Tube Making & Wire Drawing
Tube Making & Wire Drawing
Tube making and wire drawing are two essential metalworking processes that
involve the reduction of cross-sectional area of metal tubes and wires,
respectively. These processes are crucial for producing a wide range of
products used in various industries, including construction, electrical,
automotive, and aerospace.
Tube Making
Wire Drawing
Wire drawing is a cold working process that reduces the diameter of a wire by
pulling it through a series of dies, each with a progressively smaller
diameter. As the wire is drawn through the die, its volume remains constant,
leading to an increase in length and a decrease in diameter. Wire drawing is
crucial for manufacturing products such as electrical wiring, cables, springs,
and stringed musical instruments. The process can be performed on a small
scale with a draw plate or on a large commercial scale using automated
machinery. Lubrication plays a significant role in wire drawing, as it helps to
reduce friction, improve surface finish, and extend die life. Various methods of
lubrication are employed, such as wet drawing, dry drawing, metal coating,
and ultrasonic vibration. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the
specific techniques, equipment, and applications of tube making and wire
drawing in materials engineering.
TUBE MAKING
Tube making is a manufacturing process that involves the creation of tubular
structures from various materials, predominantly metals. It is the process of
manufacturing tubes from raw materials like steel sheets, strips, or billets. This
process can be categorized into two main types: seamless tube production
and welded tube production.
Seamless tubes are typically formed from solid billets that are heated and
then pierced to create a hollow shape, which is subsequently elongated and
reduced in diameter through processes such as hot rolling, cold rolling or tube
drawing. A seamless tube is a type of hollow metal tube that is produced
without any welding seams, which enhances its structural integrity and
performance in high-stress applications.
The main manufacturing methods for seamless steel pipes are the
Mannesmann plug mill process, the Mandrel Mill process, and the extrusion
process.
The technique for piercing hot solid ingots through cross rolling invented by the
Mannesmann brothers in 1885 is generally considered the starting point of the
industrial production of seamless pipes. The so-called Mannesmann plug mill
process starts with a round steel billet heated in a rotary hearth furnace. After
heating the billet, it is pierced by a cone-shaped mandrel and fed into a rolling
plug mill, where a pair of conical shaped rolls operates in the opposite direction
to the material flow. With this cross piercing process, a thick-walled hollow shell
is generated. With a second rolling operation called “pilger rolling process” the
hollow shell is then elongated and its wall thickness reduced. In this way, a
seamless steel pipe is formed.
The Mandrel Mill Process also starts with a preheated cylindrical steel billet.
The first step is called rotary piercing. The billet is cross-rolled between two
barrel-shaped rolls. As a result of the high-tensile stress, the axis of the billet
tears open. Simultaneously, the billet is pierced along its axis by a water-cooled
tool. In this way, a hollow pipe shell is formed. Afterward, the pipe shell must be
transferred to a floating mandrel mill which consists of several rolling stands
and pairs of rolls, as well as a set of mandrel bars. The mandrel bars are
inserted into the pierced pipe shell, which is conveyed to the rolling station. The
mandrel bars act as a control mechanism, creating an intermediate standard
outside diameter (OD) and a controlled wall thickness. After progressing
through the mandrel mill, the mandrel bars must be removed from the tube
shell, cooled-off and returned to the feeding station, ready for another shell.
The pipe is then reheated and further reduced to specific dimensions by a
stretch mill. The final tube is then cooled-off, cut, straightened and subject to
finishing and inspection before shipment.
The manufacturing process of seamless tubes begins with a solid metal billet,
typically made from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or other
alloys. The process involves several key steps to transform the billet into a
seamless tube. Initially, the solid billet is heated to a high temperature to make
it malleable. Once adequately heated, a piercing operation is performed,
where a piercing plug is inserted into the billet to create a hollow section. This
step is crucial as it forms the basic shape of the tube while ensuring that no
seams are created during the process.
After piercing, the hollow billet is further elongated and reduced in diameter
through processes such as hot rolling or extrusion. In hot rolling, the tube is
passed through a series of rollers that reduce its diameter while increasing its
length. This method can be followed by a stretch-reducing process, which
further refines the tube's dimensions and improves its mechanical properties.
