Assessment of possibility to increase the accuracy of the geometric dimensions of pipes by combining the processes of side extrusion and reduction

The paper presents and proves the research problem of synergy of side-extrusion and reducing to obtain a profile of the cross-sectional size of finished pipes. It is the objective of computer simulation of the combined process of side-extrusion and reduction using the original device. Results of studying the process with the use of software for simulation and optimization of metal forming processes Deform-3D are presented. Changes of numerical values of pipe wall thickness compared to nominal value are shown, and efficiency of combining side-extrusion and reduction processes is substantiated. In addition to evaluating the implementation of the cross-sectional profile of the tube the change of extrusion force on the first and second stages of the combined process is defined. The findings showed increasing accuracy of geometrical dimensions of the tube by combining the reduction process with side-extrusion and determined change in the relative variation in wall thickness depending on section location. The estimates of the possibility of increasing the accuracy of the geometric dimensions of pipes by combining side-extrusion and reduction processes proves in the first approximation the effectiveness of the development of combinations of metal forming processes.