TimkenSteel has developed a new process to manufacture high-pressure tubing (HPT) for use in the production of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The process begins in Canton, Ohio, where the company’s special-bar-quality (SBQ) steel is forged-rolled and heat treated. It is then sent to TimkenSteel Material Services in Houston, where it is bored and honed. According to TimkenSteel, HPT that previously took more than a year to produce now takes a matter of months. The process also allows customers to buy smaller lot sizes.

TimkenSteel recently entered into a supply agreement with A&A Machine & Fabrication LLC of La Marque, Texas, to further process, market and sell HPT for LDPE customers. A&A completed reliability testing to ASME code on prototype tubing and processed that material to industry fabrication requirements in order to illustrate material performance. A&A and TimkenSteel then met with end users to gain market acceptance of the material.