Material Selection:
The material choice depends on the application’s requirements:
Stainless Steel (e.g., 304, 316) for corrosion resistance in chemical and marine environments.
Carbon Steel for strength and durability in high-pressure applications.
Aluminum Alloys for lightweight applications.
High-Temperature Alloys for heat resistance.
Flange Types:
Common flange types include:
Weld Neck Flanges: Suitable for high-pressure environments, providing strong welds.
Slip-On Flanges: Easier to install and align, used for low-pressure applications.
Blind Flanges: Used to seal off pipes or valves.
Threaded Flanges: Ideal for quick installation without welding.
Machining Process:
Machining custom flanges typically involves turning, milling, drilling, and sometimes boring. Precision turning ensures that the flange face and bolt holes align perfectly. Drilling ensures accurate bolt hole patterns for connection.
Tolerance Control:
Flanges require tight tolerances for proper fit and seal. Typical tolerances can range from ±0.05 mm to ±0.1 mm, depending on the flange’s size and application.
Surface Finish:
The flange face often requires smooth finishes for effective sealing, especially for raised face or ring-type joint flanges. Machining processes like lapping or grinding help achieve high surface quality.
Pressure Ratings:
Flanges are rated based on their ability to withstand pressure and temperature, often specified by standards such as ANSI, ASME, or DIN. Custom flanges can be designed to meet specific pressure and temperature requirements.
Customization Features:
Custom machining allows for specific modifications like:
Custom bolt patterns.
Special surface treatments for corrosion or wear resistance.
Integrated grooves or seals for enhanced performance.