Development of Axially Splitting Method for the Pipe Materials with the Cutting Tool

Abstract

A simple processing method for splitting pipes in the axial direction using a cutting tool was investigated. The special tool developed in this study was pressed into the pipes in the axial direction, and the pipes were split very smoothly without any lubricant. This cutting method did not form fine chips, did not produce a significant heat effect on the inner wall surface. The splitting experiment was carried out with pipes constructed of aluminum and stainless steel. The outer diameters of the pipes were approximately 50 mm, and the thicknesses of the wall varied from 1 to 3 mm. The aluminum pipes were split very smooth by the tool, and curled strip-shaped chips were created by the splitting. On the other hand, the stainless pipes were greatly deformed, making them difficult to cut. Therefore, it was necessary to prevent deformation of the pipe by attaching an outer tool. The outer tool made it possible to cut stainless steel pipes.