Processing of 304 316L stainless steel capillary tube laser cutting slotting

Product Description

Custom Processing of 304/316L Stainless Steel Capillary Tubing: Slotting, Diameter Changing, End Capping/Sealing, and Flaring is a comprehensive, multi-operation precision fabrication service designed to transform standard capillary tubing into sophisticated, functional components. This integrated service handles fine-bore 304 or 316L stainless steel tubing and performs a suite of value-added operations: precision slotting or perforation, controlled diameter reduction (swaging) or expansion, sealing one end with a custom cap or dome, and flaring the opposite end for easy connection. This creates ready-to-use assemblies ideal for micro-fluidic, instrumentation, and specialized industrial applications where precise flow control, sealing, and connection are critical.

Product Processing

1. Material Selection & Preparation: High-quality 304 or 316L stainless steel capillary tubing is selected based on corrosion resistance needs. Tubing is cut to specified initial length, cleaned, and straightened.

2. Precision Slotting/Perforation: Using micro-laser cutting or precision EDM, slots, holes, or complex patterns are machined into the tube wall at specified locations. This is often done before forming operations to maintain accuracy.

3. Diameter Changing (Swaging/Reduction or Expansion):

   • Swaging: A section of the tube is radially compressed using precision dies to create a tapered or stepped reduction in outer diameter (OD), often also affecting inner diameter (ID).

   • Expanding: The tube end is expanded using a tapered mandrel to increase its diameter, typically to form a flange or connection feature.

4. End Capping/Sealing: One end of the tube is permanently sealed. This can be achieved through:

   • Cold Forming: The tube end is pressed into a die to form a hemispherical or flat dome.

   • Welding: A separate cap or plug is welded onto the tube end using TIG or laser welding for a high-integrity seal.

5. End Flaring: The opposite (or another) end is flared using a forming tool to create a trumpet-shaped or conical opening. This facilitates connection to hoses, fittings, or acts as a funnel.

6. Heat Treatment & Finishing: After cold working (swaging, flaring), parts may undergo stress-relief annealing. The entire assembly is then electropolished and passivated to restore corrosion resistance, achieve a smooth internal surface, and provide a clean finish.

7. Cleaning, Inspection & Testing: Intensive cleaning removes all contaminants. 100% visual and dimensional inspection is performed. Optional pressure or leak testing verifies the integrity of the sealed end and the overall assembly.

Product Applications

• Chromatography & Analytical Instruments: Custom sample introduction needles, nebulizer tubes, and transfer lines with sealed tips and flared connections for fittings.

• Medical Device Sub-Assemblies: Components for drug delivery pens, micro-pumps, or diagnostic sensors requiring a sealed reservoir, side ports, and a connection port.

• Precision Fluid Dispensing: Tips for syringes or dispensers where a flared end aids in fluid uptake and a sealed or slotted end controls dispersion.

• Sensor Probes & Thermowells: Sheaths for temperature or pH sensors where a sealed, domed tip protects the sensor and slots allow medium interaction.

• Industrial Lubrication or Cooling: Micro-nozzles or feeder tubes with a sealed base and a flared inlet for hose attachment.

Product Technical Parameters (Detailed Table)