Shaping, Grinding, and Crimping Methods for Bent Pipes
In the production of bent pipes, several crucial steps are taken before they reach their final form. Shaping is a fundamental process that helps establish the pipe’s shape and ensures it retains its structural integrity. Manufacturers employ various shaping methods to achieve this. Let’s delve into these techniques:
Shaping Methods:
1. Inner Diameter Shaping:
– In this method, the outer surface of the bent pipe is hardened by utilizing the inner diameter’s dimensions and circularity. This process imparts rigidity to the pipe and helps maintain its shape.
2. Outer Diameter Shaping:
– The outer diameter of the pipe and its circularity are hardened during this process. There are two subcategories of this method:
– Pressure Shaping: Applying pressure to the bent pipe to facilitate shaping after bending.
– Vacuum Shaping: Vacuum shaping is closely integrated into the shaping process. The cooling of the inner wall of the pipe is effective, size tolerances are well-controlled, deformation is minimized, internal stresses are reduced, and temperature can be independently controlled.
The bent pipes that we typically use undergo a series of production processes that ensure their shape and quality. With these shaping methods, you need not be concerned about deformation when using them.
Suppose a bent pipe proves unsuitable due to factors like excessive thickness or surface defects. In that case, it can be ground to refine its shape and make it more suitable for its intended purpose. Here’s how the grinding process is carried out:
Grinding Process:
1. Examine Irreparable Defects: Before grinding, inspect the pipe for defects that cannot be rectified, such as incomplete welds, excessive weld penetration, weld seams, and scratches. If such issues are identified, they must be corrected first.
2. Defect Removal: Eliminate surface defects, weld seams, and scratches on the bent pipe, ensuring that the fillet welds are preliminarily shaped. Use sandpaper for this purpose, applying back-and-forth grinding motions to minimize substantial collisions and scratches on both the horizontal and vertical surfaces.
3. Seam and Mark Grinding: Employ sandpaper to grind down the seams and marks, ensuring that the pipe’s surface remains free of scratches and attains a basic level of brightness.
4. Seam Finishing: To minimize the visible weld seam between the ground and unground portions of the pipe, employ sandpaper to smooth out minor ridges that may have developed in previous grinding stages, further enhancing the surface’s brightness.
During the grinding of bent pipes, it is crucial to maintain control and avoid excessive force application. Additionally, ensure that the entire pipe’s surface is ground evenly to achieve a consistent and polished appearance.
Crimping is another essential process in pipe fabrication and production. Here, we will explore various crimping methods for bent pipes:
Crimping Methods:
1. Exterior Rubber Stripping Crimping:
– In this method, a specified length of the exterior adhesive layer is removed from the bent pipe. This technique is suitable for steel wire-braided rubber hoses.
2. Exterior Rubber Stripping-Free Crimping:
– A simpler crimping process that does not require the removal of the exterior adhesive layer. This method is applied to fiber-braided flexible hoses.
3. Interior and Exterior Rubber Stripping Crimping:
– This method involves the removal of a specific length of both the interior adhesive layer and the exterior rubber layer. It is typically used for large-diameter pipes and pressure-bearing steel wire-wound rubber hoses.
The choice of crimping method often depends on the material of the pipe, and the specific application requirements. These crimping techniques provide the final touches to the bent pipes, making them ready for installation and use.
In summary, shaping, grinding, and crimping are essential steps in the production of bent pipes. Proper execution of these processes ensures the pipes meet the required specifications and are ready for their intended applications.
SINO SPECIAL METAL supplies a wide range of pipe fittings, flanges, and pipes in various materials and types. Our dedication to delivering high-quality products has made us a trusted supplier. Please feel free to contact us for inquiries or purchase requirements.
