One of the best things about ERW tube is you can manufacture it efficiently in continuous runs. It is cost effective and allows impressive quality controls. Then, tubing can simply be cut to length to suit different needs.
The most common method for creating the tubes is roll forming. It gets its name became the process involves the use of rollers (dies) to turn a sheet of material into the tube. However, there are actually two different ways to do it. We want to have a look at them here.
Rolling
Firstly, we have a roll forming method where there are rollers inside the tube. They exert force to deform the sheet and ultimately create the tube. The interesting thing is you have a large number of mated pairs of rollers. They roll the sheet bit by bit, exerting a small amount of pressure on it at a time. What this does is minimise stress and strain, so it reduces the chance of failure and scrap.
The interesting thing is how much effort goes into calculating what set up you need. Typically, an operator will use computer software to determine the final profile. This info will help calculate how many rollers you need as well as the roller shape.
Cage forming
The second option is a more advanced technique to create ERW tube. Instead of rollers inside the tube, here they are on the outside. What this means is they can deform the strip of material in a smoother manner. It increases manufacturing flexibility too. Crucially, it is easier to adapt the small external rolls to change the production line and produce different shapes and sizes of tubing.
Major advantages
Whether you choose standard roll forming or cage roll forming, there are a number of significant benefits. As we said above, it can produce tube cost effectively in long continuous runs. This is significant as it saves costs for manufacturers and end users.
Another big benefit is roll forming is a cold process. The sheet material will be at room temperature. That also helps to reduce costs and increases energy efficient. More crucially though, it means there is no risk of heat distortion.
There is also a positive with roll forming due to the fact you can create tubing from materials that have had a finish applied. It can retain it, meaning there is no need for secondary processing.
Talk to us if you want to order ERW tube
Union Steel Tubes works hard to ensure we produce products clients can rely on. We use fantastic equipment, including cold rolling machinery. It ensures we can provide accurate profiles, with different sizes of round, square, rectangle, and even oval tube available.
The great thing about working with us is we have a wealth of knowledge about applications for ERW tube in different industries. So, we can work with clients who need a little help or have specific problems to overcome. We’ll be a great resource.
You can contact us if you have any questions about our tubing. Keep in mind we can also produce bespoke tubes if necessary.
