The Differences Between Bends and Elbows

Although the words bends and elbows are often used as synonyms, there are some differences. Bend is a term for any offset of direction in the piping while elbow is an engineering term. Elbows have limitations to angle, bend radius and size. Most angles are either 45° 3r elbow or 90 degrees. All other offsets are specifically pipe bends. And while Welded Elbow have sharp corners, bends never do. The most basic different between a Carbon Steel Bend and an elbow is the radius of curvature. Bends have a radius more than twice the diameter, and elbows have a radius of curvature between one and two times the size of the pipe’s diameter. All elbows are bends, but not all bends are elbows.