Tube notching is an important aspect of metalworking. Because you can notch almost any metal by rolling it into a tube, notching is a useful skill to learn. You can use notched tubes in a variety of applications, ranging from manufacturing to vehicle maintenance. However, you must cut, fold, and notch the tube into a suitable shape. You’ll need two things for this: good equipment and abilities.
We suggest you look for a tube bender for sale from Roguefab to become an adept metalworker while providing more options to your clients with the correct tools.
But first, understanding the foundations of tube notching can help you improve your metalworking skills.
A Simpler Fold
Why is it necessary to notch tubes? Metal (particularly alloyed metal) may withstand immense force if bent appropriately while still malleable. Warping can be an issue because bent metal is widespread. Even if it is heat-assisted, not every metal can keep its structure during bending.
Tube notching helps the metal to avoid this consequence by shearing or cutting off a piece to facilitate movement or folding. Sometimes the notch is sufficient, but most of the time it is the start of a much larger step, such as folding or joining.
Ensure Precision in All Work
Tube notching is a comparatively easy mechanical procedure when compared to other fabric techniques, such as welding and riveting. However, because the notch frequently causes a very accurate cut, you’ll need to invest in precision-designed equipment or learn to eyeball the dimensions yourself. Years of experience can sometimes help you develop the latter.
Although the procedure is simple, the equipment required is frequently too specialised (or expensive) for ordinary metalworking firms to purchase and maintain. As a result, some organisations frequently outsource tube notching to specialist shops that can handle the order, resulting in a very profitable niche in the metalworking sector.
How Does Tube Notching Work?
The first step in any tube notching project is to measure the length and decide what type of cut will work best. Tubes can be notched in a variety of ways because they can be notched for a variety of purposes.
The reason piercing a tube can be difficult is that punching a hole or bending the metal (similar to riveting or bending) might harm the tube if done wrong. Notching is a low-cost method of modifying metal to fit into a larger structure without weakening or changing its composition.
The type of tool used to notch metal is also essential. Because steel and other alloys can warp or deform when subjected to high heat or pressure, it is vital that the operator be aware of these variances and can configure the tool to account for them.
What are the Tube Notching Process Steps?
The precise technique and steps of tube notching can differ depending on the notched you choose. As a result, you can read a general outline of the steps here.
Taking Dimensions
Place the tubes in their intended locations. Mark the tubes where the notch will be placed. It is critical to mark in a location where the intersection of the tubes is apparent.
Knowing the notch angle is essential before cutting the notch. Most machines have a maximum notching angle of 90 degrees. As a result, the notch angle is measured as an acute angle.
Many tubing notches perceive a 90° perpendicular inclination to be a 0° notching angle. If your tubes are slanted at a 60° angle, the notched will be at 30° (90°-60°).
Tube Preparation
If the tube length exceeds the required, do not use a notcher to trim the excess length. Instead, before to beginning the notching process, you will need to trim out some of the superfluous lengths.
The exact length to cut is determined by the notching angle and tube diameter. Once you’ve determined the proper length, you can cut it with an angle grinder.
If the notching angle is less than 45°, the actual length is the length at the junction, plus one-third of the tubing’s diameter. If the notching angle is over 45°, the tube can be cut along its length at the intersection.
Making Use of the Notcher
Once the preparation is complete, use the tube notcher as directed by the manufacturer. Set the two tubes on the notcher, one at a time, at the desired notching angle. The stages that follow will differ depending on the type of notcher, as stated in the next section.
Bringing It All Together
Depending on the procedure used to create the notch, the tubing may subsequently require further finishing. After the notching is finished, the tubes can be welded together.
Final Words
Tube notching is not a simple task: depending on the length and substance of the tube, it can be a complex procedure requiring a great deal of skill and expertise. To become an expert tube notcher, a professional metalworker must know these elements and work on them.
