What Does Hose Bend Radius Mean?

Bend Radius: The minimum bend radius of a hose is an important factor in hose selection if it will be subject to sharp curvatures in normal use. The bend radius (calculated in a lab environment, applications may vary) is measured as the distance to the inside edge of the hose (not the center line) when making a 90° bend. When bent at too sharp an angle, the reinforcement may be unduly stressed or distorted, thereby shortening the hose life. Textile reinforced hoses have a tendency to kink as the bend radius is reduced. Generally, a “helix” is used when a hose must withstand severe bends without flattening or kinking.

SPECIAL NOTE: Perhaps more important in determining flexibility in an application, the “force-to-bend” is defined as the amount of stress required to induce bending around a specified bend radius. Some hoses with thick walls, large bores, short lengths, or heavy duty construction will NOT bend easily without significant physical exertion.