FOCUS ON TUBE FORMING
TUBE & PIPE
Form-bound bending , such as press bending or rotary draw bending , are used to form the work-piece into the shape of a die . Straight tube stock can be formed using a bending machine to create a variety of single or multiple bends and to shape the piece into the desired form . These processes can be used to form complex shapes out of different types of ductile metal tubing . Freeform-bending processes , such as three-roll-push bending , shape the workpiece kinematically so that the bending contour is not dependent upon the tool geometry .
Tube end forming machines use hydraulic or mechanical presses . Often these presses use a repeated hammering motion to shape the tube . Because tube end forming is a shaping process and requires no cutting , there is no wasted metal at the end of the process . In addition , the tube end forming process can provide improved tube strength , better connectivity between components and improved sealing capabilities .
In this article , we highlight a selection of some of the latest global tube and pipe processing innovations , including cutting and bending .
Tube and pipe processing
We highlight a selection of some of the latest global tube and pipe forming innovations , including cutting and bending .
Tube and pipe manufacturers face growing production challenges from increased competition , rising material costs and thinner profit margins . Demand continues to rise for low weight and durable tubes and pipes . Seamless tubes and pipes with multiple bends are also needed in sectors such as energy , healthcare and transportation . Tube and pipe processing operations often take place in sheet metal job shops .
Tubes are measured by their outer diameter and are usually smaller and less rigid than pipes . Bending involves metal forming processes used to permanently form pipe or tubing . The objective is to obtain a smooth bend without flattening the tube or pipe . Bending processes include form-bound and freeform , as well as heat-supported and
“ Tube and pipe processing can often be a complementary activity to sheet metal forming in job shops ”
cold forming . Factors such as material wall thickness , tooling and lubricants used all affect the bending process . Generally , round stock is used in tube bending . However , square and rectangular tubes and pipes may also be bent to meet job specifications .
TubeInspect system .
AICON 3D Systems , part of Hexagon since 2016 , offers its new TubeInspect , an update of its turnkey tube and wire inspection solution which is compatible with Industry- 4.0 . Powered by the BendingStudio XT software platform , a TubeInspect system can become the central hub for controlling and analysing the entire tube production process . The TubeInspect range is available in four system configurations , including HRC versions boasting higher-definition camera resolution for improved measurement functionality .
52 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR March 2022