CALL (616) 454-9965
Order Online
Get A Quote

Mandrels

Inserted and Solid-Body Mandrel Assemblies For Rotary-Draw Tube Bending

Over thirty years ago we introduced inserted mandrel and wiper tooling to the tube-bending
industry. Our continuous improvement of inserted tooling design and mandrel manufacture (via
Datafacturing®) has set the standard.
cable mandrel
CENTER, END AND INSERT LINKS
square solid assembly2
Inserted Mandrel Assembly
solid mandrel assembly1
square solid assembly3

Flex-link Mandrel Tooling

  • Diameters: 1.000″ – 6.000″ (25mm – 152mm)
  • Types: Round, square, rectangular tubing
  • Features:
    o Plug & ball mandrels
    o 1-“D” bending capacity
    o Snap-together links with detent systems
    o Vented for lubrication
    o Easy installation
    o Various thread specs
    o Aluminum bronze or hard-chromed steel finish
    o Available as assemblies, sub-assemblies, & components
cable-mandrels-bend-photo

Cable Mandrel Tooling

  • Diameters: 2.000″ – 4.000″ (51mm – 102mm)
  • Features:
    o Durable multi-core wire rope
    o Inserted or solid-body options
    o Alloy steel body (aluminum-bronze option)
    o Aluminum bronze or hard-chromed steel finish
    o Vented for lubrication
    o Easy installation
    o Available as assemblies, sub-assemblies, & components

Instructional Video for Mandrel Assembly

Step-by-step video demonstrating the assembly and disassembly of Bend Tooling’s tough high- performance poppet-link mandrel assemblies for tube bending. Includes information on how to do it and what tools you need to do it. For complete printed instructions, download our “Rotary Draw Tube Bending Guide”.

Mandrel Nose Placement Calculator

The Mandrel Nose Placement Calculator

This is a very helpful interactive utility that calculates the ideal placement of the mandrel nose. It also generates the ideal mandrel nose diameter for your specific application. This set-up tool should be used in conjunction with the “Forward Mandrel, Low Pressure” set-up technique outlined in our “Rotary Draw Tube Bending Guide”.
Open Calculator

Common Questions about Mandrels

What types of mandrels does Bend Tooling offer for tube bending?

Bend Tooling provides two main types of mandrel assemblies:

  • Flex-link Mandrel Assemblies: Available for round, square, and rectangular tubing with diameters from 1.000″ to 6.000″ (25mm to 152mm). Features include plug mandrels for smaller sizes and custom ball mandrels for larger diameters.
  • Cable Mandrel Assemblies: Designed for diameters from 2.000″ to 4.000″ (51mm to 102mm) with multi-core wire rope for flexibility and strength. Both types offer durable nickel-aluminum-bronze nose inserts and mandrel balls for bending tough materials like stainless steel and titanium.
How durable are Bend Tooling’s mandrel assemblies?
Our mandrels are built to last, leveraging over 30 years of innovation and Datafacturing® technology. Inserted mandrels feature tough, snap-together poppet-style links with heavy-duty detent systems for reliable retraction, while cable mandrels use durable multi-core wire rope and alloy steel bodies (or optional aluminum-bronze). Long-life nickel-aluminum-bronze nose inserts ensure consistent performance when bending high-carbon steel, titanium, or nickel alloys.
Can Bend Tooling mandrels be customized for specific applications?
Yes, customization is a key feature. Inserted mandrels support tube diameters from 1.000″ to 6.000″ with options like plug or ball mandrels, while cable mandrels cater to 2.000″ to 4.000″ tubes in inserted or solid-body configurations. Additional options include metric or inch thread specifications at no extra cost, vented bodies for automated lubrication, and replacement components for flexibility.
How do I set up and maintain Bend Tooling mandrel assemblies?

Bend Tooling simplifies setup with features like four wrench flats on mandrel bodies for easy installation. Our Instructional Video for Mandrel Assembly provides step-by-step guidance on assembling and disassembling poppet-link mandrels, while the Mandrel Nose Placement Calculator helps optimize nose placement and diameter. For detailed instructions, download our free “Rotary Draw Tube Bending Guide.”

What materials can Bend Tooling mandrels handle?
Our mandrels are engineered for tough materials, including high-carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, and nickel alloys. The long-life nickel-aluminum-bronze nose inserts and mandrel balls (standard for mandrels under 4″, with non-nickel options for larger sizes) ensure precision and durability across these challenging applications.

Partner with the Industry Leaders in Tooling Innovation

From pioneering the first inserted mandrels to introducing groundbreaking design processes, we’ve set the standard in tooling excellence. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities and expert engineering team ensure you get the highest-quality, custom-made tooling for your tube-bending needs.

Request a QuoteAsk an Expert