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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2008 10:24:16 GMT
HI all.
I'm very new to the steam theam, and am looking for a few items but seem to hit a blank looking on the internet.
First off I'm an inventor and have a number of Ideas which are bassed around clean renewable energy and in my quest for designing said Items, I'm building all prototypes myself, as we all know its a cut throat buisiness out there adn I'm trying to keep the work as close to my chest as possible.
What I'm after is the materials and most of which is steel and aluminium tubing. What I cant find is mechanical and hydraulic tube suppliers in the UK who sell small amounts, Most model engineers supplies dont deal in Mechanical or hydraulic tubing. I'm also after aluminium tubing in the 1-1.25" outside dia range that must be seamless and with a 1/4" wall thickness.
Any ideas as to where I can find these materials guys.
Cheers.
200bar
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Post by alanstepney on Mar 18, 2008 11:40:57 GMT
If you dont mind what specification you use, your local scrap yard may be useful.
Apart from old scrap, many have bar ends from engineering companies.
Smiths, who have several branches, can be useful as they too sell bar ends.
Other than that, stroll or drive, round your local industrial estate looking for anyone who works with metal. Then approach them nicely and often you will find they are willing to sell or even give, you some off cuts.
There is a company in Ringwood, Hants who sell all their off cuts on Ebay.
Apart from those, or if you need some specific types, then it is probably best to buy complete lengths, or cut lengths, from your nearest metal stockists.
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Post by missemmajade on Mar 18, 2008 12:25:34 GMT
look up a refrigeration supplier/ wholesaler in your area. thats the best place to find light guage alloy tubing.
*EMMA*
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Post by dickdastardly40 on Mar 18, 2008 14:28:17 GMT
There is a company in Ringwood, Hants who sell all their off cuts on Ebay. I've bought from them a couple of times and visited their premises to collect as it is just off of my commute route. Very helpful and an interesting factory too! Directly opposite a large Model Car shop with a huge 'scalextric' type slot track. Al |
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Post by dickdastardly40 on Mar 18, 2008 14:32:57 GMT
look up a refrigeration supplier/ wholesaler in your area. thats the best place to find light guage alloy tubing. *EMMA* The above aren't cheap but they are very good. (assuming you're UK based which I shouldn't). No afilliation etc. |
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cotswold
Part of the e-furniture
Still testing the water
Posts: 307
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Post by cotswold on Mar 18, 2008 16:49:15 GMT
Mallard metals <http://www.regis.demon.co.uk/mallard/index.htm> (usual disclaimer) seem to be present at most vintage and steam fairs and hence are geared up for supplying small quantities. Also they seem to have a wider range than the average engineering stock holder.
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Post by alanstepney on Mar 18, 2008 17:25:11 GMT
Whilst not related to the subject of obtaining materials, I wonder if aluminium is suitable for your needs?
If your name is anything to go by, you are looking at 200 bar, and at that pressure, the temperature of steam is around half the melting point of aluminium (depending upon the grade).
Apart from which, aluminium in conjunction with other metals + steam = battery, and electrolytic corrosion.
Just a thought.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2008 6:34:16 GMT
Cheers guys.
As to my 200bar name, its actualy one given to me by a airgun forum I'm a member of, I wouldnt dream of using aluminium as a steam vessel at 200bar of pressure LOL ;-)
I was after specific sizes of tube as i KNow the mechanicl properties of mechanical and hydraulic tube will easily do what i want. Aluminium is for a side project which is a smoke injector if any ones interested.
Appreciate the input so far guys.
Thanks again.
200bar
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Post by alanstepney on Mar 19, 2008 9:50:16 GMT
If you add your location to your profile, or tell us whereabouts you live, someone may be able to tell you about a stockist local to you.
Oh, glad you clarified my assumption about steam and pressure.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2008 8:50:13 GMT
Profile's been udated. Was in a hurry when I posted original post so didnt get the chance.
THanks again for the input.
200bar
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Post by alanstepney on Mar 20, 2008 12:04:52 GMT
The closest Smiths to you is Horsham.
Hampshire metal craft at Aldershot might be worth a visit. (I always find visiting better than the phone).
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Post by dickdastardly40 on Mar 20, 2008 12:22:30 GMT
MJ Engineering sell ME supplies mainly based around traction engines but might have the sort of thing you're looking for. They are based in Yately Hants, which I believe is about 20 miles from Guildford just north of the M3 www.mjeng.co.uk/I bought from them once or twice before they moved from Ringwood. Regards Al |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2008 14:17:49 GMT
thanks again guys. I'll look in to said suppliers.
200bar
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