Technical Terms

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Glossary

• Tensile Strength

  The resistance of a material to breaking under tension. Usually measured in psi or ksi.

• Theoretical ID (for tube products)

  Calculated by subtracting the wall thickness two times from the outside diameter on a tube product. All tubes, regardless of the material or the grade, are produced to the Outside Diameter and the Wall Thickness. The Inside Diameter is known as a theoretical measurement and can vary based on the tolerances of the OD and wall as defined by the material grade standards.

• Theoretical Weight

  All metal materials, regardless of the shape (tube, bar, sheet, plate), are produced to universally accepted standards that allow for some variation based on the allowable tolerances of their production. Theoretical weight is obtained by calculating nominal dimensions and density, and the actual weight may be higher or lower.

• Welding - MIG method (or GMAW)

  Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is commonly known as metal inert gas (MIG) welding. An electric arc forms between a consumable wire electrode and the base metal(s), which heats the base and parent metals, causing them to melt and join together.

• Welding - TIG method (or GTAW)

  Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is an arc welding process that uses an external gas supply and a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. Also called Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), which is the American Welding Society's official term. This process typically allows the operator greater control than other welding processes (such as MIG) and stronger welds, but is sometimes considered a slower and more complex technique. TIG welding is recommended for joining 4130 chrome moly materials.

• Wiper

  This tool sits between the back of the bend die against the tube to create a very smooth transition between the tube and the bend die as the material wraps. Wipes are a must for tight radius bends.

• Yield Strength

  The stress a material can withstand without permanent deformation. Usually measured in psi or ksi.