Fabrication considerations for titanium tubes

Tubing is used across the world in various applications, but not always in its standard form. In order to accomplish its purpose in certain situations, a tube must be modified in the correct manner. Using the likes of tube expansion, as well as a menagerie of other methods, we are capable of providing you with the precise tubes that you need for your own endeavours.

With titanium tubing, prior to choosing the leading materials, there are several factors you have to ponder over. The distinct characteristics of grades 2/2H and 12 lead to differing specifications whilst fabrication is occurring and come with their own fabricating limitations.

With welded titanium tubes, each grade is shaped from plate and seam welded. Grade 2/2H is welded from the plate and demands no additional processing, in contrast to grade 12. This grade needs solution annealing on the seam so that you can exterminate residual stress levels and create a consistent normalised grain. Additionally, grade 12 asks that a pickling process take place following heat treatments so that you can rehabilitate the surface finish. The extra procedures here result in amplified delivery lead times and a minimised production rate.

Even though almost any mix of schedule and size of tube can be generated from titanium plate, issues become apparent when using small-bore tube that possesses a wall thickness of schedule 160 or more. One possibility would be to choose a seamless design, but you would have to spend more money.

With bending and forming, grade 12 presents a greater number of restrictions than 2/2H. The latter can be arranged utilising cold bending processes at thicknesses of as much as 50mm, whereas grade 12 can only go as high as 38mm. This has to be taken into consideration if your project requires titanium tubing.

At Multiform Tubes, our team has worked on all sorts of projects that involve the likes of titanium tube. In addition, we also have the means necessary to work with a host of other substances, including brass, copper, and hydraulic tubing. We can provide tube expansion for all of these materials though, delivering a quality finish.

If you are interested in our services and would like to discuss particular details with us, you’re more than welcome to contact us.