Technical Terms

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P

• Physical Properties

  This refers to properties that pertain to the physics of a material. Common measurements include density, heat or electrical conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion. (Sometimes incorrectly referred to as Mechanical Properties, which are different).

• Pipe

  This is a tubular product that can be made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., but it is produced to a system of standards called “schedules,” which define wall thicknesses for specific diameters. A pipe diameter is nominal, not actual. The physical outside diameter is larger than its nominal OD. Pipe is mainly intended to convey water, fuel, gas, oil, air, steam, etc.

• Precipitation Hardening

  This is a heat treatment process used to increase the yield strength of malleable materials, including most structural alloys of aluminum, magnesium, nickel, titanium, and some steels and stainless steels. Sometimes abbreviated “PH” and most commonly associated with several grades of stainless steel.

• Pressure Die

  Tool that assist in holding the unbent portion of tube as it is wrapped around the bend die. This also puts pressure on the tube around the mandrel.