For more precise dimensions and surface quality, the seamless tube may
undergo cold drawing, where it is pulled through a die at room temperature.
This step not only reduces the outer diameter but also enhances the tube's
yield strength through strain hardening. During this process, a mandrel is often
used to maintain the desired internal diameter. Quality control is paramount
throughout the manufacturing process. Various non-destructive testing
methods, such as ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle testing, are
employed to detect any internal defects.
Additionally, mechanical property tests are conducted to ensure that the tube
meets the required specifications for strength and durability. The seamless
tube production process results in a product that is free from welds and joints,
providing superior resistance to pressure and corrosion. These characteristics
make seamless tubes ideal for critical applications in industries such as oil and
gas, aerospace, and chemical processing, where reliability and safety are of
utmost importance.
Wielded Tube, on the other hand, are produced by rolling flat sheets or strips
of metal into a cylindrical shape and then welding the edges together.
In the ERW process, a coil of steel strip is fed into a tube mill, where it passes
through a series of rollers that gradually form it into a cylindrical shape. The
edges of the strip are then heated using high-frequency electric current and
pressed together, creating a welded seam. The welded tube is then cooled,
sized, and cut to the desired length. ERW tubes are typically used for
applications requiring high precision, uniform wall thickness, and good surface
quality, such as in urban gas and crude oil pipelines.
The SAW process involves two main methods: Longitudinal Submerged Arc
Welding (LSAW) and Spiral Submerged Arc Welding (SSAW). In LSAW, steel
plates are first bevelled, formed into a U-shape, and then an O-shape. The
longitudinal edges are tack welded and then welded internally and externally
using the SAW process. The pipes are then expanded to relieve internal stresses
and achieve dimensional tolerance. LSAW pipes are suitable for large
diameters (16 to 60 inches) and offer high-pressure resistance and low-
temperature corrosion resistance.
In SSAW, also known as helical welded pipes, the steel strip is rolled at an angle
to the pipe's centre, forming a spiral welded seam. SSAW pipes have a wider
diameter range (20 to 100 inches) compared to LSAW and can utilize the same
steel strip for different pipe diameters. However, the spiral seam is more
susceptible to defects like cracks and inclusions due to the longer weld length.
Other less common welding methods include Electric Flash Welding, where the
edges are heated until semi-molten and then forced together, and Lap
Welding, where the edges are scarfed and welded using a welding ball.
However, these methods are no longer widely used due to reliability issues with
the welds.
The process of tube making involves several key steps that transform raw
materials into finished tubular products, either seamless or welded, depending
on the desired specifications and applications.
For welded tube production, the selected coil is fed into a slitting machine,
which cuts the coil into narrower strips. This step is crucial as it prepares the
material for the subsequent forming process. The slitted strips are then
carefully inspected to ensure they meet the required specifications.
3. Tube Forming
In the tube forming stage, the slitted strip is shaped into a cylindrical form. This
is typically done using a series of rollers that gradually bend the strip into a
tube shape. For seamless tubes, the solid billet is pierced and elongated
through processes such as hot rolling or extrusion to create a hollow shell.
4. Welding
For welded tubes, the edges of the formed strip are joined together using
various welding techniques. The most common method is Electric Resistance
Welding (ERW), where high-frequency electric current heats the edges,
allowing them to fuse together without filler material. The welding process can
also involve submerged arc welding (SAW) or other fusion welding techniques,
depending on the tube's specifications.
After welding, the tube may undergo a sizing process to achieve precise
dimensions. This can involve cold drawing, where the tube is pulled through a
die at room temperature to reduce its diameter and enhance its mechanical
properties. Cold drawing also improves the surface finish and dimensional
accuracy of the tube.
6. Heat Treatment
Depending on the application, a heat treatment process may be applied to
relieve internal stresses that develop during forming and welding. This step can
enhance the tube's mechanical properties and prepare it for further
processing.
