How to Select the Right Decoiler for Your ERW Tube Mill

Dec . 10, 2025 00:00

ERW Tube Mill Decoiler / Uncoiler Selection Guide – Single-Head, Double-Head, Double-Cone

A decoiler (uncoiler) is one of the most important components in the entry section of an ERW tube mill. Selecting the correct decoiler directly affects strip feeding stability, welding quality, and the overall productivity of your tube mill line.

This guide explains the three main types of decoilers, their advantages, and how to select the right model based on coil weight, width, thickness, line speed, and production mode.

Types of Decoilers Used in ERW Tube Mills

1. Single-Head Decoiler (Single Mandrel Uncoiler)

Best for standard tube mills, steady production, and medium coil weight.

⭐Main Features

One mandrel for loading a single coil
Manual or hydraulic expansion
Magnetic / pneumatic brake
Can be equipped with a coil car

⭐Advantages

Lowest cost
Simple structure, easy maintenance
Suitable for most standard strip thickness (0.5–4.0 mm)

⭐Limitations

Requires stopping the line during coil change
Not suitable for high-speed production

2. Double-Head / Turret Decoiler (Non-Stop Coil Change)

Ideal for high-speed and high-output ERW tube mills.

⭐Main Features

Two mandrels: Working side + Standby side
180° turret rotation for non-stop coil change
Hydraulic expansion mandrel
Designed for continuous production

⭐Advantages

Coil change without stopping the line
Maximum productivity and uptime
Perfect for high-speed lines (80–150 m/min)

⭐Limitations

Higher price
Requires larger installation space
More complex control system

3. Double-Cone Decoiler (Cone-Type Uncoiler)

Best for small coils, narrow strips, and small OD tube mills.

⭐Main Features

Two adjustable cone heads clamp the coil
No mandrel expansion needed
Designed for quick loading and unloading

⭐Advantages

Fast coil handling
Simple structure, economical
Perfect for narrow strip (20–120 mm)

⭐Limitations

Limited coil weight (0.5–3 tons)
Not suitable for wide or heavy coils
Not recommended for high-speed production

How to Select the Correct Decoiler for Your Tube Mill

1. Coil Weight (Most Important Factor)

Coil Weight	Recommended Decoiler
0.5 – 3 tons	Double-Cone or small Single-Head
3 – 7 tons	Hydraulic Single-Head
7 – 15 tons	Heavy-duty Single-Head or Turret
>15 tons	Turret Decoiler + Coil Car

💡 Rule: The heavier the coil, the stronger the mandrel and hydraulic system must be.

Uncoiler with peeler and hold down roll

2. Strip Width (Directly Related to Tube Diameter)

Strip Width	Typical Tube OD	Suitable Decoiler
20–120 mm	8–30 mm	Double-Cone / Small Uncoiler
120–280 mm	20–76 mm	Single-Head Hydraulic
300–450 mm	50–165 mm	Single-Head or Turret
>450 mm	Large OD pipes	Turret preferred

3. Strip Thickness (Affects Tension Requirement)

Thickness	Required Decoiler Features	Suggested Type
0.3–1.2 mm	Light tension, avoid strip deviation	Cone / Light Single-Head
1.2–3.0 mm	Medium tension	Hydraulic mandrel + magnetic brake
3.0–6.0 mm	High tension	Heavy-duty mandrel uncoiler
>6.0 mm	Extra heavy	Hydraulic powered uncoiler / Turret

💡 The thicker the strip → the higher the tension → the stronger the braking system needed.

4. Line Speed

Line Speed	Recommendation
0–40 m/min	Any type (Cone acceptable)
40–80 m/min	Hydraulic Single-Head
>80 m/min	Turret Decoiler (non-stop coil change)

Quick 3-Step Selection Method

💡Step 1 — Identify Coil Weight, Width, Thickness

These three values define the mechanical strength required.

💡Step 2 — Decide Whether You Need Non-Stop Production

Yes → Choose Double-Head / Turret
No → Single-Head or Double-Cone

💡Step 3 — Match Line Speed & Material Strength

High-speed or high-strength steel → stronger mandrel + advanced tension control.

Comparison Table

Features	Single-Head	Turret	Double-Cone
Cost	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★
Coil Change	Stop	Non-stop	Fast stop
Coil Weight	Medium–Heavy	Heavy	Light
Strip Width	Medium–Wide	Wide	Narrow
Best For	Standard lines	High-speed lines	Small tube mills

Call to Action

Looking for the right decoiler for your ERW tube mill?

We can recommend the best model based on your coil specs and production requirements.

