Milling of Structural Steel Tubes
Milling of Structural Steel Tubes
(OP)
I have a situation in which short (21") steel tube segments will be used to splice longer segments of steel tubing (round HSS). The short splice segments must fit inside the larger tubes. In order to do so, the outside diameter must be reduced. The fabricator proposes to do so by milling 1/2" thick material down to 3/8" thick.
I'm wondering if anyone has any similar experience or any comments on the validity of this process.
Possible Concerns Include:
-Voiding the applicable ASTM tests performed by the Mill.
-Possible introduction of micro-cracks due to elevated temperatures.
-The work is beyond the scope of repairs allowed by ASTM A6 (is this a problem?).
-Surface roughness (this will be uncoated material embedded in soil, so corrosion is a factor - although corrosion allowances have been applied.
-Otherwise altering the mechanical properties of the material.
I'm wondering if anyone has any similar experience or any comments on the validity of this process.
Possible Concerns Include:
-Voiding the applicable ASTM tests performed by the Mill.
-Possible introduction of micro-cracks due to elevated temperatures.
-The work is beyond the scope of repairs allowed by ASTM A6 (is this a problem?).
-Surface roughness (this will be uncoated material embedded in soil, so corrosion is a factor - although corrosion allowances have been applied.
-Otherwise altering the mechanical properties of the material.






RE: Milling of Structural Steel Tubes
"Voiding the ASTM tests", I don't think would be an issue so much, but the finished product/assembly is likely not covered by any standard.
I don't think A6 applies to structural tubing, would have to check, though.
Will this all be welded up, or does it all stay loose and then get buried?
One idea that comes to mind is to cut a lengthwise slot in the tubing, then force it to a smaller diameter and re-weld. Not that I've tried it.
RE: Milling of Structural Steel Tubes
RE: Milling of Structural Steel Tubes
Thaidavid
RE: Milling of Structural Steel Tubes
Thanks - all for your input and feed back.