Perforated Tubes

Perforated Tubes

Perforated tubes have hole patterns of different shapes and sizes that are made of metal. They are used by the plumbing, construction, automotive and filtration industries for applications like EMI shielding, acoustical dampening, vehicle exhaust, filtration and separation, safety guards and liquid, gas and vapor diffusion. Their standard perforated patterns are straight, staggered or oblong staggered, but many manufacturers are able to produce tubes with custom perforated patterns. Their open hole area size, which can be 33, 16 or 22%, is determined by the minimum size of the particulates being trapped within the tube. Though most holes are round, some tubes are made with square or slot-shaped holes. During the manufacturing process, every tube is inspected for hole diameter accuracy.

The perforated pattern in tubes is made by machines called punch presses, which cut holes in rolled sheet metal. Today, they are usually CNC controlled rather than manual. This method is very fast, and involves a ram or stamp exerting massive pressure to metal, which makes hole-shaped cutouts in the sheet. Perforated tubes are most often made of stainless steel or carbon steel, although aluminum is sometimes used. After perforation, the sheet metal is cut to size and laser seam welded into the tube form. Perforated tubing manufacturers often provide end forming operations, which include sizing, reducing, flaring and bulging. In high strength applications, the metal may be strengthened by tempering, quenching or galvanizing processes.

Perforated Tubes Image Provided by McKey Perforating Company, Inc.