Mechanical defects can have a huge impact on metal tubing. Most importantly, they can increase the risk of failure. This can be devastating, creating a serious risk of injury. One type of defect people often overlook is gouges. However, they can cause big problems. We want to have a closer look at them here. Then, if you want to arrange services like tube manipulation, you can speak to us.

What is a gouge?

In this respect, a gouge is a groove, cavity or depression in the surface of the tube. What you have is material that has been physically scooped out, typically because of an impact or rubbing against other materials. In some cases, gouges can also happen because another hard material has been pressed into the surface.

There are two common types of friction gouges with metal coils; hot and cold. Hot gouges can happen when laps slide against one another. Laying hot coils on their side can also cause them. Because the steel is hot, a gouge will usually be dull.

Cold gouges often typically occur when laps slide against each other. It could also happen because of impacts during uncoiling and processing or later stages. These gouges are easier to see though; they are bright and shiny because the material is cold.

In some cases you’ll see a distinguishing feature with cold gouges. What can happen is the gouge can scoop out some material, but then processing rolls it back in. As a result, you get a flat ball of displaced material. You can see it if there are problems with processes like tube manipulation.

The effects

As we said above, mechanical defects can lead to tube failure. That is the case with gouges too. Most importantly, they reduce the wall thickness in areas, opening the door for issues.

One of the biggest impacts of gouges is they can substantially reduce the burst pressure of tubes. What this means is that the structural integrity will be compromised sooner than it would if the material did not have any flaws.

Gouges can also be a prime location for issues like fatigue cracking. The original impact may have created a crack. However, the smearing of the material can hide it. When you apply a load to the tube, it can crack.

If there are also dents in the same area as gouges, the risk of cracking and premature failure is even higher. This is because there will be even more stress and strain. That is especially true if there has been rerounding to repair dents.

Talk to us about tube manipulation

The key to reducing the risk of gouges is to handle materials carefully at all times. This includes when manufacturing coils, adapting them, creating tubing, and adapting it. Any time you could slide materials against each other, tooling, or anything else, be very careful.

If you need any kind of tube manipulation services, you should come to us. We’ll do our very best to avoid creating defects like gouges. It will ensure you get quality tubing for various applications. You can also contact us if you need any advice.