Technologies : Shrinking/Expanding (Sizing)
Shrinking and expanding are two technologies used extensively for final sizing of a metal rings or tubes. When manufacturing rings or tubes from flat stock material, it is difficult to consistently achieve tight diameter tolerances. This is where shrinking and expanding is used to final size the circular part to within a few thousandths of the required dimension. The advantages of proper shrinking or expanding include:
- Improved dimensional quality
- Low part T.I.R.'s
- Easier downstream assembly
- Lower scrap due to weld seam failures
- Material savings
- Ability to do flat or profiled cross sections
Shrinking and expanding can be as simple as a stand-alone, manually-loaded machine with manual adjustments, or as sophisticated as an automatically-loaded machine with automatic adjustments with a gage station prior to the shrinking/expanding process to dynamically adjust the process from part to part.
A shrinking or expanding process can improve dimensional quality and improve TIR of parts because it takes the metal to the plastic state to allow the material to move to and retain the desired diameter and roundness of the part.
Shrinking and expanding can be used on most rings or tubes made from flat material or profiled material, providing the tooling and process are properly engineered.
Why Hess?
The keys to successful shrinking/expanding lie in the mechanical design of the machine and the knowledge of the process itself. Many years of practical experience and know-how go into each and every machine built by Hess. We know what cone angles work well. We know what materials make the best wearliners. You will receive machines that will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with low downtime and minimum maintenance. In addition, you'll receive process support to address any manufacturing issues that arise.
What Can Hess Shrinking/Expanding Technology Do For You?
- Improve process
- Improve repeatability
- Reduce scrap and realize material savings
- Increase productivity
- Lower maintenance costs
- Enhance profitability
- Simplify downstream assembly processes
