Bend Radius

The question is often raised as to what the minimum bend radius is for a specific size of tubing. The bend radius is established primarily by three different factors: outside diameter (OD) of the tubing, wall thickness, and resin that the tubing is made from.

Zeus prides itself in its sample program where we work with companies to find the right material and perfect size. As a general guide, we have performed a series of bend tests that we hope will guide you in determining the size that is most suitable for you. Note that not all of our tubing is flexible. For those tubings, bend radius does not apply.

As a representative example, the table below is presented using our PTFE Industrial Wall tubing (0.030″ wall thickness, except where noted) to illustrate bend radius determination. The information in this table is based on a minimum of 36" lengths:

Inside Diameter (inches)

Bend Diameter (inches)*

Bend Radius (inches)

1/32 Industrial (0.015″ wall thickness)

0.660

0.330

1/16 Industrial

1.375

0.688

3/32 Industrial

2.000

1.000

1/8 Industrial

3.250

1.625

3/16 Industrial

4.000

2.000

1/4 Industrial

6.500

3.250

5/16 Industrial

8.000

4.000

3/8 Industrial

9.000

4.500

7/16 Industrial

9.500

4.750

1 Industrial

12.000

6.000

*Bend radius is ½ the bend diameter.

For questions regarding bend radius for our other tubing products or for more sizes, contact our team or call toll-free in the US 1-800-526-3842 or +1-803-268-9500 internationally today to see how we can develop a precision solution to give you a competitive advantage or to request prototyping samples.

For expanded details for bend radius, tubing sizes, and resins, please see our catalog.