How to Submit a Bending Project: Best Practices for Drawings, Specs & Communication
At Precision Bending Technologies, we see hundreds of bending projects come through our doors every year — from single prototype runs to high-volume OEM assemblies. And while every project is unique, one thing always determines how smooth (and accurate) the process goes: the completeness and quality of the information we receive upfront.
If you’re an engineer, designer, or buyer preparing to submit a tube-bending project, we have a few best practices to help with the process. These can help to have time and avoid days of back-and-forth.
1. Start with a Complete and Clear Drawing
A detailed drawing is the foundation of any successful bending project. Whether you’re providing a 2D print or a 3D model, make sure it includes:
- Dimensions and bend radii: Identify centerline radius (CLR) for each bend. Avoid using “tight as possible” — specify exact values when feasible.
- Material type and wall thickness: These directly affect tooling selection and achievable bend quality.
- Tolerances: Define realistic tolerances that match the function of the part. Overly tight tolerances can drive up cost and setup time unnecessarily.
- End configurations: Indicate whether the tube requires flaring, beading, end-forming, or welded fittings.
- Orientation callouts: If your tube has multiple bends in different planes, include rotational (clocking) data or reference geometry.
If you can include 3D CAD files (STEP or IGES), those files help reduce the chance of human interpretation errors.
2. Communicate the Function of the Tube
Even with perfect drawings, context matters. Tell your fabricator what the tube actually does. Understanding how it functions will assure our team will point out or manage any potential issues.
- Is it a fuel line, a hydraulic assembly, or part of a cooling system?
- Will it be under pressure or exposed to vibration?
- Does it need to fit into a tight assembly with other components?
Knowing the application helps us make smart suggestions about materials, wall thickness, and bending methods. Sometimes a small adjustment to a radius or length can make production faster and more consistent — without changing the fit or function.
3. Specify Quantity and Lifecycle Expectations
There is a big different for how a project that is a one-off prototype is done compared to a production run of 5,000 parts. When you submit your RFQ or drawing, include:
- Expected quantities per batch
- Annual usage (if known)
- Anticipated design stability
This lets us quote the right tooling approach. For example, we might use manual bending for small prototype quantities but recommend dedicated mandrels and check fixtures for repeat production.
4. Define Finishing and Assembly Requirements Early
If your part needs secondary operations like welding, coating, plating, or labeling, mention them in the initial submission. Many of these steps affect bend sequencing, fixturing, and even how we handle the part after forming.
- Surface finishes (anodizing, powder coating, passivation)
- Weld prep (cleaning, beveling)
- Component marking or serialization
- Leak or pressure testing requirements
The earlier these processes are known, the more streamlined and cost-effective your project will be.
5. Keep Communication Open
Precision bending is a partnership. When our engineering and your design teams stay connected, everything runs smoother. We recommend:
- One primary point of contact for technical questions and revisions.
- Early review calls for complex or multi-bend parts.
- Sharing 3D assemblies to verify fit in context.
At Precision Bending Technologies, we often help customers catch potential interference or tolerance stack-up issues before a single tube is cut — saving both time and material.
6. Review and Approve Samples Promptly
If your project includes first-article samples, prioritize quick feedback. A prompt approval ensures we can lock in tooling, verify fixtures, and move into production without delays. Provide clear feedback — whether it’s “approved as is” or “needs adjustment to bend #3 by 0.25°.”
Submitting a tube bending project doesn’t have to be complicated. By providing clear drawings, thoughtful specs, and open communication, you’ll help your fabrication partner deliver faster quotes, better accuracy, and more consistent results.
At Precision Bending Technologies, we treat every project — big or small — with the same level of precision and care. If you’re preparing a new design or want feedback before submitting, our engineering team is happy to review your drawings and make recommendations.
📞 Ready to start your next bending project?
Send your drawing to Precision Bending Technologies for expert guidance, fast quotes, and dependable quality from start to finish.