Quick answer. Specify whether the fabricator will perform tube end facing on stock lengths or receive cut lengths prepared to an approved end drawing. Agree on end geometry, protection during transport, and the check that releases the tube to welding. The end drawing and inspection plan define the handoff.
Choose who prepares the tube ends
Stock lengths for the fabricator to face
Agree on the supplied length and usable allowance for cutting and facing. Ask how ends and bores will be protected during transport and how identification will carry over to the cut pieces. The fabricator checks the end condition after cutting and before fit-up.
Cut lengths prepared to a drawing
Send the drawing revision and identify which ends need preparation. State the finished length and its tolerance, the face geometry and the criteria used to inspect it. Agree on the record that accompanies the lot and how the prepared faces will be protected in packing.
Define the end face and fit-up checks separately
For a square-butt joint, the purchase description can specify how to verify end squareness to the tube axis and check the bore and outside edge for burrs or damage. A burr rolled into the bore and an out-of-square face are different defects. Inspect both at the locations specified on the drawing or inspection plan.
Joint gap and alignment belong to the mating pair. Ask the fabricator to confirm how the tube will be checked with its mating tube or fitting and the intended fixture. Use the fabrication team’s approved joint detail for any chamfer, root opening or other geometry. Avoid transferring limits from a different weld head, tube size or procedure.
Agree on cleanliness at shipment and before fit-up
Define which faces and bore areas the receiving team must check for chips, moisture, oil and handling contamination. If caps or sleeves are required, specify the protection method and where to retain the lot identifier. Ask the fabricator when to remove the protection and who will verify the condition immediately before fit-up.
If an end arrives dented, uncapped or contaminated, segregate the affected pieces and record the lot, end location and condition. Have the responsible team decide whether to reface or clean the piece under the approved procedure, or hold it for disposition. Recheck the finished length after any authorized refacing.
Put the delivery condition in the RFQ
- Tube identity. Give the grade, governing tube specification and revision, manufacturing route, outside diameter, wall thickness, length and quantity.
- End drawing. Identify the drawing revision and the ends that need preparation. List the features and acceptance criteria to be reported.
- Condition at delivery. State the required surface and bore condition, protection and identification, and whether a first-off sample is needed.
- Release. Name the party responsible for final cleaning and fit-up. Ask for the required inspection records tied to the lot and the proposed disposition for any nonconforming pieces.
Example RFQ wording. “Quote cut lengths prepared at both ends to the attached drawing and inspection plan. List facing and end protection separately. Identify any remaining preparation the fabricator must complete before fit-up.”
Keep material acceptance and weld approval separate. Tube reports cover the specified incoming material and agreed delivery checks. The fabrication team controls procedure qualification, shielding, purge and acceptance of the completed joint under the applicable project requirements.
If the design calls for commercially pure Grade 2 (UNS R50400) in seamless form, review the Grade 2 titanium seamless tube specification. ASTM B338 covers tube for condenser and heat-exchanger service within its scope. If the order is for seamless pipe, ASTM B861 is a separate specification. Use the project’s required product form and edition.
Use the Grade 2 seamless tube RFQ checklist for order quantity, dimensions, tests and documentation. In the inquiry, include the end drawing revision, required delivery condition and whether the fabricator will complete end facing and final cleaning.
Discuss titanium tube delivery requirements