📩 Contact us:
Hebei AIS Machinery Equipment
Phone/WhatsApp: 86-15176910262
Email: LINDA@AISMACHINERY.COM

Pervious

What Is A Erw Tube Mill | Comprehensive Guide for B2B Decision Makers

Pipe Mill Price Explained: What Factors Affect Cost in 2024?

Related News

2026-08-18 09:42:30

August Promotion at AIS Machinery – Complete Solutions for ERW Tube Mills & Steel Processing

AIS Machinery August Promotion is here! We are offering competitive prices on ERW Tube Mills, Slitting Lines, Cut-to-Length Lines, Cold Roll Forming Machines and Tube Mill Spare Parts. Whether you are planning a new tube production line, upgrading existing equipment, or looking for reliable spare parts, we can provide a complete solution. Our professional engineers offer technical support from machine selection to production, installation and after-sales service. Contact AIS Machinery this August and let us help you find the right equipment for your project.

2026-08-17 09:43:30

C U Purlin Roll Forming Machine | Flexible C/U Profile Production

CU Profile Roll Forming Machine is designed to continuously produce C and U-shaped steel profiles from metal coils. The complete line can include a decoiler, leveling and feeding system, punching unit, roll forming machine, cutting system and run-out table. Depending on production requirements, the machine can use manual C/U changeover or computer-controlled automatic size adjustment. It is suitable for producing C/U channels, structural profiles, framing components and other steel sections with consistent dimensions and reliable production efficiency.

2026-08-13 10:50:44

Double Head Uncoiler for Tube Mills: Continuous Coil Loading and Faster Production

Double Head Uncoiler is an efficient coil feeding machine designed for ERW tube mills, pipe mills, and coil processing lines. With two hydraulic expanding mandrels, it allows one steel coil to run while the next coil is prepared, reducing coil changeover time and production downtime. The hydraulic drive provides stable and reliable coil unwinding, making the double head uncoiler an ideal solution for medium and large-size tube mills, heavy steel coils, and high-production applications.

2026-08-12 10:17:44

Buying a Steel Slitting Line? 8 Key Specifications You Should Know

Looking for a reliable Steel Slitting Line for your tube or pipe production? Our Coil Slitting Machine is designed to convert wide steel coils into accurate narrow strips for ERW Tube Mills, roll forming lines and other applications. From HR, CR and galvanized steel to different coil widths, thicknesses and weights, the slitting line can be customized to your requirements. ⚙️ Learn how to select the right slitting capacity, strip width, coil weight and production speed for your business.

2026-08-11 09:25:01

Conveyor and Run Out Table for ERW Tube Mill | Pipe Conveying & Discharge System

Conveyor and Run Out Table is an important pipe handling system in an ERW Tube Mill, mainly installed after the flying saw or cold saw. It supports, conveys, aligns, buffers, and discharges finished pipes smoothly to the next process. A properly designed run out table can reduce manual handling, protect pipe surfaces, and improve production efficiency. With customized roller layout, conveying speed, table length, and discharge design, it can be matched with different pipe sizes, production speeds, and downstream stacking or packing systems.

2026-08-10 10:07:47

3 Inch–5 Inch Tube Mill: The Most Popular Size Range for ERW Pipe Production

3–5 Inch ERW Tube Mill is one of the most popular choices for steel pipe manufacturers. This tube mill size range is widely used for producing round, square, and rectangular steel tubes for construction, machinery, furniture, automotive, and structural applications. With flexible tube diameter and wall thickness options, a 3 inch, 4 inch, or 5 inch tube mill can meet different production requirements. Learn how to choose the right ERW tube mill based on your products, target market, production speed, and future demand.

2026-08-06 09:50:37

Cold Roll Forming Machine with Punching: A Complete Guide for Custom Metal Profiles

A Cold Roll Forming Machine with Punching combines precision roll forming and automatic punching in one efficient production line. It can produce C channels, U channels, garage door struts, solar mounting profiles, and many other custom steel sections with round holes, slots, or special cutouts. The punching system improves production efficiency, reduces secondary processing, and ensures accurate hole positioning. AIS Machinery provides customized roll forming solutions based on your profile drawings and production requirements.

2026-08-05 09:48:14

Automatic vs Semi Automatic Shear and Welder: Which Coil Joining System Is Best for Your Tube Mill?

Our Automatic and Semi Automatic Shear and Welder systems are designed for reliable coil joining in ERW tube mills. Both machines use TIG welding technology to produce strong, smooth butt welds that pass easily through the accumulator and forming section. Whether you need a fully automated solution for high-volume production or a cost-effective semi automatic model, AIS Machinery offers customized systems to match different strip widths, thicknesses, and production capacities.