Flame Straightening Sheet Metal

Flame straightening is an efficient well established method of correcting the weld distortion without impairing the material.

Flame straightening sheet metal.

When straightening stainless steel heat it only until a deep brown color is seen on the surface. Heating localized areas and then using a hammer and dolly to. Removing deformations with an oxy acetylene flame this process is based on the physical principle that metals expand when heated and contract when cooled. Metal materials have the property of thermal expansion and contraction.

If expansion is restricted stresses build up. Upon cooling the metal contracts more than it could expand when heated and any resulting distortions can therefore be straightened out. The flame straightening uses this new deformation to correct the original deformation. Suitable materials include steel nickel copper brass and aluminium.

For a full shrink on steel the spot is heated until a dull red color is seen. The torch can now be moved along the length of the area to be straightened. Flame straightening is the straightening of deformed steel using the method of local flame heating.