PHYSICAL TESTING
Physical testing is performed by the Quality Control Lab on samples cut from the weld line after the tubing is annealed. Standard testing includes tensile, flare, flattening, and reverse flattening, all in accordance with ASTM B-338. Tubing is not released for final inspection until it has passed all physical testing requirements.

The tubes are visually inspected for cleanliness, ID and OD surface condition, end condition, and marking. In addition, the Inspector checks length, diameter and ovality, weld, straightness, and wall thickness for conformity to the applicable specification.

All tubing is continuously line marked over the tube length. The marking includes material grade, heat number, test number and specification in addition to the TIMET identification. The test number identifies the specific weld line and time of welding on which the tube was manufactured. All inspection and testing records contain the test and heat number. A complete production, inspection and testing history can be obtained for a tube by referencing a heat number then isolating a particular test number.

PACKAGING

TIMET tubes are packaged after all testing and inspection has been completed. Packaging material meets all requirements of U.S. specification PPP-B-640D, Rule 41 of Uniform Freight Classification and Rule 22 of National Motor Freight Classification. Box type and size is selected at the customer's discretion depending on size, quantity, transportation mode requested and destination.

Typical domestic packaging consist of either a wood reinforced 9/16" thick corrugated cardboard box or a 1" thick (nominal) wooden box lied with 6-mil plastic. Each box is strengthened with 2" x 4" battens at each end and uniformly placed along the length. Typical export packaging is similar to domestic packaging, however, the export boxes are strengthened with 2" x 6" battens at each end and at a maximum spacing of 36" throughout the length. See Table.

CERTIFICATION

Prior to any tube being shipped, Quality Assurance personnel review all production records, inspection and testing reports to assure compliance with the sales order and applicable specifications. Once verified, a "certificate of test" is issued. This contains all the testing data required by the customer and releases the tubing for shipment.