Bead
A narrow, half round ridge roll formed around the circumference of the metal tube. It may be on the outside or inside of the metal tube surface.
Chrome-Plating
The bright ultra-thin skin of nickel and chromium electrically deposited on the outside surface of the metal tube.
Deflector
A convex “lead in” that acts as a guide for the easy mating of compatible parts.
Detent
An indentation into the surface of the metal tube to limit full penetration of a mating part.
Dimple
A very small indentation pressed into the surface of the tube to optimize fit of mating part by preventing parts to “freeze” together. Allows for easy disengagement of mating tubes.
Curved tube
A metal tube curved to the desired degree and radius. Also called an elbow.
Ear
Protruding “bumps” fabricated on a tube to allow engagement with mating plastic parts.
Flange
The projecting ring or collar fabricated onto the end of a tube to hold tube in place on a mating plastic part.
Lock Button
A flat steel spring with a formed end, rivetted onto the inside of a tube. The formed end (button) protrudes through a pierced hole. When depressed, it springs back allowing two tubes to be mated together.
Inward Roll
Refers to the formed end of a tube being “folded back” onto the inside of a tube.
Outward Roll
Refers to the formed end of a tube with a “rolled” steel rim on the outside of the tube.
Spank
A die operation to form a male end taper. Can be used to reduce diameter of steel tube or to bring the tube “back into round” after fabrication.
Swage
The female end of the tube which has been formed up into a larger diameter from its original specification.
Taper
The male end of a tube which has been formed down to a smaller diameter from its original specification.
Pierce
A portion of material of a desired shape removed from the tube wall.
Notch
A portion of material of a desired shape removed from the tube end.
Bullnose
To slightly “curl” the end of the tube wall inward. Designed to facilitate mating of two related components.
Flare
To slightly “curl” the end of the tube wall outward.
Bending
Curving a metal tube to a desired degree and radius.
Tab
An inward or outward protrusion fabricated into the surface of a metal tube.
Groove
A longitudinal “V” shape formed into the length of a metal tube.
Anodizing
A finishing technique that electrically converts the surface of raw aluminum to aluminum oxide forming a very hard, non-corrosive surface.
Chamfer
A technique that bevels the cut end of a metal tube.