At Baoji Lihua Non-ferrous Metals Co., Ltd., we specialize in manufacturing high-quality titanium flanges and pipe fittings for global markets. With years of experience serving clients in over 30 countries, we understand that precision in processing is the foundation of reliable titanium components. Below, we provide an overview of the most common processing methods for titanium pipe fittings—methods that we employ and refine every day in our facilities.
Titanium pipe fittings can be manufactured through various methods, most of which fall under the categories of machining and metal pressure processing. The most commonly used techniques include: stamping, forging, roller processing, rolling, bulging, stretching, bending, and combined processing. Pipe fitting processing is essentially an organic combination of machining and metal pressure forming.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each method:
The forging method uses a swaging machine to stretch the end or a portion of the pipe, reducing its outer diameter. Common types of swaging machines include rotary, connecting rod, and roller types.
Application: This method is ideal for reducing pipe ends to specific dimensions, often used in the production of reducers and pipe end preparations.
In stamping, a press with a tapered core is used to expand the pipe end to the required size and shape.
Application: This is widely used for enlarging pipe ends to create specific fitting geometries, such as socket ends or expanded openings for connections.
A core is placed inside the tube, and rollers are applied to the outer circumference to push and form the material. This technique is commonly used for round-edge finishing.
Application: Suitable for edge processing and forming rounded contours on pipe fittings.
This method generally does not require a mandrel and is particularly suitable for forming inner round edges on thick-walled pipes.
Application: Ideal for internal edge finishing on heavy-wall titanium pipes.
There are three commonly used bending techniques:
Stretching method – uses tensile force to bend the pipe.
Stamping method – uses a press to form the bend.
Roller method – employs 3–4 rollers (two fixed, one adjustable) to achieve the desired curvature. By adjusting the distance between the fixed rollers, the bend angle is controlled.
This method is widely applied. For spiral tube production, the curvature can be further increased.
Application: Used for manufacturing elbows, bends, and spiral tubes.
Bulging involves two primary approaches:
Rubber bulging – rubber is placed inside the tube, and a punch compresses it from above, causing the tube to bulge outward.
Hydraulic bulging – liquid is filled into the middle of the tube; the liquid pressure expands the tube into the desired shape. This is the method commonly used in the production of corrugated pipes.
Application: Used for producing corrugated pipes, expansion joints, and other components requiring localized expansion.
In addition to the above, stretching is used to elongate pipe sections to specific lengths. Combined processing integrates two or more methods to achieve complex geometries that cannot be produced by a single technique.
Application: Complex fitting shapes and custom designs often require combined approaches.
At Baoji Lihua, we combine these processing techniques with advanced CNC technology to ensure precision in every component we produce. Our facility spans over 8,000 square meters, where raw titanium plates or ingots are transformed into high-performance flanges and fittings.
We serve industries including chemical processing, laboratories, electronics, and environmental engineering, offering products that meet DIN, ASTM, JIS, and EN standards. Our titanium flanges and fittings are available in grades GR1, GR2, GR7, GR11, GR12, and more.
Understanding the various processing methods for titanium pipe fittings is essential for selecting the right components for your application. Whether you need forged reducers, stamped expansions, bent elbows, or bulged corrugated pipes, Lihua Titanium has the expertise and capability to deliver.
Choose Lihua – where precision meets performance.