7. Finishing Processes
The finishing stage involves several treatments to ensure the tube meets
quality standards. This includes straightening to remove any bends caused
during forming, pickling to remove scale and contaminants, and polishing to
achieve the desired surface finish. The rolled pipes and tubes are cut to the
required lengths and cleaned. A heat treatment is performed to remove
stresses that may occur during the previous forming and welding phases. After
the heat treatment, the tubular products are pickled, descaled, and
straightened. Based on the final application, their ends can be threaded or
bevelled by machining. After a set of testing and quality checks, the tubes are
finally ready for packing and shipping. Tubes may also undergo additional
processes such as galvanizing for corrosion resistance or threading for specific
applications.
Finally, the finished tubes undergo rigorous quality control testing, including
visual inspections and non-destructive testing methods to detect any defects.
Once the tubes pass inspection, they are cut to the required lengths, marked
for traceability, and packaged according to customer specifications for
shipment.
Here is a list of the common equipment used in tube fabrication to help you
understand the tube fabrication process better.
4. Cutting Machines
5. Deburring Machines
By far one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment for tube
fabricators is a tube bending machine. These machines come in a variety of
shapes and sizes, and each is fit for different capabilities, accessories, and
features.
Some machines are designed to create simple and small bend radiuses in
tubes. Others are used for sharper bends, and others are also used to make
wider or more complex shapes. Many different types of tube bends can be
performed by the following machines:
• Press Bending
• Ram-type Bending
• Roll Bending
• Compression Bending
• Rotary Draw Bending
• Mandrel Bending
• Wiper Die Bending
Because these machines vary in the kinds of bends they can create, some
machines are more suitable for handling large tubes, complex shapes, and
tight bend radii, while others are best left for less demanding applications.
Notching Machines
Notching machines are also used in the tube fabrication process. They are
used to notch or punch holes and slots into the tube. This process is
necessary for tubes that are to be joined together to form a similar joint.
Notches can be made at the end of the tube, which allows it to be attached to
a similar tube design. It can also be performed at the side, creating a tight
bend. This process is performed by the following kinds of notching machines:
CUTTING MACHINES
• Ratchet Action
• Spring Action
• Hinged Cutters
• Heavy-duty Cutters
• Conduit Cutters
• Enclosed Frame Cutters
• Telescoping Cutters
• Square Frame Cutters
• Laser Cutters
DEBURRING MACHINES
https://reganindustrial.com/blog/tube-fabrication-equipment/
https://www.expometals.net/en/metal-working-basics/tube-and-pipe-
manufacturing-the-basics
Wire Drawing
Wire drawing is a metalworking process used to reduce the cross-section of a
wire by pulling the wire through one or more dies (A die is a
specialized machine tool used in manufacturing industries to cut
and/or form material to a desired shape or profile.) It is a cold working process
that involves feeding a metal rod or wire into a die with a smaller diameter,
causing the material to plastically deform and reduce in size. As the wire is
pulled through the die, its volume remains constant, leading to an increase in
length and a decrease in diameter. This process is crucial for manufacturing a
wide range of products, including electrical wiring, cables, springs, paper clips,
spokes for wheels, and stringed musical instruments.
The wire drawing process typically involves several stages, where the wire is
drawn multiple times through different dies to achieve the desired size and
properties. The area reduction per pass can vary, generally ranging from 15%
to 45%, depending on the initial size and material properties of the wire.
Lubrication plays a significant role in wire drawing, as it helps to reduce friction,
improve surface finish, and extend die life. Various methods of lubrication are
employed, such as wet drawing, dry drawing, metal coating, and ultrasonic
vibration. The strength-enhancing effect of wire drawing can be substantial,
with the highest strengths available on small-diameter cold-drawn austenitic
stainless-steel wire.
Usually the wire will require more than one draw, through successively smaller
dies, to reach the desired size. The American wire gauge scale is based on this.
This can be done on a small scale with a draw plate, or on a large commercial
scale using automated machinery. The process of wire drawing changes
material properties due to cold working.
The area reduction in small wires is generally 15–25% and in larger wires is 20–
45%. The exact die sequence for a particular job is a function of area reduction,
input wire size and output wire size. As the area reduction changes, so does the
die sequence.
Very fine wires are usually drawn in bundles. In a bundle, the wires are
separated by a metal with similar properties, but with lower chemical
resistance so that it can be removed after drawing. If the reduction in area is
greater than 50%, the process may require an intermediate step
of annealing before it can be redrawn.
