Tube Bender Scoring Methodology

Complete transparency in how we calculate objective scores for tube bender comparisons. All scoring is based on published specs, documented capabilities, and verifiable data sources — not subjective opinions.

Scoring Overview

Our 11-category scoring system evaluates tube benders across measurable, objective criteria.

Total Points

100

Each bender receives a score out of 100 points across 11 categories.

Detailed Category Scoring

1. Value for Money (20 points)

Tier-based scoring by complete setup price range.

Method: Tier-basedMax 20 pts

What this measures

Compares complete setup pricing – including base machine, common die set, and hydraulic or power options where applicable.

Lower-priced machines that still meet key capability thresholds receive higher scores for entry-level and value-focused buyers.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

2. Ease of Use & Setup (12 points)

Feature-based scoring on documented setup and usability.

Method: Brand-basedMax 12 pts

What this measures

Evaluates setup complexity, documentation quality, and how much effort it takes to go from crate to first accurate bend.

Factors include pre-assembly, clear instructions, ergonomics, and how forgiving the machine is for newer operators.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

3. Max Diameter & Radius Capacity (12 points)

Scaled scoring based on maximum tube diameter and CLR range.

Method: ScaledMax 12 pts

What this measures

Looks at maximum tube diameter capacity and the range of centerline radii supported by the die ecosystem.

Larger, more flexible capacity scores higher for shops that build a wider variety of projects.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

4. USA Manufacturing (10 points)

Binary scoring based on country of origin.

Method: BinaryMax 10 pts

What this measures

Binary score based on whether the machine is made in the USA, verified through manufacturer documentation.

Reflects customer preference for domestic manufacturing, support, and parts availability.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

5. Bend Angle Capability (10 points)

Scaled scoring based on documented maximum bend angle.

Method: ScaledMax 10 pts

What this measures

Evaluates the maximum single-pass bend angle the machine can reach with standard tooling.

Higher angles reduce the need for multi-stage bends and enable more complex geometries.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

6. Wall Thickness Capability (9 points)

Scaled scoring based on thickest published 1.75" OD wall capacity.

Method: ScaledMax 9 pts

What this measures

Standardises all machines to a 1.75" OD reference size and scores based on the thickest published wall they can bend.

Machines without published wall data receive a conservative baseline score.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

7. Die Selection & Shapes (8 points)

Brand-based scoring for die variety, shapes, and availability.

Method: Brand-basedMax 8 pts

What this measures

Scores the die ecosystem by variety of diameters, radii, and shapes (round tube, square, rectangle, EMT, flat bar, etc.).

More coverage and better availability equal higher scores, especially for specialty applications.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

8. Years in Business (7 points)

Tier-based scoring on company longevity and market track record.

Method: Tier-basedMax 7 pts

What this measures

Tier-based scoring on manufacturer track record: longer continuous operation generally means more mature products and support.

Newer brands are not penalized out of contention but receive conservative baseline scores until they build history.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

9. Upgrade Path & Modularity (5 points)

Brand-based scoring on upgrades, modularity, and growth path.

Method: Brand-basedMax 5 pts

What this measures

Evaluates how far the machine can grow with the shop: power upgrades, automation, software, and accessory ecosystem.

Systems that accept bolt-on upgrades or modular tooling without replacing the base machine score higher.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

10. Mandrel Compatibility (4 points)

Tier-based scoring on supported mandrel options and upgrades.

Method: Tier-basedMax 4 pts

What this measures

Looks at whether the platform supports mandrel bending out of the box or via documented upgrades.

Mandrel capability is crucial for thin-wall, high-finish work in motorsport, aerospace, and production environments.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

11. S-Bend Capability (3 points)

Binary scoring based on documented S-bend capability.

Method: BinaryMax 3 pts

What this measures

Binary category indicating whether the manufacturer documents S-bend capability with their tooling.

S-bends allow complex 3D geometries in a compact run and are validated through published specs or proven test pieces.

Data sources & verification

Manufacturer technical specifications
Published capacity charts and manuals
Direct clarification from manufacturer reps
When data is missing, conservative baseline scores are applied.

Transparency & Verification

All scoring data is based on publicly available manufacturer specifications, product documentation, and verifiable technical capabilities. When specifications are not published, conservative baseline scores are applied to maintain fairness.

Data sources

Manufacturer technical specs and capacity charts
Product manuals and official documentation
Company founding dates and history
Clarification from support and sales teams

Scoring verification

Cross-checks across multiple official sources
Conservative scoring when data is incomplete or ambiguous
Individual product pages will eventually expose per-category breakdowns so you can inspect each score.