Expanding
Expanding increases the diameter of the tube end for insertion, connection or assembly fit.
Zhuoran tube end forming machines reshape tube ends to meet requirements for connection, assembly, sealing, and downstream manufacturing processes.
Models such as the TM40NC, TM60NC, TM80NC, and TM120NC accommodate a range of tube diameters and forming specifications. Leveraging hydraulic forming technology, microprocessor control systems, and custom tooling, Zhuoran delivers tailored tube end forming solutions based on your specific part drawings and production needs.
Process Overview
Tube end forming is a metal-forming process that changes the geometry of a tube end without removing the entire end section.
The process can be used to create an expanded end, reduced end, bead, flare, stepped profile, angled profile or another customized shape required by the final assembly.
Tube end forming is different from pipe chamfering. Chamfering mainly modifies the edge of a tube, while end forming changes the functional geometry of the tube end.
Compare Tube End Forming with Pipe Chamfering →End-Forming Operations
Expanding increases the diameter of the tube end for insertion, connection or assembly fit.
Reducing decreases the tube-end diameter for nested connections, diameter transitions or pipe insertion.
Beading creates a raised ring or bead for positioning, retention or sealing-related applications.
Flaring forms an expanded or conical end for connection, sealing or downstream assembly.
Flanging creates an outward flange for welding bases, gasket mounting surfaces or connection interfaces.
Custom tooling can be evaluated for square, angled, V-shaped, offset, elbow-style and other non-standard tube-end profiles.
TM40NC Model
TM40NC is designed for tube sizes up to approximately Ø40 × 2 mm.
The machine uses hydraulic drive and microcomputer control. It supports manual and semi-automatic operation, with a three-station configuration and linear-guide-based movement.
TM60NC Model
TM60NC is designed for tube sizes up to approximately Ø60 × 2 mm.
It uses hydraulic forming, microcomputer control, manual and semi-automatic operating modes, and a three-station configuration.
TM80NC Model
TM80NC is designed for tube sizes up to approximately Ø80 × 2 mm.
The hydraulic machine uses microcomputer control, manual and semi-automatic operating modes, and a three-station forming configuration.
TM120NC Model
TM120NC is designed for larger tube sizes up to approximately Ø120 × 4 mm.
The model uses a two-station configuration and higher hydraulic capacity. It can be evaluated for larger tube assemblies that require two forming operations or a larger tube-end forming envelope.
Technical Reference
| Parameter | TM40NC | TM60NC | TM80NC | TM120NC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum tube size | Ø40 × 2 mm | Ø60 × 2 mm | Ø80 × 2 mm | Ø120 × 4 mm |
| Maximum working stroke | 100 mm | 125 mm | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Hydraulic pressure | 12 MPa | 12 MPa | 12 MPa | 14 MPa |
| Total power | 4 kW | 5.5 kW | 7.5 kW | 11 kW |
| Station configuration | 3 stations | 3 stations | 3 stations | 2 stations |
| Control | Microcomputer | Microcomputer | Microcomputer | Microcomputer |
| Operation | Manual / semi-automatic | Manual / semi-automatic | Manual / semi-automatic | Manual / semi-automatic |
| Machine weight | 750 kg | 800 kg | 1400 kg | 3000 kg |
Machine Functions
Copper and Aluminum Tube Forming
Copper and aluminum tubes require careful control of forming force, speed, lubrication and tooling surface condition.
These softer materials may be sensitive to surface scoring, sticking, cracking and dimensional distortion during end forming.
Complete Tube Processing
Zhuoran can evaluate complete tube-processing solutions rather than supplying only one standalone machine.
Depending on the production flow, a tube end forming machine can be integrated with cutting, bending, chamfering, feeding, unloading and conveying equipment.
Precision and Validation
Zhuoran can provide different forming configurations according to the required precision, material and production method.
Reference positioning accuracy: ±0.1 mm.
Reference positioning accuracy: ±0.02 mm.
Final forming accuracy should be confirmed through the actual tube, tooling and inspection method.
Automotive Application Case
An automotive piping plant was processing carbon-steel and stainless-steel brake and fuel-line fittings in the approximate range of Ø8–25 mm.
Separate machines were used for reducing, expanding and flaring. Repeated transfers increased the risk of surface damage, inconsistent positioning and rework.
The project reported a yield rate of 99.3%, processing time reduced from 28 seconds to 12 seconds and an approximate payback period of 8 months.
Automation Options
A standalone tube end forming machine can be used for manual or semi-automatic production and is suitable for flexible production environments.
Automatic loading, unloading, conveying and integration with other tube-processing equipment can be evaluated for higher-volume production.
Automatic feeding and unloading typically increase equipment investment by approximately 20%–35%, depending on the automation scope and line configuration.
Automation should be evaluated against production volume, labor requirements, changeover frequency, product variation, floor layout and expected payback period.
DISCUSS YOUR AUTOMATION REQUIREMENTSSample Validation
Zhuoran provides free trial processing for qualified tube end forming projects.
You can send tube samples or visit the factory for trial processing. The sample test can be used to evaluate the forming result, tooling arrangement, surface condition and assembly fit before final machine selection.
After-Sales Support
Zhuoran provides technical support throughout installation, commissioning, operator training and production use.
Two-year warranty for the complete machine and three-year warranty for core hydraulic components.
Technical response within 24 hours for machine operation, troubleshooting and production communication.
Installation guidance, commissioning support, operator training, tooling communication and remote troubleshooting.
Start Your Tube End Forming Project
Send your tube drawing, material information, end profile and production requirements.
Zhuoran can help evaluate the suitable TM model, forming stations, tooling arrangement, automation scope and sample validation method for your project.
Explore Zhuoran Machinery
Discover Zhuoran's pipe bending, tube end forming, cutting and chamfering machines, along with custom automation solutions. Visit our homepage to explore the product range.
VISIT ZHUORAN HOMEPAGEStainless-steel tubes may require suitable hydraulic force, dedicated tooling, surface protection and springback control. The final configuration should be confirmed according to the material grade, wall thickness and tube-end profile.
Automatic feeding and unloading typically increase equipment investment by approximately 20%–35%, depending on the automation scope, line configuration and production requirements.
Yes. Aluminum tubes can be evaluated for tube end forming, but the tooling surface, forming speed, lubrication and forming force should be controlled to reduce sticking, surface marks and deformation.
Zhuoran provides after-sales support, installation guidance, commissioning support, operator training and technical response within 24 hours. Warranty coverage is subject to the final contract terms.
Zhuoran provides free trial processing for qualified projects. You can send tube samples or visit the factory to evaluate the forming result, tooling arrangement and finished-part quality before final machine selection.
The selection depends on tube diameter, wall thickness, material, forming depth, end profile, number of operations and production volume. TM40NC, TM60NC, TM80NC and TM120NC cover different tube capacities.
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