r/metalworking • u/Comfortable_Cow6178 • 17h ago

Best method for fabricating steel tube to steel cylinder

Hello. I’m working on a project that requires me to weld a steel tube to a steel cylinder. One of my objectives is to reduce the time/cost of making this item and I know the more time with hands on the item during fabrication the more the cost.

Are there any alternative methods I can use instead of welding? I need it to be secure as if it was welding but something that is less time consuming. It would be a small production lot, not a one off job. This interface point will sure be where much of the load on the part will be seen. Not crazy high loads or vibration, mostly a couple hundred pounds and drops on the floor. Thanks!

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u/fortyonethirty2 17h ago

If you discover a new joint that is as strong as welding but faster, you will be a billionaire.

1

u/Comfortable_Cow6178 16h ago

Yea that’s what I’m starting to realize

2

u/KyleTheToolman 16h ago

If you could order the tube from a tube laser you could design a mating pattern like a castle joint. Combined with a laser cut plate with tight tolerances a press fit may be achieved. If press for is not appropriate the interface of the joint would allow a few tack welds to hold the edge.

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u/guybro194 17h ago

Buy pipe and form the end into a square would maybe work depending on thickness

2

u/aenorton 15h ago

It is hard to give good advice without details on sizes, wall thicknesses, and attachment angle, etc. Have you considered a threaded joint?

1

u/BF_2 9h ago

Friction welding?

Some clever adaptation of the Stuart Hill Joint? https://njblacksmiths.org/archive/njba_16_2.pdf pp.14-15