Commercial wire drawing usually starts with a coil of hot rolled 9 mm (0.35 in)
diameter wire. The surface is first treated to remove scales. It is then fed into a
wire drawing machine which may have one or more blocks in series.
Single block wire drawing machines include means for holding the dies
accurately in position and for drawing the wire steadily through the holes. The
usual design consists of a cast-iron bench or table having a bracket standing
up to hold the die, and a vertical drum which rotates and by coiling the wire
around its surface pulls it through the die, the coil of wire being stored upon
another drum or "swift" which lies behind the die and reels off the wire as fast
as required. The wire drum or "block" is provided with means for rapidly
coupling or uncoupling it to its vertical shaft, so that the motion of the wire may
be stopped or started instantly. The block is also tapered, so that the coil of wire
may be easily slipped off upwards when finished. Before the wire can be
attached to the block, a sufficient length of it must be pulled through the die;
this is effected by a pair of gripping pincers on the end of a chain which is
wound around a revolving drum, so drawing the wire until enough can be
coiled two or three times on the block, where the end is secured by a small
screw clamp or vice. When the wire is on the block, it is set in motion and the
wire is drawn steadily through the die; it is very important that the block rotates
evenly and that it runs true and pulls the wire at a constant velocity, otherwise
"snatching" occurs which will weaken or even break the wire. The speeds at
which wire is drawn vary greatly, according to the material and the amount of
reduction.
Machines with continuous blocks differ from single block machines by having
a series of dies through which the wire is drawn in a continuous fashion. Due to
the elongation and slips, the speed of the wire changes after each successive
redraw. This increased speed is accommodated by having a different rotation
speed for each block. One of these machines may contain 3 to 12 dies. The
operation of threading the wire through all the dies and around the blocks is
termed "stringing-up". The arrangements for lubrication include a pump which
floods the dies, and in many cases also the bottom portions of the blocks run
in lubricant.
Often intermediate anneals are required to counter the effects of cold working,
and to allow further drawing. A final anneal may also be used on the finished
product to maximize ductility and electrical conductivity.
Lubrication
Lubrication in the drawing process is essential for maintaining good surface
finish and long die life. The following are different methods of lubrication:
• Wet drawing: the dies and wire or rod are completely immersed in
lubricants
• Metal coating: the wire or rod is coated with a soft metal which acts as a
solid lubricant
• Ultrasonic vibration: the dies and mandrels are vibrated, which helps to
reduce forces and allow larger reductions per pass
• Roller die Drawing (also referred as Roll drawing): roller dies are used
instead of fixed dies to convert shear friction to rolling friction with
dramatic reduction in the drawing forces as reported by Lambiase. When
roller dies are adopted, the drawing stages are composed by 2-4 idle
rolls and the wire is pulled within the rolls clearance. This type of solution
can be easily adopted also to produce flat or profiled drawn wires.
The wire drawing process not only alters the dimensions of the wire but also
significantly improves its mechanical properties due to the effects of cold
working. This enhancement leads to increased strength and hardness, making
drawn wires suitable for a wide range of applications, including electrical
wiring, cables, springs, and various structural components. Overall, wire
drawing is a versatile and essential process in the manufacturing of wire
products, enabling the production of high-quality materials tailored to specific
industrial needs.
2. Drawing Block: This is the component that provides the tensile force
necessary to pull the wire through the die. It can be powered by an
electric motor and may include a capstan that grips the wire securely.
The drawing block's speed and tension can be adjusted to control the
drawing process effectively.
The machine used for metal processing process and changing the shape and
size of metal wires is called metal wire drawing machine.
• Wire Intake System: This component is responsible for feeding the wire
into the machine. It may include mechanisms such as rollers or spools to
ensure a smooth and consistent wire supply.
• Drawing Dies: The drawing dies are the heart of the wire drawing
machine. They are made of hard materials like tungsten carbide or
diamond and are responsible for reducing the wire's diameter.
• Drawing Capstans: Capstans are the rotating devices that pull the wire
through the drawing dies. They are driven by motors and are designed
to maintain a constant pulling force throughout the wire drawing
process.
https://www.wiremachinecn.com/types-of-wire-drawing-machines.html
(Types of wire drawing machines with images)