Can CNC pipe formers form exhaust headers in one piece ? So it does say an 86 deg bend then say 100mm of straight, then another bend of 44deg but at 19deg clockwise relative to the first then a bit more straight and so on...

I have a 3D model of what I want making so can provide the details of each header in many different formats.

Im looking for a firm that can do this, can people suggest places they have used and also provide pics of the work. Also I would like comments on the accuracy.

Ideally I dont want to have to weld a kit of parts from a massive bunch of bends and straights hence I want one piece headers...

Thanks

James

never used these guys but there fairly close to you:

http://www.custom-chrome.co.uk/

I have used eurobend in worcestershire and found them excellent to deal with and superb quality/accuracy:

http://www.applegate.co.uk/company/11/73/294.htm

A lot of aerospace tubes are produced as you say... I should imagine it will cost a small fortune to get it done!


Can you not pay someone to weld the bits together? If they know what they are doing the pipe should look seamless... inside and out

Thanks guys, welding them isnt the issue its cutting everything exactly right. Just cutting the bends up to give me a 23.5 deg bend would be difficult enough. Half a degree at the start could mean 1/2" out of alignment at the end if you see what I mean. Some of the headers are quite complicated so there is a greater chance for mess up because there will be lots of bends and straights.

I know with perseverance it can be done as its the way most are made that Ive seen but it'd be nice just to farm it out and get it done on a CNC and know that its bang on, so all I had to do was assemble it and adjust where necessary.

Id save lots of time and swear words !

quote:

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Originally posted by dinosaurjuice
never used these guys but there fairly close to you:

http://www.custom-chrome.co.uk/

I have used eurobend in worcestershire and found them excellent to deal with and superb quality/accuracy:

http://www.applegate.co.uk/company/11/73/294.htm

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Emailed Eurobend (or BPM Tube Services) they only sell the machines.

The guy who replied, Brian Parker, suggested Joe Ellis at BTB Exhausts. Just spoke directly to him. Friendly bloke, helpful and can most likely do what I need.

All I need to do is suplly a list of coordinates at each intersection for each header and the bender works it out from that.

Just for reference and if anyone else finds this thread in the future. Im using 41.3mm OD stainless, his bender can do 62mm centreline radius bends (which is roughly 1.5D and fortunately the size I was working to!) and there is a minimum of 60mm between two bends, 55mm at a push dependant on the geometry.

Thankyou all !

I'll post some pics of the finished results

James

Try JP Exhausts Web site. www.jpexhausts.co.uk