SS316 EP Tubing Creation

Cut tubing

1. Use the model to create a list of the needed tube types and their numbers.
   • The two most used tube sizes are 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch diameter, the process is the same for both sizes but the tools and programs used will be different.
2. Grab the correct tubing from the shelf.
   • If using a new piece of stock, use rubbing alcohol to wipe away the factory lettering on the metal.
   • If the stock has already been used, check that it is the right type by looking at the inside. Electropolished tubing will be very shiny inside, with a slight bluish color, and it will be completely seamless.
3. Cut out the rough lengths on the bandsaw
   • All tubes are cut with 0.40 in extra length necessary for the machining process.
   • Use a stop when making a large number of tubes
4. Clean up the end of the tubes with the belt sander
   • Very lightly grind the ends flat, but be careful to not take off too much material.
   • Deburr the outside edge of one end
     • this will protect the inside of the CNC collet and make it much easier to properly position the part in the machine.

Run CNC lathe T-51

1. On the CNC computer, open the tube ends spreadsheet and input the target length of the tube.
   • If you are making many of one size, set up a collet stop in the correct collet. The spreadsheet will tell you the collet stop depth needed.
   • If making only a few tubes, or a non-standard length, use the first stickout length of 0.27 inch.
2. Follow machine start up procedures and select the correct program
   • There are two programs, for tube ends 250 and tube ends 500
3. Run the program
   • Check that the machine offset is appropriate
   • Use lots of oil, especially on the first cut
   1. If using a collet stop, follow the prompt, do one side of all tubes first and then restart the program without the prompt for the other side.
   2. If not using a collet stop, follow the prompt, machine one side, then take the part out and measure it. Use the spreadsheet to find the new stickout for the second side, and then run the program again. You do not need to restart the program.
4. Check the length, the tubes have an allowance of only 0.05 in.
   • If the length is not correct, the most likely issue is that the collet stop depth or the stickout were not correct.

Clean the tubes

1. Sonicate the tubes in IPA
2. Pass a q-tip soaked in IPA through one end and out the other.
3. Completely dry the tube using compressed air.