Part I: The History of Tube Shears
As Lock Joint Tube embarks on a transformative phase with substantial equipment upgrades, we pause to reflect on the rich history and evolution of tube manufacturing. This introspection is not just about honoring our past but also about understanding the foundations upon which we'll build a more innovative future.
The Art and Science of Tube Making
Tube making is an intricate process, a key component of which is the sheer that cuts the tube. Historically, achieving the perfect shear cut has been a challenge. Traditional methods, using flying shears and dies, excelled in delivering accurate lengths and maintaining precise tolerances. Yet, they often fell short in ensuring optimal end cut quality.
At Lock Joint Tube, settling for 'good enough' has never been in our ethos. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, we've continuously sought ways to enhance every aspect of our manufacturing process.
Innovations that Marked Milestones
Our journey of improvement saw the introduction of several key innovations designed to address the limitations of conventional shearing methods:
- Strategic Shape Positioning: By adjusting the angle of the tube shapes, with the weld location intentionally off-center, our operators found a novel way to initiate shearing at the tube's corner. This technique significantly minimized deformation, a common drawback of traditional shearing.
- Enhanced Precision Controls: The integration of more sophisticated controls allowed for more precision, allowing for cuts that met the more stringent specifications.
- Cross-Slide Dies: Dies were designed with a cross-slide that nicked a tube prior to shearing. This approach greatly reduced the stress on the tube during cutting, preserving its integrity.
- Customized Blade Thicknesses: Recognizing the diversity in tube thicknesses and shapes, we optimized our blades to cater to this variety, ensuring cleaner cuts and less material distortion.
These advancements were not merely technical upgrades; they were a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. However, the journey was not without its challenges. Innovations such as shape positioning necessitated adjustments on the part of our customers, as they had to modify their specifications to align with our enhanced processes.
Looking Ahead with Anticipation
Refusing to accept the status quo, Lock Joint Tube is poised for the next leap forward. Since our inception in 1919, our philosophy has been to not just keep pace with technological advancements but to be a step ahead. Our ongoing investments in technology, coupled with our initiatives to refine processes and our collaborative approach with customers, underscore our dedication to not just meeting but exceeding their expectations.
By: Oliver Chmell
Facility Engineering Manager
Lock Joint Tube
