Abstract: An apparatus for bending tubes into three-dimensional helices or coils comprises means for intermittent clamping of the tube, a first substantially stationary shaping member having a groove, which extends in an arc of at least approximately 180.degree. and defines a first substantially plane surface, as well as a rotatable shaping roller whose rotational axis is movable substantially along a circular arc for performing the tube bending operation. Said shaping roller has an endless, circumferential groove, which has substantially the same cross sectional shape as that of the stationary shaping member and half of the cross section of the tube and defines a second substantially plane surface. Said shaping roller is displaceable with respect to the stationary shaping member substantially perpendicularly to the second plane surface which forms an obtuse angle with the first substantially plane surface.