Thin slots in tube
Thin slots in tube
(OP)
I require to produce 8:ff slits, 0.2mm wide X 165mm long in the wall of a tube which is 56mm o/d X 50.8 i/d. I have enquired about laser and water jet cutting and been informed that these are not suitable for this application. Wire erosion is a possibility. Any ideas?





RE: Thin slots in tube
How many pieces of what material?
What is the quality or precision requirements of the slot?
RE: Thin slots in tube
There are some laser-based tube notchers that could work on the tube in its round state, but I get the impression they're sold into tube fab shops that don't do small jobs
EDM is possible if the tube is electrically conductive, a fact not in evidence so far.
Wire EDM would require that the wire pass through both walls, or out the end, both of which require special tooling.
Or you could find a cranky old machinist, who would probably use a circular slitting saw blade in a horizontal mill.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Thin slots in tube
sorry for the lack of information.
The tube is machined from carbon steel bar (EN19).
The finish of the slits is not critical.
RE: Thin slots in tube
The possibility of Electrochemical Milling.
They are people who do Micro Laser Machining that can do the job.
ht
http://www.extrudehone.com/ecm.html
RE: Thin slots in tube
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Thin slots in tube
RE: Thin slots in tube
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Thin slots in tube
Patented technology, several of which can be found on line. But essentially what you are trying to do is about twenty years old.
Kenneth J Hueston, PEng
Principal
Sturni-Hueston Engineering Inc
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
RE: Thin slots in tube
RE: Thin slots in tube
If you try to do this from tubing, the slot will widen as it is cut, unless you stress relieve the tube first.
A sinker EDM using shim stock for an electrode may be your best bet.
B.E.