HLE Series

HLE Series Hydraulic Elbow
Cold Forming Machine

Cold forming for 1D and 1.5D carbon steel and stainless steel elbows. Steel ball and core rod methods. 200T to 4,000T tonnage. PLC intelligent control with semi-automatic demolding.

1D / 1.5D
Elbow Type
200T - 4000T
Tonnage Range
Steel Ball / Core Rod
Forming Methods
PLC
Intelligent Control

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Two Forming Methods — One Versatile Machine Line

Choose the right forming method for your elbow specification

Steel Ball Passing Forming

A hardened steel ball is pushed through the pipe by hydraulic pressure, gradually shaping the elbow against the mold cavity wall. Ideal for standard 1D short-radius elbows. Fast cycle, minimal material waste.

Core Rod Forming

An internal mandrel supports the pipe wall from inside during the entire forming process — essential for 1.5D elbows and larger diameters. Includes semi-automatic mechanical demolding device.

PLC Intelligent Operation

Full PLC control with preset programs for different elbow angles, radii, and wall thicknesses. Operators can store and recall forming recipes. Real-time pressure and position monitoring.

200T – 4000T Complete Line

Five models cover the full range from DN15 (1/2 inch) to DN700 (28 inch) elbows. All models share the same control interface — one training investment for the entire product line.

Carbon Steel & Stainless Steel

Optimized for carbon steel (A106, A234 WPB/WPC) and stainless steel (SS304, SS316) pipe fittings. Proven in high-volume waterworks, oil & gas, and construction projects.

Hydraulic Precision Control

Independent hydraulic circuits for clamping, forming, and demolding. Each cylinder has independent pressure and flow control. Fast approach, controlled pressing, gentle return.

HLE Series — Technical Specifications

ModelClamping Force (KN)Max Daylight (mm)Main Cylinder (KN)Side Cylinder (KN)Cylinder Stroke (mm)Work Table (mm)Motor (kW)Application Range
HLE-200T2,0008002,000315200800x65018DN15-DN50 (1/2-2 inch)
HLE-630T6,3001,2006,3005004001,200x90045DN25-DN100 (1-4 inch)
HLE-1000T10,0001,60010,0008006001,600x1,20075DN50-DN150 (2-6 inch)
HLE-2000T20,0002,20020,0001,6001,0002,200x1,600132DN150-DN300 (6-12 inch)
HLE-4000T40,0003,50040,0003,1502,8004,100x3,000242DN300-DN700 (12-28 inch)

All specifications subject to final engineering confirmation. Custom tonnage and stroke configurations available on request.

Typical Applications & Materials

Carbon Steel Elbows

A106, A234 WPB/WPC for water, steam, and oil pipelines. Standard 1D and 1.5D short-radius elbows.

Stainless Steel Elbows

SS304, SS316 for corrosive media. Chemical, petrochemical, and desalination applications.

Duplex & Alloy Steels

2205 duplex, F51, and alloy steel grades on request. High-pressure and high-temperature service.

Waterworks Fittings

DN15-DN100 standard elbows for municipal water supply and fire protection systems.

Oil & Gas Piping

High-pressure elbows for oil, gas, and refinery piping systems. Meets API and ASTM standards.

Construction & HVAC

Structural and mechanical building piping. Large-diameter elbows for commercial construction.

Product Photos

HLE series hydraulic cold forming machines in factory and operation

Cold Forming vs. Hot Forming: Why Switch?

HLE Cold Forming vs. Traditional Hot Forming Elbows
CriteriaHLE Cold FormingTraditional Hot Forming
Wall ThicknessThinner and material saving 10-20%Thicker wall required for hot strength
Surface FinishSmooth - no oxide scale, no pickling neededRough surface, requires acid pickling
Mechanical PropertiesCold work hardening - stronger grain structureGrain structure damaged by heating
Energy CostNo heating furnace - 30-50% lower energyHigh energy for furnace heating
Production SpeedFast cycle, no cooling waiting timeLong cycle: heating + forming + cooling
EnvironmentalNo furnace emissions, no acid wasteFurnace emissions, acid rinse wastewater

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between steel ball and core rod forming?

Steel ball passing forming uses a hardened steel ball pushed through the pipe to gradually shape the elbow against the mold cavity wall - ideal for standard 1D short-radius elbows. Core rod forming uses an internal mandrel to support the pipe wall from inside during the entire forming process - essential for 1.5D elbows and larger diameters. The core rod model includes a semi-automatic mechanical demolding device for efficient part release.

What tonnage do I need?

Tonnage depends on elbow diameter, wall thickness, and material. HLE-200T handles DN15-DN50 (1/2-2 inch). HLE-630T covers DN25-DN100. HLE-1000T covers DN50-DN150 (2-6 inch). HLE-2000T handles DN150-DN300 (6-12 inch). HLE-4000T is required for DN300-DN700 (12-28 inch). Share your pipe specifications and we will recommend the right model.

What materials can the HLE series process?

Carbon steel (A106, A234 WPB/WPC) and stainless steel (SS304, SS316, 316L). Duplex stainless steel and alloy steels available on request.

Does APEX provide installation and operator training?

Yes. APEX provides on-site installation, debugging, and operator training. Remote video support and documentation in Portuguese and English are standard. FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) with your actual pipe fittings is available at our Taizhou facility.

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