Industrial Fluid Systems Blog

Inside a Swagelok Tube Bending Essentials Class

Many technicians have had to learn tube bending through trial and error. Bends produced this way are likely to result in scrap, rework, and, eventually, leaks. Let's look at how to fix that.

In many situations, changing directions with bent tubing is more efficient and just as safe or safer than joining segments of pipe or tubing with fittings. But consistently making accurate bends — and avoiding associated scrap, rework, and leaks — does require training.

This is true even in the case of a simple 90-degree bend in a single piece of tubing. And often more complex bends are needed to achieve the needed results.

"It is harder than you might think to consistently produce sound tube bends," says veteran trainer James Dickie. "Every situation is a bit different, and solid tube bending technique is essential to getting things right the first time."


We do offer Tech Tips videos, like this one, on some tools. They're not a substitute for hands-on training, though. In our classes you'll produce numerous samples and get real-time feedback from a certified professional.

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"Even people who have been working with tubing for years benefit from the training," he adds. "Some of our customers require technicians to complete refresher training every few years to keep skills sharp."

The right tube bending training delivers a range of benefits like improved system performance, reduced scrap, reduced rework time, and fewer costly leaks. Swagelok Edmonton's tube bending training equips technicians with practical knowledge needed to create safe, efficient fluid systems with bent tubing. We offer two options: a succinct introduction to tube bending fundamentals and more in depth training.

Introduction to Tube Bending (45 minutes)

In this 45 minute session, attendees gain understanding of the role of bent tubing in fluid system integrity, see examples of proper tube preparation and bending, handle a tube bender, and make a basic bend. In the process, they familiarize with industry terminology and skills required for more advanced tube bending. It is appropriate for all those involved in component installation, maintenance, or purchasing.

We cover:

  • Tube preparation
  • Tube bender set up
  • Making basic bends
2023 Schedule & Training PDF

Tube Bending Essentials (half day)

This half-day lecture-lab dives deeper, developing a more advanced understanding of tube bending best practices through hands-on exercises. It is appropriate for anyone responsible for designing, installing, inspecting, or maintaining leak-free tubing systems or tubing system components.

Through a combination of hands-on excercises and lecture we cover:

  • Intro to tube preparation and handling
  • Tube cutters, deburrers, and benders
  • How workmanship affects performance
  • Glossary of terms
  • How to determine exact tubing length needed
  • Time-saving fabrication techniques
  • Use of expansion loops and offsets

Attendees can earn a Swagelok Certificate of Completion from this seminar and keep all their course materials.

2023 Schedule & Training PDF

If we can answers any questions please contact our local team. We are ready to help and can usually respond fast.

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This article is in a 2023 series focused on training that companies and individuals can undertake to reduce errors, enhance safety, and improve operational efficiency. Each article touches on a specific course we offer. Please subscribe by email (look for the blue box with "Subscribe by email" at our blog) or follow us on social media (links at the top/bottom of all our website pages) to keep up with new content.

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