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Tube End Forming

A reliable source for Tube End Forming information and leading Tube End Forming Companies

Tube end forming companies use end forming machines that suit the type of forming method based on the application. Read More…

Tube End Forming Tube end forming refers to the various processes that are used to shape, cut, bend or enlarge the inside or outside ends of tubing.
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Leading Manufacturers

New Berlin, WI  |  800-879-4418

Founded 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.

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Sharpe Products $$$

Marysville, MI  |  810-985-9400

Paumac 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.

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Paumac Tubing, LLC. $$$

Lynnwood, WA  |  425-778-4123

LaFarge & 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.

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LaFarge & Egge, Inc. $$$

Lincoln, NE  |  402-475-3671

Lincoln 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.

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Lincoln Industries $$$

Langley, BC  |  800-563-2363

Advanced 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.

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Advanced Bending Technologies $$$
placeholder image Sharpe Products Paumac Tubing, LLC. LaFarge & Egge, Inc. Lincoln Industries Advanced Bending Technologies

End-forming is a technique used to alter a tube's geometry, usually at or close to the end of the material. The procedure has been used for many years, but manufacturers have switched to custom machine-forming since it is more economical. Using a procedure called tube end formation, hollow tubes can have their ends shaped. Tube end shaping can produce a variety of end shapes, including expanded ends, curled ends, flanged ends, beaded ends, and flared ends.

For the application, type of material, and machine being used, many various shapes on tube ends can be obtained with good end forming equipment. Tooling standards are determined by factors like hardness, tube end preparation, tooling coatings, and material type. Based on the materials and intended expansion, different types of lubricants are utilized in the process. In general, end-forming is a desirable and effective method for creating tubes. Parts can be manufactured for different product applications in small and large volumes.

Tube End Forming

Types Of Tube End Forming

There are many different varieties of tube end shaping. Some of the main types used in different sectors include:

Beading

In many different sectors, beading is utilized as a connecting or sealing point between two matching parts. Beading is mostly used in the production of automotive parts since it has a tighter tolerance and helps to stop fluid leaks. Beads come in a wide range of forms, sizes, and materials. Inverted beads have a rotating end and are utilized as rollers for conveyor systems and as a place to seat an O-ring on the tube's outer diameter.

Beading

Knurling

Knurling is an end-shaping technique that gives the tube's surface roughness. This process is used to increase the surface area of a tube's outside diameter so that a mating component, usually a hose or other flexible media for fluid transfer, will have more grip area. Low-pressure fuel lines and coolant are examples of real-world uses. When the formed item fits on a hose, knurling is a technique that is utilized in conjunction with a bead. Some end-forming techniques allow for the simultaneous formation of the bead and knurl. Rotary end shaping is the technique of choice for knurling tube ends.

Reductions

Tube reducing is the technique of lowering a portion of a tube's outer diameter so that it can be utilized in a full assembly with another matching component. Reduction is one of the most widely used applications worldwide. Many commonplace products, including automobiles, trucks, airplanes, water lines, and more, use tube reductions. The reduction's size will change depending on how it is used. While some reductions are significantly lowered for tie rods or other uses, others are just slip-fit to be used in exhaust assemblies.

The optimal tube end forming method depends on the application at hand and factors such as wall thickness and tube diameter. For most thick wall applications, ram end shaping is best. For tubes with average walls that don't require a significant decrease, segmented end shaping is the best option.

Reductions

Expansions

The process of expanding a length of tube beyond its nominal diameter is known as "tube expanding." Expansions, like their tube reduction cousin, are frequently utilized in a variety of applications. The optimal tube end forming method depends on the application and the tube's wall thickness and diameter. The optimum procedure is progressive ram end shaping for expansions bigger than one inch. When the expansion range is less than 1 inch in diameter and the wall thickness is less than 120, segmented end forming is the best option.

Coping

Cutting one section of tube to fit against another is known as "tube coping." Coping is a technique used to prepare the ends of tubes before they are joined to form a final assembly. Roll cages, furniture frames, and other items are examples of real-world usage. Ram-end shaping is a useful technique for dealing with tubes in high-volume manufacturing.

Application Of Tube End Forming

Another item may be assembled onto the end of a tubular element using a tubular end formation.

  • Compressor air tubes
  • Pneumatic lines
  • Fluid transfer heat exchanges
  • A multitude of electronic parts
  • Oil filters
  • Hydraulic lines
  • Medical devices

Advantages Of Tube End Forming

Some advantages to end forming tubes include:

  • Enhanced tube strength
  • Increased sealing capabilities
  • Connectivity improvements

Tube End Forming Informational Video

 

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