Metal Tube Forming Machines
Coil in, finished tube out — computer-controlled forming that mass-produces sections to close tolerance.
Other metal types can be fed through the machine, and, using an inbuilt computer system, various specifications are set to mass-produce parts with high accuracy and efficiency.
History of metal tube forming
The forming and fabricating tubing industry has been active for thousands of years. The earliest examples of pipes were made by hand in China, crafted from reeds, circa 2000 B.C. In early Roman times, their impressive aqueduct piping meant that water could be transported all across Rome and further afield.
It wasn’t until 1824 when inventor James Russell created the first machine capable of producing metal tubing. At the time, pipes were in high demand as steel pipes transported the gas from coal to power the street lighting system. a groove and rolling mill were used to bend heated metal into the pipe shape. The very next year Comenius Whitehouse invented a process called butt-welding. In this process, thin iron sheets would be heated and pulled through a cone-shaped outlet, turning into a tube-like shape before being welded together by hand. Whitehouse’s process was so effective that it led to the first plant opened in Philadelphia in 1832.
From there, the metal tube forming machines became more powerful and effective. The first seamless pipe machines came about in the 1840s and continued to be refined and improved throughout the late 1800sand early 1900s. These machines became more sophisticated, and their uses more varied. They began producing automotive and bike parts, and the first seamless tube manufacturing plant was set up in 1895. The innovative process of creating elbow benders came next, which meant efficiency and productivity increased massively. John Moon can be credited for building the first continuous tube forming machine in 1911.
As advances in technology were made, more precise results were possible. CNC technology meant tube fabrication faster and more reliable, CAD software has helped designers create more complex and innovative parts.
How do metal tube forming machines work?
Like many other roll forming machines, tube forming machines work by manipulating metal to create an end result to exact specifications. This is done by cutting, bending, and joining metal parts. In tube forming machinery, packing, tube flaring, threading, and coining are also commonplace. Packing packs the tube during the forming process with another material such as ice or sand to help decrease distortion in the cross-section. Tube flaring is creating a funnel shape at the end of a tube. Tube threading makes raised helicall ribs of threads in the tube. Coining is a process to flatten the tubing.
Types of tube forming machine
There are many different types of metal tube forming machines. Some of the most common include tube cutting machines, tube end forming machines, tube swaging machines, tube mill equipment, bending machines, tube notching machines, and hydroforming machines.
Choosing a metal tube forming machine
If you are looking for a roll forming machine for your business, you should find a supplier with lots of experience and a good reputation. At Rollforming LLC, we provide top-quality roll forming machines and can even help with setup and employee training. Browse our range of machines today or get in touch with our expert customer team to see how we can help you.