The Role of Custom Tube Fabrication for Integrated Tube and Hose Solutions
Custom tube fabrication can entail some of the most simple or complex design concepts, a wide range of applications, and numerous value-added operations to make the tube work with the intended application.
Learn more with RB Royal about the role custom tube fabrication plays for integrated tube and hose solutions.
Defining Integration and Its Importance
Integrated tube and hose solutions, at its core, are when the combination of rigid tubing and flexible hoses are designed and manufactured together as one, complete assembly. Integrated solutions, also known as hybrid systems, combine the structural rigidity and high-pressure capabilities of rigid tubing and vibration isolation, movement tolerance, and connections of flexible hoses into one comprehensive part of a fluid transfer system.
These solutions matter in multiple applications – from hydraulic systems in excavators to cooling systems in power generation – because how the best of both rigid and flexible systems are combined into one.
How Custom Tube Fabrication Enables Integration
| Fewer Fittings and Welds = Fewer Leak Paths | Tubes are bent to the required shape which reduces the number of fittings and welds, lowers potential leak points in multiple types of fluid transfer systems, and improves both long-term reliability and sealing performance. |
| Optimized Flow Paths | Through tube bending and fabrication, the internal pathways of the integrated tube and hose system is smoother which reduces pressure drop and turbulence, fewer opportunities for particle traps, condensation, and more consistent and predictable flow. |
| Improved Spacing and Simpler Packaging | Custom tube fabrication promotes controlled 3D routing, eliminates atypical workarounds, and supports integration of structural features into tubes themselves. |
| Faster Assembly | Custom traditionally entails higher costs, but there are cost-effective parameters by reducing assembly labor, reduced inspections and rework, and less maintenance and replacement needs. |
| Design Catered Toward Application | Because the integrated tube and hose is a custom solution, OEMs and manufacturers can work together to find the exact material specification, create pinpoint accurate diameters, wall thicknesses, and tolerances, and clarify specific end forms, flares, beads, and weld prep where mating zones for hose fittings and connectors exist. |
Design Considerations
A tube is only going to function properly and working in its intended environment when design for manufacturability principles are put in place. And for integrated tube and hose solutions, placing DFM practices into the mix are going to lead to a better, longer-lasting product.
Key aspects of the tube that must be decided on first are material selection, outside diameter, wall thickness, any need for corrosion protection and then how suitable the design, chiefly material selection, is for any bending or joining applications. In the same breath, hose considerations should focus on inner tube chemistry, reinforcement applications, bend radius, pressure rating, end connections, and the required impulse life.
Those are the essential aspects of both tube and hose design considerations, but there are more items to weigh. Factoring subassemblies into the design considerations allows suppliers and manufacturers to deliver fully formed and operational tube-and-hose operations. When these assemblies are ready to go, it reduces the number of individual pieces and streamlines the supply chain.
Additionally, when manufacturers and OEMs factor in scalable production, design changes can occur without any retooling so long as it’s a CNC-based manufacturing process.
Partner with RB Royal for Custom Tube Fabrication Services
RB Royal is one of the country’s long-standing custom fluid transfer system components manufacturers. Since 1942, our company has created the numerous pieces that can make up any type of fluid transfer system – including custom tube fabrication services.
We’re able to manufacture the tubes your team needs including material sourcing, size, diameters, and more. We don’t just create the tubes, however. We’re able to perform a slew of value-added operations as well including brazing, custom bending, and complete product testing. All of RB Royal’s work is backed by superior quality management systems that have been ISO 9001 certified for over 20-plus years.
Contact our team today for more information regarding our custom tube fabrication services and how we can best serve your needs.