Friction-assisted tube fabrication method

Abstract

A friction assisted tube fabrication method is disclosed. The friction assisted tube fabrication includes a set of methods such as a friction assisted tube forming, a friction assisted tube extrusion, and a friction assisted tube straining method. A metal object, for example, a deformable tube is simply deformed into the tube using a mandrel. The metal object with an initial diameter is forced across the slope of the mandrel with an angle. The mandrel is configured to rotate while forcing the metal object to deform into the tube with the desired radius. While rotating the mandrel, a friction is generated due to contact between the tube and the mandrel, thereby generating thermal energy to heat a deformation area of the tube for simply and easily softening and forming into the desired shape with accuracy diameter, and dimensions using a nominal pressing force without additional equipment and power.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Metal forming is a metalworking process of fashioning metal parts and objects through mechanical deformation. A workpiece or a material is reshaped without adding or removing material. Forming operates on the materials science principle of plastic deformation, where the physical shape of a material is permanently deformed. Currently, applications of high strength material in various industries have been expanding. Although many strengthening methods have been developed in the last years, all of them have limitations to process metal objects, for example, elongated members and tube products because it requires more equipment and high processing force and power. Therefore, conventional processes and methods cannot be applied in an industrial scale.[0002]In addition, the formed metal objects should have mechanical properties and desirable dimensions such as an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a thickness with high accuracy. When the accuracy of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for easily shaping a metal object, such as a tube, into a desired shape with accuracy. This is done by using a mandrel that is rotated while in contact with the tube, creating friction and generating heat to soften and form the tube into the desired shape. The process does not require any additional equipment or power, and can be done quickly and easily. The method can be used with a variety of metals and can be used to adjust the tube's radius, thickness, or a combination of both.

Problems solved by technology

Although many strengthening methods have been developed in the last years, all of them have limitations to process metal objects, for example, elongated members and tube products because it requires more equipment and high processing force and power.

Therefore, conventional processes and methods cannot be applied in an industrial scale.

When the accuracy of the dimensions is inferior and more largely deviated and as a result, the fatigue strength of the metal object, for example, a pipe or a tube, is extremely decreased.

In addition, the smoothness of an interior surface and an exterior surface of the metal object, for example, a pipe or a tube is not satisfactory, and as a result, irregularities are liable to remain thereon.

However, the conventional metal forming methods requires high power and multiple equipment thus increases the cost for forming metal objects.

In addition, there is no forming and straining process for tubular products, which could be applied in an industrial scale.

In other words, the conventional methods and processes for strengthening tubular products are limited to short lengths and they could not be used in the tube forming industry.

The conventional methods are limited to control the mechanical properties of the metallic materials, for example, tubular products and it is a challenging issue for the conventional processes.

In addition, the conventional methods and processes require much power and forces for producing high strength metal objects, for example, tubes or pipes.

The conventional methods are suitable for fabricating short length tubes and cannot be applied in industrial scales.

Further, the accuracy of the dimensions is inferior and deviates and as a result, the fatigue strength of the metal object, for example, a pipe or a tube, is extremely decreased.

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