Tube forming using a reuleaux triangle

Tube forming is a manufacturing process in which a circular tube is deformed into various shapes. This paper details a novel process in which tubular steel was formed into a square tube using a Reuleaux triangle tool. This triangular section tool translates on its section and rotates on its longitudinal axis to prepare a square geometry. It is hypothesized that the sliding action increases the formability of the part. After comparison with the square tool tube flaring, which only longitudinally translates to form a square tube, it is found that only 11% of the force is required to achieve the shape.