Multiform Tubes Engineering Ltd is a specialist tubing company providing several unique services to its clients. Due to our talents and years of experience, we have become one of the UK’s foremost experts. We have been able to build an excellent reputation for round tube expansion, as well as our other offerings. You can work with us to create tubes for heating, refrigeration, and many other needs.

The expansion techniques

Tube expansion involves using one of several techniques to open the end up. The result is a section you can use in numerous interesting ways, including as part of a pipe network or even as furniture or shop fittings. It will have a snug, leakproof fit onto other tubes.

One method you can use here is ram forming. It utilises a tapered, dedicated die that operates as a mould. Unlike moulding, you need to apply a great deal of pressure to the die to force it into the tube. This expands the inner diameter. The die is a specific size and diameter because you create it in advance. What this means is that it is only capable of generating an expansion to a set point.

The next expansion technique makes use of a hydraulic expanding die. This particular die is segmented. When you open it hydraulically, you are capable of expanding the finger segments to multiple lengths and diameters. This option leads to further flexibility in range and size. You obtain far more specific measurements here. Once again though there is a limit; you can’t go beyond the maximum the segments can open.

It is possible to perform expansion on the majority of metals, including different steels as well as softer substances like copper. Generally you are able to expand them up to 5/6mm in thickness and 150/160mm in diameter.

Why use round tubes?

Manufacturers love using round tubing for practical and architectural reasons. It is particularly handy for transporting fluids over long and short distances. Circular tubes are also solid and rigid. Therefore, the strength distribution is equal in all directions. Because of this, they have superb structural ability if you compare to square tubing.

One other truth about round tubes is that they are easier to control during processing and bending. This is because the distribution of strength and metal is normally even. When resizing the tube for regular usage, it allows you to cut them more accurately. Thanks to the design, it is simpler to weld the tubes as well.

Finally, the tubes are relatively light due to the void. That can result in savings on transportation costs and make handling easier.

Contact us about round tube expansion

Our team is well aware of the benefits you can obtain with tube expansion. It is a versatile practice that can get you that perfect tight fitting joint. We can handle any project here, and offer the same top tier work and customer service.

So, if you would like to work with the Multiform Tubes Engineering Ltd team, feel free to get in touch with us. You can even combine round tube expansion with our other services if you need to. That can give you bespoke parts to suit all kinds of needs.