TPi January 2016

products & developments

Opportunities and solutions with HF welded aluminium tubes

They have also found their way into heat exchange applications, not only as a more economical and lightweight solution compared to other materials, but also because the availability of multi-layer clad materials allows brazed heat-exchange solutions in the shape of round, oval or D-shaped tubes. To illustrate that the tubes are widely used, Sapa states that many cars contain parts made from an HF welded tube made by Sapa Precision Tubing, and claims that it is likely that the chassis, sub-frame, suspension or cooling system of your car contains Sapa’s HF welded tubes. HF welded tubes and profiles are available in wall thickness ranging from 0.65 to 6mm, and in an outer diameter up to 160mm. Tubes are available in most 5xxx and 3xxx series alloy, as a mill finish or pre-anodised tube. For the 3xxx series alloys, multi-layer clad tubes are possible.

weight reduction can be realised, leading to improved technical solutions and cost reduction. The 5xxx series alloys need no age hardening, and are offered in different tempers. HF welded aluminium tubes are used for a wide range of products, from strong, pre-anodised telescopic handles to very complex hydro- formed lightweight automotive parts.

Sapa Precision Tubing offers solutions for 5-series alloy tubes and profiles. The high frequency welded tubes are claimed to offer a variety of advantages. The narrow tolerances on diameter and wall thickness enhance design possibilities, and lead to higher stability for the transformation process.

Combined with the high strength offered by the 5xxx series alloys, significant

Sapa Precision Tubing Lichtervelde NV – Belgium weldedtubes@sapagroup.com www.sapagroup.com

MultiStrike tungsten electrodes offer safer, easier TIG welding

elements added during the manufacturing process produced a superior tungsten electrode. The MultiStrike is claimed to strike an arc ten times more than a red tipped thoriated tungsten,

A special recipe for TIG welding electrode material offers benefits in quality, safety and ease-of-use, according to its British developer. MultiStrike ® tungsten electrodes, developed by Huntingdon Fusion Techniques ® , were designed to address growing concerns about the radiotoxic thoria that is present in standard red tipped tungsten electrodes. It was found that other rare earth elements that are not radiotoxic were also used in the industry for activating tungsten, as in the case of normal light bulbs, and that a mixture of those

MultiStrike tungsten electrodes from Huntingdon

titanium, stainless steel and aluminium AC and DC, in industry sectors such as aerospace, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and motorsport. Each packet of MultiStrike tungsten electrodes carries a total traceability identification. Huntingdon Fusion Techniques – UK hft@huntingdonfusion.com www.huntingdonfusion.com

when tested under identical conditions. Because MultiStrikes have no radiotoxic and carcinogenic dopants such as thoria, there is no hazardous dust to be inhaled during grinding of the tips, which is also reduced with these electrodes. Suitable for a wide variety of welding operations, MultiStrikes are said to be particularly effective in the welding of

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January 2016 Tube Products International