SECTION I
USE AND MAINTENANCE
1. INTRODUCTION
6. DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTION
NOTE
TABLE 1. TUBE SIZES
Tube diameter
(O.D. inches)
Wall thickness
(inches)
Bend radii, measured to center-line of tubing
9/16
11/16
15/16
1 -1/4
1 -1/2
1 -3/4
0.016 - 0.049
0.020 - 0.065
0.028 - 0.083
0.035 - 0.083
0.042 - 0.083
0.049 - 0.083
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
5/8
3/4
8. Before bending is started, the tube is clamped into
the machine between the form block and form shoe and
positioned at the normal starting point which is
indicated by a dial on the tube bender proper. By
watching the dial, any desired degree of bend can be
effected, since the dial indicates accurately all
movements of the form block and shoe. To properly hold
the tube at the beginning point of the bend a clamp
yoke, which must be fitted with the proper size clamp
block, is provided. The clamp block has the correct
radius to match the radius of the form block which has
been selected for the particular diameter of the tube to
be bent.
9. The tube bender proper is operated with the ratchet
handle included. A large pad on the underside of the
housing is provided for clamping between the jaws of a
vise which must be 4 inches or larger in order to hold
the machine safely. All accessories for use with the tube
bending machine proper are quickly installed and
removed, making the selection of sizes and actual
bending a fast and practical operation.
10. The tube bending machine is not intended for
permanent installation. Each part of the complete kit
has a special place in the carrying case, thus making
the equipment completely portable so that it can be
transported from one location to another.
2.This handbook provides descriptive data, installation,
operation and maintenance, and replacement parts list
for the Imperial 700-F Tube Bender Kit.
3. Information contained in Section 1 is presented for
the purpose of providing personnel, responsible for
using and servicing the tube bender, with factory
approved data to ensure successful results in the use
and repair of the equipment. Section II lists and
illustrates replaceable assemblies and subassemblies,
and individual parts that can be procured when
replacements are required.
4. Each tube bender kit is packaged in a strong steel
carrying case which is equipped with brackets and
studs placed to hold individual components in an
orderly arrangement. The equipment contained in the
kit is designed to bend cold drawn, corrosion resistant
steel tubing conforming to Specification MIL-T-6845,
with outside diameters and wall thickness specified in
Table 1.
7. The Tube Bender Kit will bend corrosion resistant,
cold drawn steel tubing, conforming to Specification
MIL-T-6845, in sizes and wall thickness listed in Table 1.
When operating according to instructions contained
herein, bends up to 180° can be made while retaining
the original diameter of the tube within 5% at the bend.
Bends are not restricted to a single plane. A wide range
of compound bends and “S” bends can be handled.
5. Each form block assembly has a gear sector pinned
directly to it, however, a single rack is used with all sizes
of form shoes.The drive shaft having upper splines of
the larger diameter handles form blocks from 5/16
inch to 3/4 inch inclusive, while the drive shaft with the
smaller diameter upper splines handles only the 1/4
inch form blocks.
Although the tube bender is designed specifically for
bending stainless steel tubing, aluminum, copper
and tubing of various alloys can be handled
successfully provided the combined hardness and
elongation characteristics are within the range of
Specification MIL-T-6845. In some cases the wall
thickness listed in Table 1 can be exceeded when
bending aluminum and copper. Experience in using
the machine will best determine what ranges can be
handled successfully with tubing other than stainless
steel.
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