A tube mill line consists of a number of different equipment, but the machinery is interdependent. Changing any one’s capacity affects the others’ operating.

Major factors to consider in a high-frequency tube making machine are:

1. Tube diameter, material, and wall thickness.

2. Available welding power.

3. Available horsepower.

4. Cutoff type and tube length.

5. Accumulator capacity.

Tube physical size and welding and forming characteristic of material are critical for production speed. Large, heavy-wall tubes need more heat and drive power to run at a given speed than smaller, lighter wall tubes do.

Welding power and drive power should be matched. Sufficient horsepower should be available to support the welder ability of welding the tube.

Cutoff type and its accelerator may affect production speed. If the operator needs high-speed cutoff equipment to cut shorter tubes, the ability of the cutoff to cycle quickly and accurately will be the determining factor in tube mill line speed.

When a mill is upgraded, the entry section is often overlooked. While the mill capacity may be 600 or 700 feet per minute, this can be limited by accumulator capacity or the strip end welding speed.