Like pilgering, tube rolling also uses compression to reduce the size of welded tubes. However, while pilgering uses a pair of grooved, tapered dies to work the metal over a tapered mandrel, tube rolling utilizes one or two sets of rolls with constant cross-section grooves on the circumference of the tube. Generally, the process employs a cylindrical mandrel with little or no taper. The rolls are driven by rack and pinion gears of different radii along profiled cams, completing multiple 360º rotations around the tube.
Tube rolling is a very precise method of reducing very thin walled and/or smaller diameter tubes, and is often used as the final cold working step. By rolling, we’re able to achieve exceptional control over dimensional tolerances and surface finish while also minimizing material loss and improving the metal’s microstructure. Because it uses compression, tube rolling is well suited to processing unique metals like titanium and zirconium alloys.
Our tube rolling capabilities include both classic 3-roll (single roll set) tube rollers and an advanced 6-roll (2 roll sets) approach that Superior Tube developed and patented.