1. Technical Overview: Round-to-Square Forming Process
In ERW tube production, the Rund-zu-Quadrat-Umformungsprozess is a key technique for manufacturing square and rectangular pipes. It involves reshaping a fully welded round tube into a square or rectangular section through a series of precision sizing and forming rolls under cold forming conditions.
Process Flow:
Raw material → Forming → HF Welding → Burr Removal → Cooling → Round-to-Square → Sizing → Flying Saw → Finished Pipe
Key Features and Technical Notes:
-
Stepwise Deformation: The tube undergoes three stages: pre-forming, transitional forming, and final shaping, progressively transforming the round section into a square.
-
Cold Bending Principle: The shaping relies on plastic deformation across multiple roll passes to gradually modify the profile.
-
Precision Control: Equipped with CNC adjustments and inline measuring systems to ensure dimensional accuracy and edge/angle precision.
-
Flexible Tooling: Only the final forming and sizing rolls need to be replaced for different specifications, allowing fast product changeovers.
Technical Advantages:
-
High dimensional accuracy and straight edges with clean corners
-
Centralized weld seam, ensuring better structural performance
-
Reduced energy consumption and tooling wear compared to direct square forming
-
Widely used in construction, mechanical frames, furniture tubing, and automotive profiles
2. BASIC DESIGN DATA
Der Entwurf der vorgeschlagenen Linie basiert auf folgenden Spezifikationen:
Rohstoffspezifikation
|
Raw Material Feeding
|
CR bright tube with oiled, Galvanized steel, HR coil
|
|
Zugfestigkeit des Materials
|
Maximal 517 MPa (75.000 psi max.)
|
|
Streckgrenze des Materials
|
Maximal 460 MPa (67.000 psi maximal)
|
|
Spulenaußendurchmesser
|
1200 mm bis 2000 mm
|
|
Spulen-ID
|
508mm&610mm (customer order)
|
|
Spulengewicht
|
Max. 7000 kg
|
|
Streifenbreite
|
Min 240mm, Max520mm
|
|
Streifendicke
|
Min2.0mm Max6.35mm
|
Produktionsspektrum
|
Art der Produktion
|
▪Rundrohre
▪Quadratische und rechteckige Hohlprofile
|
|
Rundrohr-Außendurchmesser
|
Min 76mm, Max 165mm
|
|
Wandstärke von Rundrohren
|
Min 2.0mm, Max 6.35mm
|
|
Quadratisches Hohlprofil
|
Mindestens 60 x 60 mm, maximal 130 x 130 mm
|
|
Rechteckiges Hohlprofil
|
Mindestens 80 x 40 mm, maximal 100 x 160 mm
|
|
Wandstärke von Vierkant- und Rechteckrohren
|
Min2.0mm, Max 5.0mm
|
|
Rohrschnittlänge
|
Min 6 meter, Max 12 meter
|
Linienspezifikation
Forming Section
|
Wellenmaterial:
|
40Cr, HF tempering quenching
|
|
Werkstoff des Kegelrads:
|
20CrMnTi
|
|
Getriebestand
|
7 Sets
|
|
Leerlaufstand
|
8 Sets
|
|
Getriebe
|
7 Sets
|
Sizing Section
|
Wellenmaterial:
|
40Cr,HF Anlassen Abschrecken
|
|
Werkstoff des Kegelrads:
|
20CrMnTi
|
|
Getriebestand
|
5 Sets
|
|
Leerlaufstand
|
5 Sets
|
|
Getriebe
|
5 Sets
|
Der Ablauf der Produktionslinie
Forming section(Flattening unit +Main driving unit +Forming unit +Guide unit +squeeze roller)+ De-burr frame →→Cooling unit →→ Sizing unit and straightener

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why choose the round-to-square process instead of direct square forming?
A: The round-to-square method ensures better weld seam alignment, stronger structural integrity, and greater tooling flexibility, especially for mid-to-thick wall and high-strength materials.
Q2: How is the corner quality controlled? What are the common issues?
A: Corners are formed through gradual pressing in multiple roll passes. Issues like cracking, over-rounded corners, or misalignment can be resolved by optimizing roll design and adjusting pressure settings.
Q3: How to prevent weld seam misalignment during forming?
A: Keep the weld seam centered after welding and ensure symmetrical roll forces during forming. Optional weld seam tracking systems can further stabilize seam position.
Q4: Do we need to replace the entire roll set when changing specifications?
A: No. Only the round-to-square and sizing sections need to be changed, significantly reducing downtime and tooling costs.
Q5: What causes edge waviness or "bamboo-like" defects?
A: These are typically due to excessive deformation per pass or improper roll design. Adjusting the deformation rate and optimizing pressure balance in the sizing unit can solve this.
Q6: Is round-to-square suitable for small-size thin-wall tubes?
A: Generally not. Thin-wall small tubes are prone to instability or cracking during transformation. Direct square forming is more appropriate for such sizes.