A mandrel is a steel rod or linked ball inserted into the tube while it is being bent to give the tube extra support to reduce wrinkling and breaking the tube during this process. The different types of mandrels are as follows.
* Plug mandrel: a solid rod used on normal bends
* Form mandrel: a solid rod with curved end used on bend when more support is needed
* Ball mandrel without cable: unlinked steel ball bearings inserted into tube, used on critical and precise bends
* Ball mandrel with cable: linked ball bearings inserted into tube, used on critical bend and precise bends
* Sand: sand packed into tube
In production of a product where the bend is not critical a plug mandrel can be used. A form type tapers the end of the mandrel to provide more support in the bend of the tube. When precise bending is needed a ball mandrel (or ball mandrel with steel cable) should be used. The conjoined ball-like disks are inserted into the tubing to allow for bending while maintaining the same diameter throughout. Other styles include using sand, cerrobend, or frozen water. These allow for a somewhat constant diameter while providing an inexpensive alternative to the aforementioned styles.
Performance automotive or motorcycle exhaust pipe is a common application for a mandrel.