The device, which is used to increase the diameter of a metal tube, is known as tube expander. Several individual sections of steel sheet are placed across a threaded shaft, and on each side of it, there are wedge shaped nuts. The entire unit is assembled by a spring, which is known to encircle each end. Then the assembled portion is slid into each end of the piece of tubing. Then the expander is tightened, which tends to draw the wedge nuts inside the steel section. All the wedges are not drawn into the sections at the same time, but, in some cases, they are forced outside, which results in the expansion of the tube.
They are known to come in two major sizes. Most of the cases range from large to small. The former works better with exhaust pipes while the latter usually fits small copper tubes. Several benefits of using a tube expander with a small copper tube is considered all the more beneficial. It finds its use mainly in plumbing applications. In the case of plumbing, long lengths of tubing can be used, and then, it can be sized with a tube expander in order for the fitting to be nicely fit, and a point to be considered is that the other piece should be soldered correctly. When the joints are tight, there is no need for fittings or couplings.
Advantages of tube expanders-
- Helps in increasing the production rate
- Longer tool life along with ease of operations
- The tube joints are controlled in the best possible manner
Heat is often considered necessary to be used in the expansion process when an expander needs to be incorporated in a large or thick piece of tubing. When direct heat is applied to the tube, it becomes all the more palpable and it would not work so hard with so much force being applied on it also. A point to consider is that when heat is to be used, the expander should be removed
Considering the utility aspect of tube expanders, a lot of companies have made their foray into the manufacturing aspect of it. In a way, you are likely to encounter numerous tube expander manufacturers in your city, as well. With the advent of the online platform, purchasing a tube expander has indeed become an easy job. Most of the websites have visual images along with technical aspects covered to help you get hold of the correct one. In some cases, eminent panelists are on board to help you in your queries, as well.
In the final analysis, the tube expanders are an integral part of the production process. They derive their prime utility for re rolling the leaky tubes. In recent times, they have also made their foray into new constructions. Typical examples in this regard are water tube or fire tube boilers.