18mm Chrome pipe bending

Sorry to say , no such thing in plumbing as 18mm chrome pipe. Unless its made by a shower manufacturer.

 

Think you'll find there is.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8...vptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=t&ref=pd_sl_96wsziikzb_e

 

It says the pipe is made from solid brass chrome plated.

I dont think you can bend brass?

 

Ok then, ive never heard of it, learn summint every day.

 

When you pull a bend on chromed brass there is a risk of the electro plate cracking, moreso on brass pipe than copper. If I was you I would find a local iron works and see if they could pull the bends. Problem you have is finding someone with an 18mm former and guide. one point to consider, as its brass would need to be done mechanically rather than hand benders as brass is not a malable metal.

 

I've seen chrome brass tube filled with sand,plugged & then bent on formers years ago, also brass tube filled with water which is then frozen first, then bent, using same method for making trombones,trumpets,etc.

 

Sounds interesting, would be good to see that sort of stuff

 

Some makers use different methods, some pour a soft liquid metal into the tube ,which then solidify, you make your bends,no kinks or creases, then melt the metal out.

Similar process below with making a French Horn.

 

The metal used in filling the tube for bending, is known as a 'bend alloy', which has a melting point of 70°C & you can melt it with boiling water.
But,there is product called Polybend, it's replacing bend alloys, which usually contains lead & can affect your health.

http://www.bendalloy.co.uk/polybend.html

 

Resin W8 was the name I was trying to recall.

QUOTE:
It has a melting point of about 70DegC which can be used to fill tubes prior to bending operations. It offers excellent dimensional and wall support during bending, can be simply removed with heating and a special advantage any residue can be removed with plain water

http://www.johnnealeltd.co.uk/shopresinws8.html