Guide to Specifying Tube Bender Tooling
Define the Right Tooling for Your Bender
Use this guide to answer every question needed to specify tube bending tooling, then share it with your tooling supplier.
- All the questions to answer to specify tube bending tooling
- The list of options to choose from
- A checklist of the specifications you will need
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The Parts of a Tube Bending Tool Set
- Bend die: sets the centerline radius and supports the inside of the bend
- Clamp die: grips the tube against the bend die as it rotates
- Pressure die: supports the outside of the tube and reacts the bending force. It can be boosted to push material into the bend.
- Wiper die: fills the gap behind the tangent point to stop wrinkling on the inside of the bend
- Mandrel: supports the tube from inside to prevent collapse and ovality. It may be a plug or a ball mandrel with one or more balls.
When Do You Need a Mandrel and Wiper?
Two ratios decide: wall factor (OD ÷ wall) and D of bend (CLR ÷ OD). Low wall factors on generous radii often bend with an empty bender or a plug mandrel. As walls get thinner and radii tighter, you need a ball mandrel, then more balls, and a wiper die. The guide walks through these choices.
Information Your Tooling Supplier Needs
- Bender make and model, and how the tooling mounts
- Tube OD, wall, material and temper
- Centerline radius for each bend, and the shortest straight between bends
- Quality requirements: ovality, wall thinning and surface finish
- Annual volume, which affects tool material and coating
Our tooling division designs and builds tooling for most benders. Browse standard bend die styles and mandrel data in our 2026 Tooling Catalog (PDF). Ready to order? Request a tooling quote online, or check a bend first in the tube bending calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a tube bending tool set include?
Typically a bend die, clamp die, pressure die, wiper die and mandrel. The exact set depends on the tube and the bend.
Do I always need a mandrel?
No. It depends on wall factor and D of bend. Thick walls on generous radii may not need one. Thin walls on tight radii need a ball mandrel and a wiper.
Can Tube Form Solutions make tooling for my bender?
Yes. Our tooling division builds bend dies, mandrels, wipers and related tooling. Send us your bender model and part details.