Unison Tube Bending Blog: Mandrel Links vs. Cables in Tube Bending – What’s the Difference?

Mandrel Links: Built for Strength and Accuracy

Mandrel links are solid little segments that connect the mandrel balls.

They look like chess pawns, and their job is to hold the ball assembly in line inside the tube and articulate while you bend it.

These are great when you need tight, accurate bends and repeatability.

They’re sturdy, they last, and they give you confidence that the bend’s going to come out right – especially if you’re working on parts for aerospace or anything high-precision.

Pros:

• Super strong and last longer than cables
• Ideal for tight radii and critical bends
• Give really consistent results, time after time

Things to keep in mind:

• Can be a bit fiddly to swap out, especially on machines doing multiple sizes
• Might slow you down a bit on setups

Cables: Flexible and Fast

Cables are the more flexible option—literally. They’re great when you’re working with more complex shapes, or if you just want something quick and easy to change over.

They’re not quite as robust as mandrel links, but they do the job well in high-volume environments, like automotive production, where speed is key and you’re not pushing the limits on precision as much.

Pros:

• Flexible and good for awkward or complex compound bends
• Much quicker to change over between jobs
• A good fit for fast-paced production lines

Things to consider:

• Won’t last as long as mandrel links
• Not quite as stable or precise, especially for tight-radius bends

So, Which One’s Right for You?

Honestly? Both will work for most applications.

It often just comes down to what you’re making, how often you’re changing setups, and what your team prefers using.

• Go with mandrel links if you’re focused on precision, tight bends, or you’re in aerospace/defense.
• Choose cables if you need flexibility, faster changeovers, or you’re in a high-volume setup like automotive.

A lot of shops actually use both, depending on the job.