FOCUS ON TUBE FORMING
SAY IT WITH TUBE
In Part Two of this series , we highlight a selection of some of the latest global tube and pipe forming innovations ( including cutting and bending ).
“ Tube and pipe processing can often be a complementary activity to sheet-metal forming in job shops .”
Tube and pipe processing operations often take place in sheet-metal job shops . 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 .
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 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 .
Form-bound bending , such as press bending or rotary draw bending , are used to form the workpiece 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 Part Two of this article ( Part One was published in our March issue ), we highlight a selection of some of the latest global tube and pipe processing innovations , including cutting and bending . They have been listed in alphabetical order ( P-Z ).
Image : DOCOL tubes .
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