TPT July 2010

E xtrusion , D rawing & r EDucing

As with most mature and perfected technologies, the reductive processes of tube and pipe manufacture are dependable. Whether the project calls for pushing, as in extrusion, or pulling, as in drawing, the customer of a modern mill, no less than its operator, confidently expects a sound, flawless product. Reproducibly excellent results are taken very much for granted. This is fairly remarkable, given the number and variety of requirements that tubing or pipe from a typical production run must satisfy. It must be exact as to tolerances; strong and corrosion- resistant, internally and externally; immune to galvanic or electrolytic attack; receptive to finishing and coating processes; cost-effective, maintenance-free, environmentally robust during rated life in service; and more. It is much to ask of tube extrusion, drawing, and reducing – methods which, in contrast with compressive processes, do not increase density but rather subtract from it. Even so, that the demands will be met, time after time, is taken for granted. The suppliers whose products and services are reviewed here would not have it any other way.

Photo: Tecnomatic Srl