What are HFIW steel tubes
HFIW (High Frequency Induction Welding) tubes are manufactured by cold forming of steel coil into desired shape followed by welding using high frequency induced current. A high frequency coil develops current into the tube ahead of the squeeze rolls. The edges are pushed together between squeeze rolls to produce a joint of welding. The welding of the edges forms a small bead inside and outside the tube. These beads are then scarfed from the tube to give a smooth surface finish. Surface heating by induced current and the squeezing action by rollers are the two main principles behind production of high frequency induction welded steel tubes.
HFIW steel tubes do not need any filler material. This makes the process very fast and highly efficient in production. High frequency induction welding allows us to produce variety of shapes of tube with an almost invisible weld joint that is stronger than the parent material and are suitable for critical applications. The ability to manufacture a high quality and critical welded product, offers architects a flexible solution to design the perfect profile shape for their end application. HFIW is commonly used in manufacturing structural steel tube, transportation & mechanical tubes.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of HFIW process to manufacture steel tube:
1) High Efficiency: High frequency induction welding is an efficient welding process to manufacture tubes as it consumes less electricity than other welding processes.
2) Able to weld very thin walled tube: HFIW is suitable for steel tube with a wall thickness as low as 0.15 mm.
3) High welding speed: High-Frequency allows high welding speeds up to few hundred m/min.
4) Produces welds with very narrow heat affected zones: HFIW process is capable of producing focused heat thereby protecting the work piece from damage. The focused heat produces very narrow heat affected zones near weld bead.
5) Superior weld quality: It provides stronger & uniform weld seams which make the steel tube suitable material for structural applications.
6) Easier cleaning processes afterwards: Induction welding offers cleaner work pieces once they’ve been welded than other welding processes.
7) Highly automated: Most of the steps in the HFIW process can be performed automatically which makes the operation streamlined & time-saving.
