How are pipe flanges manufactured?

4 Common manufacturing processes for pipe flanges:

Regarding the manufacturing process of pipe flanges, there are mainly the following common methods:

1. Casting process
Cast flanges are produced by casting. During the casting process, the molten metal is poured into the mold according to the required flange size and shape, and the metal is taken out after cooling and solidification to obtain the flange product. Cast flanges are suitable for the manufacture of large-sized, complex-shaped and high-pressure flanges.

2. Forging process
Forged flanges are produced by forging. During the forging process, the metal is heated to a plastic state, and then the metal is plastically deformed by a press or a forging hammer to obtain the required flange shape and size. Forged flanges have high mechanical properties and sealing properties and are suitable for medium and high-pressure pipeline systems.

3. Welding process
Welded flanges are formed by cutting steel plates or other metal materials into circles or rings, and then connecting the edges through a welding process. Welded flanges are suitable for low-pressure and medium-pressure pipeline systems, and have low costs and short manufacturing cycles.

4. Rolling process
Rolled flanges are formed by rolling steel plates or other metal materials into circles or rings, and then connecting the edges through welding or seamless connection. Rolled flanges are suitable for large-diameter and low-pressure pipeline systems, and have good flexibility and sealing performance.

Pipe flange is a common pipe connector, which is widely used in industrial production. The production process of flange pipe fittings mainly includes raw material preparation, processing and manufacturing, inspection and testing, packaging and transportation. The specific process of each link is described in detail below.

1. Raw material preparation

The raw materials for pipe flange production are mainly steel plates, stainless steel plates and cast iron. Before production, the raw materials need to be quality inspected and classified to ensure the quality of raw materials during production. Steel plates, stainless steel plates, etc. need to be processed by leveling, cutting, cutting and other processes. During the manufacturing process, pliers, drills, grinders, cutting machines and other mechanical equipment are needed to ensure that the accuracy and size of the raw materials meet the production requirements.

2. Processing and manufacturing

1) Sheet forming
During the production process, the raw materials need to be formed according to the production requirements, and the raw materials such as steel plates and stainless steel plates are formed by punching machines, shearing machines, bending machines and other equipment. During the forming process, the process size and margin need to be reserved for the welding process.

2) Joint welding
Weld the formed parts to the joints, and control the welding deformation while ensuring the quality of the weld to ensure that the accuracy and size of the flange meet the standard requirements. Pay attention to the coordination of welding temperature, speed and current during welding.

3) Processing and shaping

After welding, the formed parts need to be processed and shaped. The external surface is processed by grinding and other methods to ensure that the surface finish meets the standard requirements.

3. Inspection and testing

1) Appearance inspection
During the production process, the appearance of the flange needs to be inspected. Check whether the appearance is flat and whether there are obvious defects on the surface.

2) Pressure test
Pressure test the flange using special test equipment. The test equipment can perform long-term high-pressure tests on the flange to ensure that the strength of the flange meets the standard requirements.

3) Heat treatment

The flange is strengthened by heat treatment to enhance its strength and durability. Time and temperature need to be controlled during heat treatment to ensure that the treatment quality meets the standard.

4. Packaging and transportation

1) Packaging
After the production process, the flange needs to be packaged. Use special packaging materials to protect the flange from moisture, shock, and drop to ensure that the flange will not be damaged during transportation.

2) Transportation
After the flange is produced, transportation arrangements need to be made. The flange is delivered to the freight port or the customer's engineering site by transportation. During transportation, attention should be paid to the safety of the packaging and the number and weight of the flange.

The above is a detailed description of the pipe flange manufacturing process. The specific manufacturing process selection should be comprehensively considered based on the purpose of the flange, working environment, medium characteristics and other factors. At the same time, during the production process, attention should also be paid to aspects such as material selection, processing technology control, and quality inspection to ensure that the quality and performance of the flange meet quality standards and customer requirements. 

Read more: Pipe and flange connection or Standard sizes of pipe flanges