What is the process of making welded tubes?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Raw Material Selection
3. Forming Process
4. Welding Techniques
5. Sizing
6. Cutting
7. Finishing and Inspection
8. MAXTUBE Company Solutions
9. References

Introduction

The process of making welded tubes involves several precise steps to ensure the quality and durability of the final product. Welding is a preferred method due to its efficiency and ability to produce strong tube joints. This article outlines each phase of welded tube production, including specific parameters, and highlights the innovative solutions offered by MAXTUBE.

Raw Material Selection

Selection of high-quality raw materials is crucial in the manufacture of welded tubes. The typical materials used include carbon steel, stainless steel, and various alloys. Specifications such as ASTM A513 for carbon steel and ASTM A554 for stainless steel guide the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional tolerances of these materials.

Forming Process

The forming process involves shaping the flat steel strip into a tubular shape using a series of forming rolls. The efficiency of this process is dependent on precise control of the roll pressure and the alignment of the steel strip, with tolerances typically within ±0.50mm.

Welding Techniques

The primary welding techniques used in tube production are Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. ERW is favored for its speed and cost-effectiveness, achieving welding speeds of up to 100 meters per minute. TIG welding, on the other hand, provides superior weld quality, especially for materials requiring high purity and corrosion resistance.

Sizing

Post-welding, tubes must be sized to meet specific dimensional requirements. This involves passing the welded tube through sizing rolls to achieve precise outer diameters and wall thickness. Typical sizing tolerance levels are ±0.10mm for diameter and ±0.05mm for wall thickness.

Cutting

The cutting phase entails trimming the tubes to their required length. High-speed saws or laser cutting systems are utilized to ensure clean, burr-free cuts with a length precision of ±0.5mm. This step is critical for applications that demand exact specifications.

Finishing and Inspection

Finishing procedures may include deburring, surface treatment, and coatings application to enhance corrosion resistance. Rigorous inspection protocols are essential, including non-destructive testing techniques like ultrasonic testing to verify weld integrity and overall tube quality.

MAXTUBE Company Solutions

MAXTUBE specializes in advanced welded tube production, offering tailored solutions that align with specific industry demands. Their state-of-the-art laser welding technology ensures minimal heat input and distortion, producing tubes with superior light-weighting properties. MAXTUBE's solutions comply with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, showcasing their commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

References

1. ASTM A513/A513M - Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Carbon and Alloy Steel Mechanical Tubing.

2. ASTM A554 - Standard Specification for Welded Stainless Steel Mechanical Tubing.

3. MAXTUBE Company Literature: The future of welded tube manufacturing with precision laser technology. Available on MAXTUBE's official website.