Tube Bending Springback Chart & Guide
The most common cause of an incorrect bend angle, and how to correct it every time.
What Is Springback?
When you release pressure after a bend, the tube relaxes slightly back toward straight. The finished angle ends up a few degrees short of your degree stop.
It's not a defect. It's a predictable material property, and you correct for it by overbending.
What Affects Springback
Stronger materials like chromoly and stainless spring back more than mild steel.
Thinner walls spring back more than thicker walls at the same OD.
Tighter CLRs spring back less than larger CLRs.
Different diameters can spring back differently, even in the same material.
Springback by Material
| Material | Typical Springback | Stop for a 90° |
|---|---|---|
| DOM Mild SteelMost predictable | 2–4° | 92–94° |
| HREW Mild SteelA bit more variable | 2–5° | 92–95° |
| 4130 ChromolyHigher strength, more springback | 4–7° | 94–97° |
| Stainless SteelTest before every job | 6–10°+ | 96–100°+ |
General ranges. Your tube, wall, CLR and bender setup all change the result, so test bend a scrap piece before production.
Degree Stop Calculator
How to Compensate
- Set your stop to your target angle plus expected springback. Example: 90° in DOM with 3° springback, set to 93°.
- Bend a test piece from the same tube.
- Measure the result and adjust your stop by the difference.
- Repeat until the test piece hits your target.
- Lock it in and run production.
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