At Fine Tubes we inspect all tubes before shipment to ensure that all elements of the customer’s specifications have been met. Standard inspections include:
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Positive material identification (PMI)
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Visual inspection
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Dimensional inspection
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Laser micrometer inspection
Our laboratory tests the mechanical properties of tube samples and carries out chemical analysis and surface checks. The results are then recorded in test certificates.
Depending on the complexity of the specification, further tests can be applied which can be grouped into destructive and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
Destructive testing
This includes tensile, hardness, bending, flattening, flare and metallurgical tests. These tests are executed on samples from each tube batch.
Non-destructive testing (NDT)
We use eddy current testing and ultrasonic testing. Fine Tubes also performs pressure testing in oil or water up to a maximum of 2000bar (28,800psi) for coils and a maximum of 1600bar (23,200psi) for straight lengths, or air under water tests where tube coils are submerged in a water tank and tested up to 207bar (3,000psi). Radiographic (X-ray) and magnetic permeability testing are also used.
Precise information on individual testing methods used at Fine Tubes can be found on our Testing page.