TB80 Mandrel Tube & Pipe Bender

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TB80 Semi-Automatic Mandrel Tube & Pipe Bender

The TB80 is Ercolina’s dedicated NC semi-automatic mandrel bender: capacity to 3″ tube (.125 wall) – plus 2-1/2″ square tube and 2-1/2″ Schedule 10 pipe – with full mandrel and wiper die tooling and straightforward operation that makes it the ideal machine for prototype shops, R&D departments, and fabricators running daily production in small lots. The programmable bend axis delivers wrinkle-free, tight-radius bend quality at a fraction of a CNC machine’s investment, with the operator positioning the tube between bends using precise position displays that reset to zero after each bend.

The TB80 ships with the standard 13′ table; an optional 8′ table extension handles longer workpieces. Electrical options: 220V or 480V three phase.

The Right Machine for Prototype and Small-Lot Mandrel Bending

Not every shop needs a CNC production bender. If your mandrel work is prototypes, one-offs, repairs, or lots measured in dozens rather than thousands,the TB80 delivers CNC-quality bends without CNC cost or complexity: simple setup, quick changeover between jobs, and tooling shared across the Ercolina range. Many CML USA customers start with a TB80 and add a CNC Erco Bender when a part goes to production – keeping the TB80 busy on development work.

Key Features

Touchscreen control swings out for easy access; auto and manual modes, system diagnostics, multiple languages; absolute (ABS) or incremental (INC) positioning, inch or metric
Individual material springback and speed settings for every bend angle
Anticipated mandrel retraction, clamping, pressure die and boost die movements
Pressure die with auto recapture minimizes distance between bends
Direct drive electro-mechanical bending axis; precision encoders on all axes for greater repeatability

Patented finger-style (FST) clamping system minimizes clamping area and distance between bends
Bending head adjusts horizontally to maintain centerline radius, allowing the table to remain stationary
Heavy one-piece steel structure improves rigidity and minimizes vibration; externally mounted gauges for system and clamping pressure adjustment
Accepts standard 030 mandrel tooling; programmable internal lubrication available; optional mandrel lubrication pump

TB80 Specifications

Specification	Value
Max. tube capacity – mild steel	3″ (.125 wall)
Max. tube capacity – stainless	3″ (.083 wall)
Max. tube capacity – square	2-1/2″ (.083 wall)
Max. pipe capacity	2-1/2″ Schedule 10
Max. / min. bending radius	8.8″ / 1.5 × tube diameter
Operation	NC Semi-automatic rotary draw – programmable C (bend axis); manual Y feed and B rotation with position displays
Programmable bend angle	0-180° (max. shaft rotation 210°); precision ±1°
Bending speed	Variable to 3 RPM with overload protection
Max. tailstock through capacity	3″ – heavy-duty carriage with segmented – collet hydraulic workpiece clamping
Material length	13′ standard table; optional 8′ extension
Program storage	USB optional – unlimited bend programs, material library and job information
Electrical	220V or 480V three phase; components UL, CSA and CE approved
Dimensions / weight	61″ H × 36″ W × 179″ L (13′) or 251″ L (21′) / 2,000 or2,600 lbs.
Warranty	1-year limited

Capacities are for mild-grade materials; heavy-wall and high-tensile materials reduce capacity.

Contact CML USA for pricing and tooling quote – 563-391-7700

- Catalog Page

Applications for the TB80

Prototype exhaust and header development, custom and restoration automotive work, small-lot stainless handrail and marine rails, R&D and engineering test parts, job-shop mandrel work across changing tube sizes, and school or training environments where straightforward operation matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “NC semi-automatic” mean on the TB80?

The bend axis is programmable (0–180°, with springback and speed settings per bend angle) and mandrel retraction is automatic; the operator positions and rotates the tube between bends, guided by position displays that reset after each bend. This keeps the machine simple, affordable, and fast to changeover – the right trade-off for low volumes.

Can the TB80 bend without a mandrel?

Yes – for thicker-wall tube at larger radii, it operates as a standard rotary draw bender; the mandrel is used when the bend demands internal support.

When should I choose the 76CNC6V5 instead?

Same 3″ capacity — different mission. Choose the TB80 for prototypes and small lots; choose the 76CNC6V5 when parts repeat in volume and automatic positioning, stored programs, and cycle time drive your economics.

How is the TB80 different from the Mega Bender 030 with mandrel system?

The TB80 is a dedicated mandrel bender with 3″ capacity and a long table for full-length tube. The 030 is a multi-purpose Mega Bender (2-1/2″ capacity) that adds a mandrel system to a machine that also does standard non-mandrel bending – the best choice if mandrel work is only part of your mix.

Which Mandrel Bender Is Right for You?

Ercolina offers four mandrel bending machines. The right one depends on your part size, volume, and how much of your work needs internal mandrel support:

Machine	Capacity	Operation	Best for
030 Mandrel Bender	2-1/2″ tube, 1-1/2″ Sch. 40 pipe, 2″ square	NC semi-automatic, multi-purpose	Mixed shops: standard rotary draw bending plus mandrel capability on one machine
TB80 Mandrel Bender	3″ tube (.125 wall), 2-1/2″ Sch.10 pipe, 2-1/2″ square	NC semi-automatic, dedicated mandrel	Prototypes, R&D, and daily small-lot production needing mandrel-quality bends at lower investment
Erco Bender 65CNC3V1	2-1/2″ tube, 1-1/2″ Sch. 40 pipe	3-axis CNC automatic	Repeatable production of parts to 2-1/2″ with stored programs and automatic cycling
Erco Bender 76CNC6V5	3″ tube, 2″ Sch.40 pipe, 2″ square tube	3-axis CNC automatic	Maximum capacity in the line — production volume, larger parts, and square tube

Not sure? Call CML USA at 563-391-7700 with your tube size, wall thickness, material, bend radius, and annual volume – we’ll recommend the right machine and quote tooling for your exact application.

Downloads

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CML USA, Inc.

North American Office of Ercolina® Tube Benders