Phase: Bending

Automate Bending Calculations and Minimize Setup Time

Using pipe bending effectively can reduce the number of weld seams, saving time and cost in both fitting and welding. Each bend typically replaces two welds — making it well worth using whenever possible.

The most challenging part of bending is calculating the correct bending coordinates. This typically requires either a highly experienced machine operator or a skilled engineer to perform offline calculations. In both cases, human errors are common and can quickly offset the cost savings.

PipeCloud includes a bending program calculator that automatically generates the necessary bending coordinates. For this feature to work, two inputs are required:

• The bending machine setup (bending radii, minimum straight lengths, etc.)
• The spool geometry, either imported automatically from a PCF file or created manually by the work planner

When dealing with unique prefabricated pipes, setup time can be the most time-consuming part of the bending process, especially when pipe diameter or wall thickness changes.

PipeCloud allows bending to be managed as an independent sub-process. This makes it possible to group multiple pipe orders with similar characteristics into a single work order, significantly reducing setup time.

The UI screenshot below shows an example of a typical bending work order.