In the field of sheet metal processing, blanking of titanium tubes is the starting and key link of the entire processing process. Although there are many commonalities in the blank preparation methods used for various sheet metal parts, blanking of titanium tubes has specific requirements and precautions due to its unique material properties. A thorough understanding and strict adherence to these key points are essential for ensuring the quality of subsequent processing and enhancing the yield of products.
Titanium tube blanking equipment and temperature conditions
Since the thickness of the titanium tubes used is generally less than 2 mm, and there are few parts with a thickness of more than 1.5 mm, this thickness characteristic determines that the blanking of titanium tubes can be carried out at room temperature using existing equipment. Common blanking equipment, such as shearing machines, laser cutting machines, etc., can complete the task of blanking titanium tubes well at room temperature. The shearing machine is easy to operate and relatively low in cost. It is suitable for blanking titanium tubes with large batches and not particularly high precision requirements; the laser cutting machine has the advantages of high cutting accuracy, fast speed, and good incision quality. It is especially suitable for blanking titanium tubes with high requirements for precision and incision quality, but the equipment cost and operating cost are relatively high. Enterprises can reasonably select blanking equipment according to their own production needs, budgets, and specific requirements for titanium tube blanking. Blanking at room temperature, without the need for additional heating or cooling equipment, not only reduces energy consumption and equipment investment, but also simplifies the operation process and improves production efficiency.
Edge quality control during blanking
During the blanking of titanium tubes process, making the edge of the rough material smooth is a crucial step. If there are defects such as cracks, bites, and shear marks on the edge of the titanium tube, it will have a serious impact on the subsequent processing procedures and product quality. Cracks may cause the titanium tube to break during subsequent forming or use, and bites and shear marks may affect the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the titanium tube, increase the difficulty of subsequent processing, and even cause the product to be scrapped.
This problem needs to be paid special attention to when shearing thick plates. Thick plates are more likely to have edge defects due to the large force during the shearing process. Operators should pay close attention to the shearing process and reasonably adjust the parameters of the shearing machine, such as shearing gap, shearing angle, etc., according to the thickness and material of the titanium tube to ensure the shearing quality. At the same time, during the shearing process, the blades of the shearing machine should be checked regularly, and the worn or damaged blades should be replaced in time to ensure the sharpness and accuracy of the shearing.
Deburring and sharp edge treatment before rough material forming
Before the rough material is formed, deburring and sharp edge removal are essential. Since titanium tubes are highly sensitive to crack propagation, the burrs and sharp edges on the edges will become stress concentration sites. During the forming process, these sites are prone to cracks, resulting in cracking of the rough material. In addition, burrs and sharp edges may also scratch the mold during the forming process, shortening the service life of the mold and increasing production costs.
Deburring or polishing can be done by filing, belt grinding, or sandpaper. Filing is a traditional and effective deburring method. Operators can choose a suitable file for filing according to the size and shape of the burrs. During the filing process, pay attention to the strength and direction of the filing to avoid excessive filing, resulting in dimensional deviation of the titanium tube. Belt grinding has the advantages of high efficiency and good surface quality, and is suitable for deburring titanium tubes with high surface quality requirements. Operators can choose the appropriate sanding belt size and grinding speed according to the material and deburring requirements of the titanium tube. Sandpaper grinding is suitable for deburring some titanium tubes with small areas or complex shapes. Operators can hold sandpaper and finely grind the burr parts. No matter which method is used, it is necessary to ensure that the edges of the titanium tubes after deburring and polishing are smooth, free of burrs and sharp edges, eliminate stress concentration, and prepare for subsequent forming processes.
Standard operation of the marking link
There are also strict regulations in the marketing link. No matter which method is used for cutting, only ink and pen can be used for marking, and steel stamping is not allowed on the rough material. Only offset printing or labeling can be used. This is because titanium tubes are more sensitive to surface damage, and steel stamping may cause tiny cracks or deformation on the surface of titanium tubes, affecting the mechanical properties and subsequent processing quality of titanium tubes. Ink and pen markings cause less damage to the surface of titanium tubes, and the markings are clear, which it easy for operators to identify.
Offset printing or labeling is used to identify and distinguish titanium tubes. The offset printing mark should be clear, firm, and not easily fall off. The label should contain the specifications, models, batches, and other information of the titanium tube to facilitate production management and quality traceability. During the marking process, the operator must strictly follow the design drawings and process requirements to ensure the dimensional accuracy and position accuracy of the marking. After the marking is completed, a careful inspection and verification should be carried out to avoid marking errors.
In short, the blanking of titanium tubes must be strictly operated according to the specifications. From equipment selection, blanking process control, pre-forming treatment, to marking, every detail is related to the quality of subsequent processing and the final performance of the product. Only by paying attention to details and striving for excellence can we lay a good foundation for subsequent processing procedures, ensure the quality of the final product, and enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in the market.
