1. What is Pipe Bend Allowance?

The bend allowance (BA) is the length of the neutral axis between the bend lines, or in other words, the arc length of the bend. It's crucial for determining the total length of material needed for a pipe bending operation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bend allowance formula:

Where:

• \( BA \) — Bend allowance (m)
• \( \theta \) — Bend angle (radians)
• \( r \) — Bend radius (m)
• \( t \) — Pipe thickness (m)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the bend angle, radius, and pipe thickness to calculate the arc length of the neutral axis during bending.

3. Importance of Bend Allowance Calculation

Details: Accurate bend allowance calculation is essential for proper pipe fitting, ensuring correct pipe lengths for installation and avoiding material waste.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter bend angle in radians, bend radius in meters, and pipe thickness in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert degrees to radians?
A: Multiply degrees by π/180 (approximately 0.0174533). Many calculators have a degree-to-radian conversion function.

Q2: What is the neutral axis in pipe bending?
A: It's the imaginary line within the pipe wall that neither stretches nor compresses during bending.

Q3: Does this formula work for all pipe materials?
A: The formula provides a good approximation for most ductile materials, but some materials may require adjustment factors.

Q4: How does pipe thickness affect bend allowance?
A: Thicker pipes require more allowance because the neutral axis shifts outward during bending.

Q5: What's the difference between bend allowance and bend deduction?
A: Bend allowance is the material needed for the bend, while bend deduction is the difference between flange lengths and flat pattern length.