Finished Tube ID Calculator
Tube to Tubesheet Clearance:
Total Wall Thickness:
Tube ID:
Total Wall Reduction:
Tube Expander Design & Usage
Choosing the right expander to suit your needs.
Industry Recommended Wall Reductions
| Material | TEMA Standard Target % Wall Reduction | API-660 Target % Wall Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 3003 or 4004 | 4 – 6% | 5 – 7% |
| Aluminum 6061-T | 6 – 9% | 8 – 10% |
| Carbon Steel & low-alloy steel (max 9% Chromium) | 5 – 8% | 8% max* |
| Stainless Steel and high-alloy steel | 5 – 8% | 6% max* |
| Duplex Stainless Steels | 4 – 6% | Not Specified** |
| Titanium (and other nonferrous, work hardening materials) | 4 – 6% | 5% max* |
| Admiralty Brass (and other nonferrous, non-work hardening materials) | 4 – 9% | 8%* |
| Copper & Copper Alloys | 7 – 10% | Not Specified |
Additional Resources
What Is Parallel Pin Expansion?
With parallel pin expansion, the rolls are set parallel with the mandrel with zero feed angle. This means that the mandrel will not self-feed as a traditional expander would. Instead, the mandrel is pushed through the expander by force, in most cases hydraulic, allowing the tube to expand.