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How to Properly Use a Steel Pipe Making Machine and Tube Mill Maintenance Guide

Dec. 16, 2025

Steel pipe making machines (Tube Mills) are continuous, high-load industrial equipment. Proper operation and regular maintenance have a direct impact on equipment lifespan, production stability, and finished steel pipe quality. Standardized operation combined with systematic maintenance is essential to ensure long-term, stable performance of the tube mill.


How to Properly Use a Steel Pipe Making Machine and Tube Mill Maintenance Guide


I. Proper Use of a Tube Mill


Pre-Startup Inspection


Before each startup, basic inspections should be carried out to ensure the machine is in a safe and operable condition:

Check transmission components, couplings, and gearboxes for looseness or abnormalities

Ensure sufficient lubrication oil levels and smooth oil circulation

Inspect the electrical system, control cabinet, and emergency stop devices

Confirm that rollers are correctly installed with no obvious wear or cracks

Check that the welding, cooling, and cutting systems are ready for operation

Standard pre-startup inspections can effectively reduce the risk of unexpected failures.


2. Proper Material Feeding and Parameter Settings


The width, thickness, and material grade of the steel strip must match the design range of the tube mill. During operation, attention should be paid to:

Setting forming, welding, and sizing parameters according to process requirements

Preventing strip deviation or misalignment when entering the forming section

Adjusting welding power and squeezing force gradually to avoid sudden overload

Improper parameter settings may lead to poor weld quality, abnormal roller wear, or even equipment damage.


3. Operating Standards During Production


During operation, the tube mill should maintain continuous and stable production:

Avoid frequent starts and stops

Monitor weld seam formation, pipe diameter consistency, and surface quality in real time

In case of abnormal vibration, unusual noise, or unstable welding, immediately reduce speed or stop the machine for inspection

Unauthorized adjustments or forced troubleshooting during operation are strictly prohibited.


II. Key Points of Daily Maintenance


1. Lubrication and Cleaning Management


Lubrication is one of the core aspects of tube mill maintenance:

Regularly lubricate bearings, gears, and sliding parts according to the equipment manual

Keep lubricating oil clean and replace it periodically to prevent contamination

Clean steel scraps and oil residue from the machine surface and forming area after each shift

Proper lubrication and cleaning can significantly extend the service life of critical components.


2. Roller and Tooling Maintenance


Forming rollers and sizing rollers play a crucial role in pipe quality:

Regularly inspect roller wear and repair or replace damaged rollers in time

Re-align the center line after roller replacement or adjustment

Use dedicated roller sets for different pipe specifications and avoid mixing

Scientific roller management helps maintain stable pipe dimensions and consistent weld quality.


3. Welding and Cooling System Maintenance


For ERW tube mills, special attention should be given to the welding and cooling systems:

Periodically inspect the high-frequency welding unit, cables, and grounding system

Ensure stable cooling water flow and clean water quality

Prevent scale or impurities from affecting weld quality and equipment heat dissipation

Stable welding performance is essential for ensuring weld seam strength.


4. Electrical and Control System Inspection


Regularly inspect sensors, encoders, and control wiring

Keep the electrical control cabinet dry and clean

Analyze alarm signals promptly to avoid operating with faults

Proper electrical system maintenance helps reduce unplanned downtime and production interruptions.


III. Establishing a Regular Maintenance System


Steel pipe manufacturers are advised to establish a systematic equipment maintenance plan:

Daily inspection: performed by operators every shift

Periodic maintenance: conducted weekly or monthly

Annual overhaul: comprehensive inspection of critical components

Standardized maintenance management effectively reduces failure rates and improves overall equipment efficiency.


Aogang After-Sales Service Support


As a professional manufacturer of steel pipe making equipment, Aogang focuses not only on equipment delivery but also on the entire lifecycle user experience. With an experienced technical team and a well-established service system, Aogang provides comprehensive after-sales support covering pre-sales consultation, installation and commissioning, and long-term operation assistance.


Aogang’s after-sales services include installation and commissioning guidance, operation and maintenance training, remote technical support, and on-site service response. For ERW tube mills and complete production lines, Aogang engineers offer targeted process optimization and troubleshooting solutions based on actual operating conditions, helping customers quickly restore stable production and minimize downtime.


Through continuous and reliable after-sales support, Aogang is committed to helping steel pipe manufacturers achieve stable equipment operation and long-term value, becoming a trusted partner for customers worldwide.

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