How to Straighten Large-Diameter Elbow Pipes #PipeFabrication #IndustrialEngineering - Video

Check this out! This isn’t hot-press forming at all—it’s the straightening process for large-diameter elbow pipes after forming!

Look at that big steel ball hoisted by the iron chain. It’s no ordinary hunk of metal; it’s a high-precision internal shaping mold! It’s so heavy that it has to be positioned with the help of lifting gear.

First, workers align the steel ball with the elbow pipe’s opening, then fire up the hydraulic press. Enormous pressure forces the steel ball into the elbow pipe. At this point, the steel ball acts like a standard template, pushing every uneven, imperfect spot on the pipe’s inner wall into perfect shape!

Why does this work? The core principle is metal plastic deformation. After the elbow pipe undergoes prior hot working, it still retains some plasticity. Under the intense pressure of the rigid steel ball mold, the inner wall undergoes minor deformation and fits snugly to the steel ball’s perfect curve.

Once straightening is complete, unhook the chain and remove the steel ball. Now the elbow pipe’s curve and inner diameter are fully up to standard, ensuring a tight, seamless fit when connected to other pipes later on!