How to adjust the pressure of a Spiral Elbow Machine for different pipe materials?

Jun 13, 2025

Hey there! As a supplier of Spiral Elbow Machines, I've got a ton of experience dealing with different pipe materials and adjusting the pressure of these machines accordingly. In this blog, I'm gonna share some tips on how to do just that.

First off, let's understand why adjusting the pressure is so important. Different pipe materials have different properties, like hardness, thickness, and flexibility. If the pressure of the Spiral Elbow Machine isn't set correctly for a particular material, it can lead to all sorts of problems. For example, if the pressure is too high, it might damage the pipe, causing cracks or deformations. On the other hand, if the pressure is too low, the machine won't be able to form the elbow properly, resulting in a poor - quality product.

Steel Pipes

Steel pipes are one of the most commonly used materials in many industries. They're strong and durable, but they also require a certain amount of pressure to be bent into elbows. When working with steel pipes, you need to consider their thickness. Thicker steel pipes will need more pressure compared to thinner ones.

For thin - walled steel pipes (less than 3mm in thickness), you can start with a relatively low pressure setting on your Spiral Elbow Machine. A good starting point might be around 5 - 10 tons of pressure, depending on the specific model of your machine. As you start the bending process, keep an eye on how the pipe is reacting. If the bend isn't forming smoothly or if the pipe starts to wrinkle, you might need to increase the pressure slightly.

For thicker steel pipes (3mm or more), you'll need to crank up the pressure. You could start at around 10 - 20 tons and adjust as necessary. Remember, it's always better to increase the pressure gradually rather than going all in at once. This way, you can avoid over - stressing the pipe and causing damage.

Aluminum Pipes

Aluminum pipes are lighter and more flexible than steel pipes. They're also more prone to deformation if the pressure is too high. When working with aluminum pipes, you want to use a lower pressure setting.

For most aluminum pipes, a pressure setting of 2 - 5 tons should be sufficient. Start with the lower end of this range and see how the pipe bends. Aluminum pipes are more forgiving, so you can usually get away with a bit more trial and error when adjusting the pressure. Just make sure not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause the pipe to collapse or develop kinks.

PVC Pipes

PVC pipes are made of plastic, which makes them very different from metal pipes. They're soft and can be easily damaged by excessive pressure. When using a Spiral Elbow Machine on PVC pipes, you need to be extra careful.

The pressure for PVC pipes should be set very low, usually around 1 - 3 tons. PVC pipes are also sensitive to heat, so if the machine generates a lot of heat during the bending process, it can affect the pipe's integrity. You might want to consider using a cooling system or taking breaks during the bending process to prevent overheating.

How to Adjust the Pressure

Now that you know the approximate pressure settings for different pipe materials, let's talk about how to actually adjust the pressure on your Spiral Elbow Machine.

Most modern Spiral Elbow Machines come with a pressure control panel. This panel allows you to increase or decrease the pressure with the push of a button. Some machines might have a digital display that shows the current pressure setting, which makes it easier to make precise adjustments.

Shrimp Hydraulic Elbow Making MachineShrimp Hydraulic Elbow Making Machine

Before you start adjusting the pressure, make sure the machine is turned off and disconnected from the power source. This is for your safety. Once you're ready, locate the pressure control buttons on the panel. Usually, there will be a “+” button to increase the pressure and a “ - ” button to decrease it.

Start by setting the pressure to the approximate value based on the pipe material you're using. Then, turn on the machine and start the bending process. Observe how the pipe is bending and make small adjustments to the pressure as needed.

Troubleshooting

Even if you follow all the guidelines, you might still run into some issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

If the pipe isn't bending at all, it could be that the pressure is too low. Increase the pressure gradually until the pipe starts to bend. If the pipe is bending but has wrinkles or kinks, the pressure might be too high or the bending speed might be too fast. Try reducing the pressure and slowing down the bending speed.

If the pipe is cracking or breaking, it's definitely a sign that the pressure is too high. Immediately stop the machine and reduce the pressure. You might also want to check if the pipe has any pre - existing defects.

Related Machines

If you're in the market for a Spiral Elbow Machine or related equipment, we have some great options. Check out our Shrimp Hydraulic Elbow Making Machine, which is perfect for making high - quality elbows. Our Gorelocker Machine is also a great choice for those who need to work with round ducts. And if you're involved in HVAC systems, our HVAC Air Duct Hydraulic Elbow Forming And Making Machine For Air Condition is a must - have.

Contact Us for Purchasing

If you're interested in our Spiral Elbow Machines or have any questions about adjusting the pressure for different pipe materials, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you get the most out of your machine and ensure that you can produce high - quality elbows for your projects. Whether you're a small - scale contractor or a large - scale industrial manufacturer, we've got the right machine for you.

References

  • "Pipe Bending Handbook" - A comprehensive guide on pipe bending techniques and pressure requirements.
  • Industry research papers on the properties of different pipe materials and their response to bending pressure.