Hydraulic
Ring Expanders
Where Manufacturing Needs Ring Expanding
Ring expanding is a forming process used to increase the diameter of cylindrical components such as rings, flanges, casings, collars, and structural bands while maintaining roundness, dimensional accuracy, and material integrity. The process applies controlled, uniform radial force to expand the part without introducing distortion or excessive residual stress. Ring expanding is commonly used in aerospace, defense, energy, construction, appliances, and industrial manufacturing applications where tight tolerances and repeatability are required.
How We Engineer Custom Ring Expanders
All ring expanders are engineered based on the specific part family and production requirements. The following information is typically required to accurately size and configure a ring expanding system:
Part Geometry & Expansion Requirements
- Required expansion force
- Maximum starting part diameter (prior to expansion)
- Minimum starting part diameter (prior to expansion)
- Maximum part height
- Final expanded diameter(s) and tolerance requirements
Ring Expander Design Preferences
- Preferred cone angle
- Six degrees per side is common, but may be adjusted based on cone height, available stroke, and minimum part diameter
- Preferred number of expanding shoe segments
- Twelve segments is standard; fewer segments increase gap size during expansion and may impact part support
Production & Changeover Considerations
- Single-diameter or single-part applications
- Multiple part sizes or diameters that may benefit from a multi-tier expander to reduce changeover time
- Estimated production volume and part family size
Ring Expander Design Considerations & Value-Add Features
Ring expanders are mechanically straightforward systems, but long-term performance is driven by machine design, supportability, and the ability to consistently deliver uniform expansion. Beckwood focuses not only on the equipment itself, but on providing a reliable, long-term partnership for support, service, and parts availability. In addition to core machine sizing, Beckwood ring expanders can incorporate features that improve consistency, reduce operator effort, and support long-term reliability including:
- Automated cone lubrication systems to reduce wear and extend component life
- Hydraulically actuated shoe retraction to ensure uniform retraction and alignment between cycles, reducing operator intervention and setup time
- Standardized components and spare parts support to simplify maintenance and minimize downtime
FAQs
Ring Expander
How does a ring expander work?
The part is placed over a segmented expanding mandrel. As a cone is driven through the segments, the segments move outward radially, applying uniform force to expand the part to the desired diameter. Controlled motion and force help maintain roundness and dimensional accuracy in the finished ring.
What materials are commonly expanded?
Ring expanding is commonly used with aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and other structural alloys, depending on application requirements.
What types of parts are suited for ring expanding?
Typical parts include rolled and welded rings, flanges, casings, collars, and other cylindrical components requiring controlled diameter expansion.
Can one machine handle multiple part sizes?
Yes. TRIFORM ring expanders can be designed to accommodate multiple diameters or part families, including multi-tier configurations to reduce changeover time.
Can Beckwood customize a ring expander for my application?
Yes. Beckwood specializes in custom-engineered ring expanding systems tailored to specific part geometries, materials, production volumes, and facility constraints.