Tube fabrication is a process of shaping, cutting, and bending metal tubes into custom shapes and sizes for various applications. It has been used for centuries to create a wide range of products, from simple household items to complex machinery parts. The history of tube fabrication dates back several centuries, with evidence of tube bending and shaping techniques used in ancient civilizations such as Rome and Egypt. The process of tube fabrication evolved over time as new materials and techniques were developed. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Sharpe Products
New Berlin, WI | 800-879-4418Founded in 1990, Sharpe Products is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company specializing in industrial and commercial pipe and tube bending, laser cutting, end-forming or other custom fabrication services. In addition, we offer a robust line of architectural handrail fittings and accessories such as brackets, connectors, disks, end-caps, flanges, newel caps and spheres.
Paumac Tubing, LLC.
Marysville, MI | 810-985-9400Paumac Tubing, LLC provides quality tube bending, end-forming, cutting and welding and works with aluminum, copper and steel. We are a supplier of OEM and Aftermarket Distribution centers. Paumac Tubing provides innovative solutions to our customer’s needs and we are proud to be ISO 9001:2000 certified. Products offered include: commercial tubes, exhaust tubes and structural components.
LaFarge & Egge, Inc.
Lynnwood, WA | 425-778-4123LaFarge & Egge provides high quality precision tube bending and fabrication to 1-1/2" diameter in aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, inconel and steel. Offering flaring, beading, pressure testing, internal swaged fittings and cyro fitting installation. Tubular parts fabricated exactly how you need them.
Lincoln Industries
Lincoln, NE | 402-475-3671Lincoln Industries has been designing and manufacturing tube fabrications since 1952. Our tube fabrications range in diameter size, from 3/8” to 8”. Products we offer include tube bending, beading, expanding, welding, and forming. We are committed to manufacturing high-quality products that are delivered on time.
Advanced Bending Technologies
Langley, BC | 800-563-2363Advanced Bending Technologies is an industry leader in structural bending, pipe bending, low deformation bending and forming of structural steel. We offer a wide range of innovative bending technology with the implementation of new equipment supplying products that are both accurate and unique to industries with architectural applications. Our services result in labor and material cost-savings.
Tube Fabrication Companies List
One of the earliest recorded uses of tube fabrication was in the production of armor and weapons during the medieval period..During the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, tube fabrication became an essential part of manufacturing, particularly in the textile and locomotive industries. New machinery and techniques were developed to create tubes of various shapes and sizes for use in steam engines, boilers, and other industrial applications. In the early 20th century, the invention of the automobile further drove the demand for tube fabrication, particularly in the creation of exhaust systems and other automotive components. Today, tube bending machines are used to create complex shapes and designs as the process has become more advanced with the introduction of new techniques and materials.
The Process of Tube Fabrication
Tube fabrication is a complex process that involves several steps to create custom shapes and sizes of metal tubes. Here’s a more detailed overview of each step in the process:
Material selection: The first step in tube fabrication is selecting the appropriate raw material for the application. Common materials include steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and titanium.
Cutting: Once the material is selected, the next step is cutting it to the required length and shape. There are several methods for cutting metal tubes, including sawing, shearing, laser cutting, and plasma cutting. Sawing is a common method for cutting straight sections, while laser cutting is used for more precise cuts.
Shaping: After the tubes are cut to the desired length, they must be shaped into the desired form. This can be done using a variety of techniques, including mandrel bending, roll bending, compression bending, and rotary draw bending. Mandrel bending is a popular method for creating precise and consistent bends in tubes.
Welding: Once the tubes are shaped, they must be welded together to create a complete assembly. There are several methods for welding metal tubes, including TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding, MIG (metal inert gas) welding, and arc welding. TIG welding is a popular method for creating high-quality, precise welds.
Finishing:After welding, the tubes may require finishing to improve their appearance and durability. This can include processes such as grinding, sanding, and polishing.
Quality control: Throughout the tube fabrication process, quality control measures are taken to ensure that the final product meets the required specifications and standards. This may include inspections, testing, and documentation of the production process.
Limitations and Negatives of Tube Fabrication
Tube fabrication has some limitations and negatives to consider. One of the main concerns is the environmental impact of the process, which can produce significant amounts of waste and emissions. Additionally, some of the chemicals and materials used in tube fabrication can pose health and safety risks to workers. Another limitation of tube fabrication is its ability to work with certain materials, sizes, and shapes. For example, some materials may be difficult to weld or bend, or may require specialized equipment to process.
Benefits of Tube Fabrication
Despite its limitations, tube fabrication offers several benefits over other manufacturing processes. One of the main advantages is its ability to customize products to meet specific requirements, such as size, shape, and material composition. This makes tube fabrication an ideal choice for creating unique and complex parts for machinery, vehicles, and other applications. Another benefit of tube fabrication is its cost-effectiveness, particularly when compared to other manufacturing methods such as casting or forging. Because tube fabrication can produce complex shapes with minimal waste, it is often more economical than other methods. Finally, tube fabrication is known for its durability and strength, making it an ideal choice for applications where reliability and longevity are essential.
Applications of Tube Fabrication
Tube fabrication has a wide range of applications across several industries. Here are a few examples:
Automotive Industry: Tube fabrication is commonly used in the automotive industry to create exhaust systems, fuel lines, and other components.
Aerospace Industry: Tube fabrication is used in the aerospace industry to create hydraulic and pneumatic systems, engine components, and other parts.
Medical Industry: Tube fabrication is used in the medical industry to create surgical instruments, implantable devices, and other medical equipment.
Construction Industry: Tube fabrication is used in the construction industry to create HVAC systems, handrails, and other building components.
Manufacturing Industry: Tube fabrication is used in the manufacturing industry to create conveyor systems, machinery frames, and other equipment.
Choosing the Right Tube Fabrication Company
To ensure you have the most beneficial outcome when choosing a tube fabrication company, it is important to compare several businesses using our directory of tube fabrication companies. Each tube fabrication company has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to communicate with the company for more information or request a quote. Review each tube fabrication business using our proprietary website previewer to quickly learn what each business specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple tube fabrication companies with the same form.
Check out our Roll Forming website
Check out our Forgings website
