If you need a pipe to bend, you have a few different options, and two popular options are induction bending and welding. In most applications, induction bending is superior to welding, but there are times when welding makes sense. Here's what to consider along the way:

Less Internal Friction

With welding, you are essentially melting the ends of metal to press them together. This creates bumps and ridges on the inside of the pipe, and this can impact the liquids that are moving through the pipe. If you want a smoother internal finish and less friction, induction bending may be a more effective option. Induction bending uses electric currents to heat up the metal so it can bend.

More Precise Bends

When you weld pipes together, you have to create the bend by hand, and there is a lot of room for error. Additionally, if you have to weld multiple pieces together, that can increase the likelihood that a mistake gets made at some point. Conversely with induction bending, a specialist can program the exact degree of the angle you need so that the bend is perfectly accurate.

Different Metals

In many cases, when you weld a bend, you may end up use corners or pieces made of other metals. This can increase the risk of the metal interacting poorly with each other and causing rusting. This doesn't happen with induction bending as a single piece of piping made with the same metal is being used.

Pressures

However, before you opt for induction welding, you should make sure that the pipe you are using can handle it. When you use induction bending, the inside of the pipe experiences some compression, and the outside of the bend experiences tensile stress. An induction bending expert like those at Inductabend Pty Ltd can let you know how your pipe will stand up to these pressures. In rare cases where your pipe cannot handle the process, you may want to opt for welding instead.

Long Lasting

In most cases, because induction bending doesn't threaten the integrity of the metal in general, these bends tend to last longer. In contrast, a welded bend can wear out over time, especially if the contents moving through the pipe are pressurised.

Tools

Finally, you have to consider the process. You may have the tools you need for welding on hand, but you may need to outsource induction bending. If you need a quick fix, you may want to opt for welding. However, if you want a quality bend that stands the test of time, you may want to turn to an induction bender.