TBC Metalworks forms tube ends in-house at our Green Bay, Wisconsin shop. End forming lets one tube slip into another, hold a hose or mount to a bracket without a separate fitting or weld. We do it on the same parts we bend, so you don’t have to ship parts between suppliers.
End forming operations
| Operation | What it does | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Expanding | Increases the end diameter so another tube can slide in | 1″ to 3″ OD |
| Reducing | Decreases the end diameter to fit inside another tube or fitting | 1″ to 3″ OD |
| Flaring | Opens the end into a cone for fittings or a finished edge | 1″ to 3″ OD |
| Beading | Forms a raised ring to retain a hose or locate a part | Up to 0.065″ wall |
| End flattening | Flattens the tube end to make a mounting tab | 0.125″ wall |
Other tube fabrication operations
- Tube and pipe coping (notching) for saddle joints
- Tube and pipe threading and tapping
- CNC machining of holes, slots and similar features
- CNC bandsaw cutting to length
- MIG and TIG welding
- Stainless steel and aluminum polishing
Common end-formed parts
- Expanded and reduced ends so tubes slide together without a fitting
- Beaded ends that locate a part or hold a hose
- Flattened ends that act as mounting tabs on frames and carts
- Ball-formed tube ends
- Gas pipes bent and threaded
- Coped tubes for welded frames
Combine end forming with bending
Most of our end-formed parts are also mandrel bent or roll bent. Doing every operation in one shop means one quote, one purchase order, and parts measured against your print before they ship.
Get a quote
Send a PDF drawing, a STEP file if you have one, and your annual volume through our quote form or to sales@tbcmetalworks.com. We reply within one business day.