When expanding (swaging) small diameter tubing, what precaution should be taken?

When expanding small diameter tubing, it is crucial to take care to prevent splitting or damaging the tubing during the process. Partially expanding the tubing and then rotating it helps distribute the stress evenly across the material. This method prevents localized pressure that could lead to splits due to the inherent characteristics of the metal and the tight radius associated with small diameter tubing.

The rotation allows different sections of the tubing to be subjected to expansion in a more uniform manner, which reduces the risk of weakening the structure. This practice accounts for inconsistencies in the tubing material and assists in achieving a more controlled expansion, ultimately enhancing the integrity of the tubing connection after installation.

In contrast, fully expanding the tubing before application may increase the chance of not achieving the desired fit and could lead to a less secure connection. Expanding only after the tubing is installed might not provide the necessary adjustments and can make it difficult to maintain proper alignment. Heating the tubing before expansion could risk damaging the material properties and is generally not a recommended practice for small diameter tubing as it can lead to undesired reactions or alterations in the tubing's integrity.