Technical Terms

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Glossary

• Pipe

  This is a tubular product that can be made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., but it is produced to a system of standards called “schedules,” which define wall thicknesses for specific diameters. A pipe diameter is nominal, not actual. The physical outside diameter is larger than its nominal OD. Pipe is mainly intended to convey water, fuel, gas, oil, air, steam, etc.

• Precipitation Hardening

  This is a heat treatment process used to increase the yield strength of malleable materials, including most structural alloys of aluminum, magnesium, nickel, titanium, and some steels and stainless steels. Sometimes abbreviated “PH” and most commonly associated with several grades of stainless steel.

• Pressure Die

  Tool that assist in holding the unbent portion of tube as it is wrapped around the bend die. This also puts pressure on the tube around the mandrel.

• Quenching

  This is a rapid way of bringing a metal back to room temperature after heat treatment (such as annealing, normalizing or stress relieving) to prevent the cooling process from dramatically changing the metal's microstructure. Quenching results in the hardening of steel at the same temperature that full annealing does. Certain steels may be “Quenched and Tempered” which involves heating the material and then rapidly cooling it in water, oil, forced air or inert gases such as nitrogen.

• Round Tube

  This can be produced from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc., and is made to a specified outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness, with the inside diameter often described as a theoretical measurement. Tube is not produced to the inside diameter (ID), and it is differentiated from pipe, which is produced to a system of standards called “schedules.” Tube is also produced to closer tolerances. AED is mainly a supplier of tube materials.

• SAE

  Originally known as the Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE International is a US-based organization that sets technical standards for engineering professionals in many industries, including automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicles, as well as many others. Additionally, SAE publishes technical books and papers on a variety of subjects, in print and digital formats. Reports include general accepted engineering data and other information for many industries.

• Short Radius / Long Radius

  In terms of what Boyce manufactures parts are made to “nest” together allowing for very close situations of two parts. These radius’ very with tube diameter.

• Stainless Steel Sheet (Grade 304), #8 Polished finish

  This material is not magnetic and has the most reflective polish that is commonly produced, and is often referred to as a “mirror finish,” although it is not a true mirror. This is a special order material.