Accurate !!! Built into the Model 4 bender is a degree ring nearly 20 inches in diameter. Each degree increment is nearly 3/16" apart. This makes it incredibly easy to see exactly how far you have bent. There is no need to adjust a pointer because there isn't one. Simply look at the right edge of the lower drive link, note the degree, add your desired bend angle to it and start bending.
Heavy Duty Construction !!! You can get a good idea of the size of the Model 4 in the picture if you consider the tubing mounted in the bender is 1 1/2" (38 mm) outside diameter. It weighs 166 lbs. with the hydraulic cylinder alone. With the 1-1/2 h.p. pump, it weighs 225 lbs. It's 28 1/2" long and 20" wide. All links and frame are precision CNC machined from 3/4" and 1" thick steel. All pins are high strength steel. Talk about overkill, even the frame bolts are 1" in diameter by 8" long. All Model 4 die sets are precision CNC machined from solid steel billets. We tried aluminum dies in the past. They didn't last very long.
Self Locking, Hydraulic Operation !!!
The Model 4 employs a 10 ton single acting spring return cylinder with a stroke of 10" to 14". It operates up to 4000 p.s.i. With the recommended 14" stroke cylinder, 90 degree bends can be accomplished in less than two complete strokes and 180 bends typically require only three strokes. The 10" stroke cylinder requires three strokes for a 90 degree bend and usually five for a 180 degree bend. During bending, neither the die set nor the workpiece needs to be reset or touched in any way until the bending operation is complete. Using the spring loaded anti-springback lever, the Model 4 will lock the workpiece in position when the cylinder needs to be advanced to the next stroke position, therefore not allowing the workpiece to relax or shift in the bender. This makes possible much tighter radius bends in thinner wall material then can be accomplished on competing benders. Using a 14" stroke cylinder, the first bend stroke can be up to approximately 60 degrees. The second stroke will go to approximately 126 degrees. Bending speed is dependent upon the strength of the material being bent. Usually 6 to 10 degrees of bend per second will be realized. The 14" stroke cylinder takes 8 to 9 seconds to return from full extension. Add it all up and a typical 90 degree bend will take an effortless 20 to 25 seconds, depending on the operator's skill level. Note: Since the pump and cylinder used in the Model 4 is extremely popular, you may already have them. If so you wouldn't need to purchase these items. To help keep prices low we made the stand optional for those who want to make thier own. If you have any questions in regard to this please call for assistance.
Dual rotation bending !!!
What the heck is that? First, you need to know some bending terms. In the picture above the round die in the center that the tube is actually bending around is called a 'Forming Die'. Some people also refer to it as a bending shoe. The square looking block on the outside of the tubing is called the 'Pressure Die'. There are two ways you can bend with the Model 4. One method is to install the die set in the bender so that the forming die rotates and the pressure die remains stationary. This is how production bending is usually done. It is called rotary draw bending. This is also the way our Model 3 bender operates. The second method involves installing the die set in the bender so that the forming die does NOT rotate and the pressure die rotates around it. This makes bending extremely easy because you know without a doubt, not to mention any math, where the bend will actually be made in the workpiece. Model 4 die sets are usually supplied so that the forming die does not rotate. It's a simple operation to convert a Model 4 forming die so that it can be used both ways.
Engineered To Be Reliable !!! Painstakingly designed to last years in a hard working fabrication shop. The hydraulic cylinder for instance, swivels in a solid CNC machined steel block that pivots exactly at the cylinder's center, thereby preventing side loads on the cylinder's internals. The pusher block, seen in the lower center of the above photo, employs a unique rotating design and a swiveling bronze wear block so that the cylinder will not experience any up or down loading..
The Model 3 Bender is a high-quality and affordable bender that is great for race car builders and small fabrication shops.
The Model 32 is an upgraded version of the Model 3. It is a heavier duty machine and can bend the largest OD and heaviest wall thickness.
The Model 4 is a production bender. It also has the special capabilities to do S-bends. The die does not rotate like the Model 3 and 32. It is easy to set up and handles thin wall well.
Manual/Hydraulic
Manual (Optional Hydraulic adapter available, can be upgraded later)
Manual or Hydraulic (Can be upgraded later)
Hydraulic only
Anti-Springback (Provides ability to bend thin wall tubing)
Accessories are available to limit wrinkling, but the M32 and M4 are better suited for anti-springback.
