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The production of welded stainless steel tubing demands a mill designed with an emphasis on precision, surface integrity, and controlled heat input. Shijiazhuang Faith Machinery Co., Ltd offers tube mills that address the unique challenges posed by stainless steel grades, such as 304, 304L, 316, and 316L. These materials work-harden rapidly and are sensitive to contamination and excessive heat, which can degrade their corrosion resistance.
The forming rolls for a stainless steel mill are often machined from high-grade materials and feature a highly polished surface finish to prevent marring or scratching the sensitive stainless strip. The mill stand frames are designed for exceptional rigidity to maintain precise roll alignment under load, which is critical for achieving a consistent tube geometry. While high-frequency welding can be used, Tungsten Inert Gas welding is a very common choice for stainless steel. The TIG process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas shield, such as Argon, to protect the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination, resulting in a clean, corrosion-resistant weld.
Following the welding operation, the internal and external weld bead must be removed to create a smooth surface. This is typically accomplished using automated, inline scarfing tools that cut or shave the excess material without damaging the parent metal. For applications requiring a bright, polished appearance or the restoration of the full corrosion-resistant structure, an inline bright annealing system may be incorporated.
This system passes the tube through a sealed chamber filled with a protective atmosphere where it is heated to a specific temperature and then cooled, preventing oxide scale formation. The entire process, from forming to final sizing, is run at controlled speeds to manage heat buildup and ensure the highest quality finish for demanding industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and architectural design.
