How to remove burrs from 304 stainless steel pipes?

In the production of 304 stainless steel pipes, welding is the primary source of burrs. During the welding process, the current is highly concentrated at the weld, causing it to rapidly reach a molten state. As the extrusion rollers apply lateral pressure to the weld, excess metal and oxides accumulate on the upper part, forming burrs on the outer surface. Simultaneously, some excess metal and oxides, under the combined effects of extrusion and gravity, sag along the inside of the pipe, creating internal burrs. These burrs, leftover from the manufacturing process, reduce the quality of the final product. Today, United Steel Industry Co., Ltd. will discuss methods to remove these burrs from 304 stainless steel pipes.

1. Manual Deburring

This method involves using tools like files, sandpaper, and other polishing equipment to manually remove burrs from 304 stainless steel pipes. It requires minimal technical skill from the workers, making it suitable for products with small burrs and simple structures. While widely used in general enterprises, manual deburring is labor-intensive, costly, and relatively inefficient.

2. Punching and Deburring

Punching and deburring are performed using a die on a punching machine. The die set may include both rough and fine punches, and in some cases, a finishing die might be necessary. This method is effective for simple products, offering better deburring efficiency and results compared to manual methods.

3. Grinding Deburring

Grinding deburring involves using vibration, sandblasting, or rollers to remove burrs from steel pipes. This method is commonly employed in enterprises; however, it may not always remove the burrs completely, often requiring additional manual deburring or other methods to achieve a thorough finish.

4. Chemical Deburring

Chemical deburring utilizes electrochemical reactions to automatically and selectively remove burrs from 304 welded pipes. This technique is particularly effective for removing internal burrs that are difficult to reach, making it ideal for products that require burr-free inner walls.

5. Electrolytic Deburring

Electrolytic deburring removes burrs from 304 stainless steel pipes through electrolysis. Although it offers fast results, this method can have side effects, as the electrolyte is corrosive and can alter the steel’s surface finish, potentially affecting its dimensional accuracy. To prevent rusting, the workpiece should be cleaned thoroughly after electrolytic deburring. This method is suitable for removing burrs from hidden cross-holes or complex parts of the product, with high production efficiency as the process takes only a few seconds to minutes.

6. Ultrasonic Deburring

Ultrasonic deburring uses the pressure generated by ultrasonic waves to remove burrs from 304 stainless steel pipes. This method is highly precise and is mainly used for removing microscopic burrs that are only visible under a microscope.

Conclusion

Burrs on 304 stainless steel pipes are primarily caused by metal extrusion and accumulation during the welding process. To address this issue, various deburring methods have been introduced, including manual grinding, punching and stamping, grinding, chemical and electrolytic deburring, and ultrasonic technology. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks. Manual grinding is simple but inefficient, while punching and stamping are suitable for simpler products. Grinding often requires combination with other methods, and chemical deburring is best for internal burrs. Electrolytic deburring is fast but may have some side effects, and ultrasonic technology offers high precision. Depending on the size of the burrs, the structure of the product, and production requirements, selecting the appropriate deburring method can help achieve optimal results.