Method for the manufacture of fused metal tubes

摘要

A metal tube (19) is expanded by means of an explosive charge (28) into engagement with a surrounding tubular metal member (11) which is supported externally by a surrounding metal die member (36) spaced from the metal member, the intervening space being filled with a shock transmitting liquid such as water. The metal die member is readily separated from the expanded tube and is reusable indefinitely without maintenance. The method is especially useful for expanding large diameter tubes, for example expanding oil-well drill pipes into pipe coupling members.