摘要 |
This invention relates to a tube finning machine (10) and to a method of use thereof. Typically, the finned tubes will be for use in heat exchangers. In the present invention, the machine (10) has tensioning means (32, 44) for applying tension to the tubes (16) during the finning process, tension in the tubes reducing the likelihood that the tubes will buckle or deform during the process. Also, the invention discloses the use of a solid material introduced between the fins (22) to support the fins during the finning process, the solid material being removed after completion of the process. The solid material can be a granular material, or it can be a continuous material introduced (and removed) in its liquid state. |