Where Can I Bend Metal Tubes for My School Project in the UK?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding locations or methods to bend metal tubes for a school project in the UK. Participants explore options for outsourcing the bending process as well as DIY approaches, considering the specific requirements of the project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for companies or locations in the UK that can bend metal tubes.
  • Another participant suggests contacting local hardware stores for guidance on where to go for bending services.
  • Some participants propose the idea of purchasing a tubing bender to perform the bending independently.
  • A participant inquires about the size and radius of the bend needed, indicating that a small bending jig could be made for smaller tubes.
  • Details are provided about the specific project requirements, including the dimensions of the tube (10mm in diameter) and the nature of the bend (slight inward bend at the top).
  • Concerns are raised regarding the difficulty of bending stainless steel compared to aluminum or copper, noting the material's strength and stiffness.
  • Participants ask for clarification on the radius of the bend, emphasizing that tighter bends may present additional challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches to the problem, including both outsourcing and DIY methods. There is no consensus on a single best solution, as different opinions and suggestions are offered regarding the feasibility and difficulty of bending stainless steel.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not specified the exact location within the UK, which may affect the availability of services. The discussion does not resolve the technical challenges associated with bending stainless steel versus other materials.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on similar projects involving metalworking, individuals interested in DIY metal bending techniques, and those seeking local resources for metal fabrication in the UK.

brandon26
Messages
107
Reaction score
0
I am designing a product for my school project. I need to bend two pieces of metal tubes. This is not possible in my school, therefore I need to get it done elsewhere. Can someone suggest where I could go? Which comanies to approach.:confused:
Please help, my time is running out.

PS. I live in the UK
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
1. What part of the UK ?
2. Call your nearest hardware store and ask them where to go.
3. Go to the nearest hardware store, buy yourself a tubing bender, and do it yourself.
 
If it's small enough metal tubing, you can fashion a small bending jig rather easily and just do it yourself. What size tube and what radius are you wanting to bend?
 
Well, I am not going to bend it much. It is a long vertical metal tube bent slightly inwards at the top (about 1/4 of the whole length of the tube). The tube is 10mm in diameter.

I am thinking about using stainless steel, and I want it to be perfectly bent.
 
I would recommend Gokul's suggestion regarding the hardware store, or an electrical supplier who sells metal conduit tubing. Bending stainless steel will be more difficult than Al or Cu tubing, since steels are stronger and stiffer.

What is the radius of the bend. The tighter the bend, the more difficult it will be.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K