A mandrel for the manufacture of a tube is provided. The mandrel includes one or more discs spaced apart from each other; one or more guide wires coupled to one or more of the discs; and one or more control wires coupled to one or more of the discs. Articulation of one or more of the control wires induces a shape change in the tube. Methods for manufacturing a tube are also provided.

A method for manufacturing a split link assembly having a split link (800C) that includes a first half link (801), a second half link (803) and a threaded aperture (805) formed in both the first half link (801) and second half link (803) for use in joining the first half link and second half link with a fastening device (807). The split link assembly is machined to include a head portion (811), shoulder portion (813), barrel portion (815) and base portion (817) for use in providing a highly flexible tube bending mandrel.

A method for manufacturing a split link assembly having a split link (800C) that includes a first half link (801), a second half link (803) and a threaded aperture (805) formed in both the first half link (801) and second half link (803) for use in joining the first half link and second half link with a fastening device (807). The split link assembly is machined to include a head portion (811), shoulder portion (813), barrel portion (815) and base portion (817) for use in providing a highly flexible tube bending mandrel.

A method for the individualized adaptation of the shape of components includes providing a basic material for producing the components. Next at least one unifying production method is selected. The components are then produced with a geometrically identical base shape by the unifying production method. Then at least one individualizing production method is selected. Then the shape of the components is adapted to at least two different final shapes by the individualizing production method that is different from the unifying production method. The final shape of each component differs from its basic shape.

A method for the individualized adaptation of the shape of components includes providing a basic material for producing the components. Next at least one unifying production method is selected. The components are then produced with a geometrically identical base shape by the unifying production method. Then at least one individualizing production method is selected. Then the shape of the components is adapted to at least two different final shapes by the individualizing production method that is different from the unifying production method. The final shape of each component differs from its basic shape.

A mandrel for pipe bending machine has an elongated body (3) with a first end connected to a mandrel rod and a second end, opposite to the first, in which there is a spherical seat (8), several intermediate articulated elements (10) and a terminal articulated element (11). Each intermediate joint element (10) and the terminal joint element (11) have a peripheral part (12) configured so as to lean against the inner wall of a pipe (T) to be bent. Each intermediate articulated element (10) has a cup-shaped part (13) in one piece, and a stem (19) extending externally from it, and a spheroidal part (21) in one piece, configured so as to be introduced in a cup-shaped part (13) of a previous intermediate articulated element (10).

A mandrel for pipe bending machine has an elongated body (3) with a first end connected to a mandrel rod and a second end, opposite to the first, in which there is a spherical seat (8), several intermediate articulated elements (10) and a terminal articulated element (11). Each intermediate joint element (10) and the terminal joint element (11) have a peripheral part (12) configured so as to lean against the inner wall of a pipe (T) to be bent. Each intermediate articulated element (10) has a cup-shaped part (13) in one piece, and a stem (19) extending externally from it, and a spheroidal part (21) in one piece, configured so as to be introduced in a cup-shaped part (13) of a previous intermediate articulated element (10).

Bending mandrils and related bending machines and methods are disclosed, which include at least one ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) material. The mandril, which may comprise or consist of the UHMW material, is placed within an interior of a structure to be bent before the structure is bent about a bending die of the bending machine. Kerf cuts may be provided at the mandril for added flexibility. Other components of the bending machine, such as the following block and/or the bending die may also include panels of surfaces comprising a same or different UHMW material.

Bending mandrils and related bending machines and methods are disclosed, which include at least one ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) material. The mandril, which may comprise or consist of the UHMW material, is placed within an interior of a structure to be bent before the structure is bent about a bending die of the bending machine. Kerf cuts may be provided at the mandril for added flexibility. Other components of the bending machine, such as the following block and/or the bending die may also include panels of surfaces comprising a same or different UHMW material.