If you're looking for work in metal fabrication, you should know about the different processes that are used during metal pipeline fabrication. When it comes to pipeline fabrication, it's important to know that there are three basic techniques – rolling and welding, annealing and cold-drawing. Each individual process uses a different system to create the pipes that are used for many different industrial purposes, including natural gas lines. These three techniques are used for all tube and pipeline fabrication projects. Here's what you need to know about the three processes used for pipeline fabrication.  

Rolling and Welding

This process utilizes two techniques known as tube milling and TIG welding. To begin the process, stainless steel sheets are cut into strips and then the edges are trimmed to a precise size. Once the strips have been created, they're sent through a tube mill where they are processed into circles. The welding machine then trims the circles down and turns them into stainless steel tubes. This process works well for pipe fabrication when a custom design and fit is required.  

Annealing

Annealing is the most basis of the metal pipe fabrication processes. During the annealing process, the steel is heat treated until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency. Once the metal becomes soft, it's processed into specific sizes and shapes with special consideration given to length, width and diameter. One of the benefits of the annealing process is that the metal becomes easier to work with once it's been heat-treated. If pipes are going to be welded during installation, they should be fabricated using the annealing process. The annealing process makes it easier for pipes to withstand the high temperatures required for the welding of interior and exterior seams.  

Cold-Drawing

When metal pipes must be machined before use, cold-drawing is the optimal process. During cold-drawing, the metal is coated with a liquid compound made from soap and oxalic acid. The compound lubricates the metal and makes it easier to work with. The compound also reduces friction, which prevents the metal from overheating during the machining process. One added benefit of the cold-draw process is that the metal will last longer than metal that's been fabricated using the other processes.

If you're interested in a working in the metal fabrication field, you want to make sure you understand the processes that are used. The information provided here will help you understand the three different processes that go into pipeline fabrication.