Patent ID: 10010921

Abstract:
A method for bending a thin-walled tube to form a small radius bend on the thin-walled tube includes providing a die, lubricating the thin-walled tube, extruding the thin-walled tube, and thrusting elastomer fillers. A die defining a curved cavity enclosed within is provided. The curved cavity is configured to receive the thin walled tube. The thin-walled tube is lubricated using an antifriction coating material applied on an exterior surface of the thin-walled tube for reducing friction between the exterior surface of the thin-walled tube and the curved cavity of the die. The thin-walled tube is extruded into a curved section from an insertion end of the die. The elastomer fillers are thrusted into an inner surface of the thin walled tube via a mandrel. The mandrel is forced against the thin-walled tube to prevent damage of the inner surface of the thin-walled tube to form the small radius bend.