot be used remains.

The cutting process leaves a clean edge on pipe components, typically eliminating the need for finishing.