The formation of a pipe product suitable for construction needs is not limited to the manufacture of a basic profile base. To integrate the workpiece into the general network of a water supply or heating system, an initial calculation of the dimensions of a particular pipe is necessary. But even after preparing a segment that is suitable for its parameters, a rolling operation may be required. This procedure is necessary to give the product the desired bend. However, pipe rolling differs from conventional bending. So, if you deform the pipe by means of ordinary physical force using locksmith equipment, then at the exit you get a narrowed section that can disrupt the circulation of the medium served. This is due to the complexity of rolling and the specifics of the tools for its implementation.
Technology Overview
This operation is one of the most common in the field of metalworking. It is distinguished by a special technological approach to the implementation of the deformation process. Also, unlike many operations that implement a change in the structure of a rigid material, rolling of pipes practically does not imply additional external influences. That is, the procedure is carried out purely by mechanical action without thermal radiation or pressure buildup. This allows during the rolling process not to change the structural state of the metal and fully maintain its positive qualities. In addition, not only metal, but also plastic and even rubber products are rolled. Another thing is that softer workpieces can be subjected to deformation using other processing steps.
Tool to perform an operation
As already noted, this work cannot be performed with standard locksmith equipment. That is, in principle, a result is possible, but its quality will be extremely low. Therefore, the craftsmen use a special tool for rolling pipes, which provides an optimal bending line while maintaining a solid basic structure of the material. There are two categories of such tools - these are hand models and machine tools. The first option has a simple design and is designed to perform bends of non-thick metal pipes.
The machine is more suitable for use in professional needs. With its help, qualitatively deformed parts suitable for use in various fields are obtained on the flow. Moreover, the machine for rolling pipes has several types. They differ mainly in the possibilities of working with one or another pipe diameter. However, there is a classification according to the characteristics of materials suitable for rolling on specific equipment.
Stages of rolling
The procedure begins with cleaning the place of rolling. The metal in this zone is carefully processed with light abrasives and, if necessary, with chemical compounds. Next, the workpiece is integrated into the fixing position. At this stage, it is important to ensure high-quality fastening, which will allow you to continue the work process without serious flaws. The fixation point is usually a platform with holes of a standard size suitable for a particular workpiece format. At the next stage, an active tool is connected to work in the form of a pneumatic or electric screwdriver. The objective of this device is mechanical deformation. So, the rolling of the profile pipe will be performed during the rotation of the nozzle introduced into the inner space of the product. It is very important to choose the right tooling, otherwise there will be a risk of a rupture of the pipe surface.
Features of rolling of a copper pipe
Working with copper, on the one hand, has advantages, since the material is soft and pliable in machining, on the other hand, it is its plastic structure that imposes a high responsibility on the master. The fact is that the slightest deviation from the standard parameters of deformation can irreparably ruin the workpiece. Therefore, rolling for copper pipes is a manual mechanical tool with a design that allows you to smoothly change the shape of the product. As a rule, such devices have a screw-shaped handle, the control of which slowly changes the shape of the pipe. Again, high caution in such operations is due to the fact that copper pipes are often used in technological equipment such as refrigerators, air conditioners and split systems.
Features of sheet metal rolling
Externally, the rolling operations of pipes and sheet metal are similar, but the result is slightly different workpiece formats. In this case, the master is faced with the task of obtaining a cylindrical or semicircular piece of metal, which will differ in uniformity, relative smoothness, taking into account radiality, as well as the absence of bumps and dents. This result can be obtained using forging or bending machines. It should be understood that rolling of a sheet into a pipe has another difference from the deformation of finished steel. Whereas traditional rolling mechanisms mainly work with thin or, in any case, soft materials, then the bending equipment serves both stainless steel and galvanized products.
Flaring operation
Flaring is an operation that results in the expansion of the edges of the pipe. This action is required if a specific segment is planned to be connected to a pipe of a different size. The procedure is also performed either by means of a hand-held twisting tool, or by using automatic equipment. It should be noted that pipe rolling is often interfaced with this operation if it is necessary to obtain different product parameters at opposite ends. However, another nuance should be taken into account. Frequent mechanical deformation of the metal is harmful to its technical condition.
Technology Applications
Among the main industries can be identified utilities. Engineering systems, in the infrastructure of which pipelines are used, first of all need the completion of new pipes and the modernization of old ones. The technology is also used in narrower areas, including the manufacture of household and industrial equipment. If for the aforementioned refrigerator or air conditioner pipe rolling allows you to process copper with high accuracy, the equipment for the production sectors performs similar operations with stainless steel and even some alloys of tool steels.
Conclusion
Despite the outward ease and simplicity, rolling requires a lot of experience. Of course, in some cases, for example, when updating an old pipeline, high-precision deformation is not needed, since it will be hidden by mounting adapters. But there are other situations where even millimeter bending matters. For example, rolling of stainless pipes, which will further form the provision of a gasification environment, can only be done with professional equipment. But in this case, too, the optimal roller model should be selected. There are versions that work with aluminum and copper, as well as high-tech plants that can automatically service corrosion-resistant and titanium alloys.