Pipe rolling: technology and special tools

Rolling or rolling of pipes is a production process during which a metal product is deformed in one or another direction, taking into account the required bending angle.

In this article we will talk about what types of milling are available and for what purposes they are used. In addition, we consider what a pipe rolling machine is and how it works.

Types of rolling

Today, a number of operations are practiced everywhere, which are united by one common name - rolling. It should be noted that all these technological processes significantly differ in both the method of implementation and the features of the equipment used.

So, by what methods are rolling tubes performed? The two main methods are radial deformation (cross-section processing) and bending.

Radial deformation

Radial deformation is performed by increasing or decreasing the cross section. The increase in diameter is called flaring, and the decrease - rolling.

Let's take a closer look at how these processes are carried out:

• The expansion of the cross section by increasing the diameter allows you to create a small socket at the end of the pipe. Such a socket is the primary condition for the implementation of a fitting without fitting the individual elements of the pipeline. Having created the required expansion, it is possible to insert a pipe of smaller diameter into the socket and subsequently securely fix the connection.

• Reducing the diameter of the pipe is the opposite process of expansion. If the previous technology allows you to get a socket, then by means of rolling the cross-section smoothly tapers. Why do you need it? The diameter of the cross-section is narrowed in order to make the pipe easier to enter the socket and more reliably be fixed in it.

Important: Both the first and second technological process is performed on ductile non-friable metals without preheating. If you have to work with hard metals that are prone to cracking under mechanical loads, preheating may be required, in which the product will be more ductile and malleable.

Now let's try to figure out with what tool radial rolling of brake pipes is performed.

Flare tool

The instruction for increasing the diameter of a peppered section allows for the use of various tools, from primitive to technically complex:

• The simplest device that is actively used by plumbers and installers of split systems is a metal cone with a smooth surface.. It is possible to make such a device with your own hands, it is enough to grind off a metal cylinder to the desired shape, and then polish the surface. However, such a tool can be bought, as the price for it is low. The principle of the device is simple. It is necessary to insert the end of the cone into the cut of the tube and turn it with force several times. Among the advantages of the solution, we note the affordable cost and durability of the device. But there are also disadvantages, among which is the possibility of processing pipes made of soft metals only and the lack of precise control over the degree of expansion.
• A more technological and sophisticated cone is equipped with a ratchet. Instructions for using an improved cone are very similar with the previous element. The cone is inserted into the section and rotates with pressure. The presence of the ratchet simplifies the process of screwing in the cone and helps regulate the force.
• Expander is another tool that is designed for quick and relatively high-quality flaring of pipes made of soft metals.. The working part of the expander is equipped with several segments. Squeezing the handles of the tool, we plant the segments, which, in turn, stretch the tube. The disadvantage of the solution is not enough smooth walls of the socket.
• An eccentric cone milling tool is the most advanced solution for working with soft metal products.. Instructions for using the tool are simple, just insert the pipe into the hole of the appropriate diameter and rotate the handle. The tool can be equipped with a safety device that does not allow the diameter to expand more than is required. Processing pipes with this tool provides the best result in comparison with all the previously listed tools.

Rolling tool

• A hammer is the simplest tool that can be used to apply gentle blows to the edge of a pipe. In order not to bend the pipe into it, it is advisable to insert a metal rod.
• Special pliers are a professional tool for rolling copper pipes, ensuring acceptable bending quality. In order for the processing of metal products to require less physical effort, you should choose modifications with a greater length of the handles. (See also the article Flaring Copper Pipes: Features.)

Important: For a more accurate processing of the edges of the pipes, a special machine with rollers can be used. Machines of this type are designed for professional use only, and therefore their price is high.

Pipe bend

Pipe bending is also called rolling. This type of processing is widely used in the manufacture of various pipelines.

Consider the main categories of tools that allow you to quickly and at the same time qualitatively bend.

• The spring (internal and external) is used by plumbers to deform pipes from metal-based laminate. Such rolling for copper pipes is easy to use, its price is low, but, unfortunately, it is not suitable for working with metals more rigid than copper.

• The pipe bender is a universal solution for deformation of various metal pipes at the required angle. Moreover, using such a tool, you can observe the radius of rotation of the pipe. The pipe bender functions due to the muscular strength applied to the lever collar.
• Bending rollers are devices that allow to deform pipes made of rigid metals. The tool consists of a platform on which, at a certain distance from each other, rollers are installed through which the pipe is pulled. By adjusting the pressure roller, you can control the angle and radius of the bend. (See also the article How to bend a profile pipe: features.)

Conclusion

Now you know what a milling machine for pipes is, how it works and for what purpose it is used. More useful information you can find by watching the video in this article.