METHOD FOR MAKING SLOTS IN METAL PIPE

摘要

A method for making slots in metal pipe and, in particular, slots less than 15 thousandths of an inch in width. Firstly, providing a metal pipe having an exterior surface and an interior surface which defines an axially extending interior bore. Secondly, cutting an axially extending elongate slot having a width that is larger than desired in the pipe with a cutting tool. The slot extends through the pipe providing fluid communication from the exterior surface to the interior surface. The slot has longitudinal peripheral edges. Thirdly, applying pressure to the exterior surface of the pipe along at least one of the longitudinal peripheral edges of the slot until the metal pipe is deformed sufficiently to close the slot to a desired width.