3D Simulation and Validation of Tube Piercing Process

In many cases the development of analytical or simulative models of actual production processes can help in improving the product quality furnishing defect‐free parts. In particular, when tube piercing processes are referring to, the main problem that can arise is the low quality of the internal tube surface. This type of defect cannot be eliminated during the successive production phases so compromising the final part quality. It is possible to overcome this problem by placing in the correct position the internal plug which defines the internal tube diameter. This position greatly depends on where the tube material begins to break due the acting internal stresses. This phenomenon is called Mannesmann effect. The farther the plug from the Mannesmann cone formation, the higher the oxidation of the internal tube surface. On the contrary the closer the plug, the higher the wear of the plug. In actual practice an on‐line control of the position of the Mannesmann cone is impossible to be implemented. In the pa...