Bykski
Bykski Hard Tube Bending General Tutorial for PETG and PMMA Acrylic Tubing, 10/14mm OD
Bykski Hard Tube Bending General Tutorial for PETG and PMMA Acrylic Tubing, 10/14mm OD
TL;DR: This general tutorial covers heat-bending of PETG and PMMA acrylic hard tubes for custom water cooling loops. It walks through measuring and cutting tubing to length, deburring the cut with a chamfer tool, choosing the matching silicone insert for 10/12/14mm outer-diameter tubing to support the...
Common Applications
This general tutorial covers heat-bending of PETG and PMMA acrylic hard tubes for custom water cooling loops. It walks through measuring and cutting tubing to length, deburring the cut with a chamfer tool, choosing the matching silicone insert for 10/12/14mm outer-diameter tubing to support the wall during the bend, and heating with a hot-air gun at the correct material-specific temperature range. PETG softens at roughly 130-150 degC and bends with light force, while PMMA acrylic needs around 160-180 degC and a slower, longer heat soak. The guide also covers cooling the bend straight and dry-fitting before commit cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What temperature setting should I use on the heat gun?
A: Roughly 130-150 degC for PETG and 160-180 degC for PMMA acrylic. Keep the gun moving and never let the tube scorch or whiten.
Q: Why do I need a silicone insert?
A: It supports the tube wall from the inside while the tube is soft, so the bore does not collapse or kink at the apex of the bend.
Q: What size insert do I need?
A: Match the insert to the tube inner diameter. 10mm OD tube typically uses a 6mm ID insert, 12mm OD uses 8mm ID, 14mm OD uses 10mm ID.
Q: How do I make sure the bend is flat?
A: Lay the heated tube against a flat metal surface or a 90 degree bending jig and hold for 30 to 60 seconds while it cools, so the bend stays in plane with the fittings.
Q: Can I rebend a tube if I get the angle wrong?
A: Once or twice with a fresh heat soak, but each reheat clouds the tube and weakens it. For visible runs, cut a new piece.
