Review on Advances in Metal Micro-Tube Forming

Abstract

Metallic tubular micro-components play an important role in a broad range of products, from industrial microsystem technology, such as medical engineering, electronics and optoelectronics, to sensor technology or microfluidics. The demand for such components is increasing, and forming processes can present a number of advantages for industrial manufacturing. These include, for example, a high productivity, enhanced shaping possibilities, applicability of a wide spectrum of materials and the possibility to produce parts with a high stiffness and strength. However, certain difficulties arise as a result of scaling down conventional tube forming processes to the microscale. These include not only the influence of the known size effects on material and friction behavior, but also constraints in the feasible miniaturization of forming tools. Extensive research work has been conducted over the past few years on micro-tube forming techniques, which deal with the development of novel and optimized processes, to counteract these restrictions. This paper reviews the relevant advances in micro-tube fabrication and shaping. A particular focus is enhancement in forming possibilities, accuracy and obtained component characteristics, presented in the reviewed research work. Furthermore, achievements in severe plastic deformation for micro-tube generation and in micro-tube testing methods are discussed.

Study on the Pressure Bearing Capability of Folded Multi-Port Flat Tube

“…Pressure bearing properties of extruded MPFTs have been extensively investigated. The processes of seam welding, extrusion, rolling and brazing affect both the microstructure and the mechanical performance [7,15]. In comparison, the influencing factors on the properties of folded MPFTs were rarely investigated [16,17].…”

Metal Micro-Forming

“…So far, relatively few review articles on the forming technology of micro-tubes have been published. It is welcome, therefore, that Hartl [2] reviews and classifies the recent progress in research and development on the fabrication and secondary metalworking methods of micro-tubes. The various micro tube manufacturing methods include various heat assisted dieless drawing methods, micro tube manufacturing by conventional technology, micro tube fabrication for special tubes and the latest manufacturing technology for micro hydroforming technology for T-shapes and cross shapes, laser heating assisted bending processing, micro tube processing technology using severe plastic deformation and micro tube characteristic evaluation methods.…”

Manufacturing technologies and joining methods of metallic thin-walled pipes for use in high pressure cooling systems

“…In particular, thin-walled metallic pipes have allowed for greater innovation in the design of components for a number of industries including particle physics, nuclear, medical and communications. As such, they have become a crucial value adding factor, and an area of increasing interest for further research into novel manufacturing techniques and the miniaturisation of well-established pipe forming processes as highlighted by [1].…”

“…Hartl [1] neatly summarises the typical industries and applications where thin-walled pipes are commonly used as detailed in Table 1.…”