Induction Bending

Principle of induction bending

Induction bending uses inductors to locally heat steel by induction. This results in a narrow

heat band in the shape to be bent. The shape is firmly held by a clamp at the desired

radius, which is mounted on a free pivoting arm. The shape is is pushed through the

inductor by an accurate drive system which causes the hot section to form the bend at the

set radius. The bent part is then cooled by water, forced or still air to fix the bend shape.

The bending process is continuous and highly automated from start to finish.

Areas of application
Induction bends find their way in the following industries:

 Petrochemical

 Chemical

 Power Generation (conventional and nuclear)

 Oil and gas (incl. expansion joints)

 Compressor and pump stations (fluids and gasses)

 Offshore

 Shipbuilding

 Construction

Materials that can be induction bent

Cojafex technology allows bending of an almost unlimited variety in materials.

Common material groups are:

Carbon steels Low alloyed steels

High alloyed

steels

Fine grain steels

Stainless steels Austenitic

 Martensitic

Duplex

Special alloys

Samples of steels routinely bent for various industries are:

Offshore Duplex/Super Duplex

Power P91 / P22 / WB36 / P92

Pipe line API 5L X52 / X65 / X70 / X80 – X100

A106 Grade.B / Grade.C / P1/ P9, A312TP304,

Petrochemical
TP316

Other Aluminium, Titanium

Major advantages of induction bending are:

 Cost efficiency. Straight material is less costly than standard components (e.g. elbows)

and bends can be produced faster than standard components can be welded.

 Elbows can often be replaced by larger radius bends, reducing friction, wear and

required pump capacity.

 Induction bending reduces the number of welds in a system.

o No welds at the critical points thanks to the tangents.

o Less non-destructive testing, saving cost.

 Induction bends are stronger than elbows with uniform wall thickness

 Stock of elbows and standard bends can be greatly reduced.

 Straight pipe is more readily available than elbows, reducing time to market

 Bends can be made from the same base material as the straight pipe.

 Induction bending does not need bend dies or mandrels. A simple clamping/ inductor

set covers a wide range of radii and wall thicknesses

 Induction bending is a clean process. No lubricants necessary