Pipe material selection

[officespacer]

Hi, this is my first post here so if somethings out of line (wrong forum or something) I apologize in advance!

I need suggestions on materials that could be used for a 18.5" (OD) thin-walled (~1/16") pipe 4.5" in length, that is strong enough to resist a beating - such as being dropped or hit with a hammer, without cracking or deforming. This may sound vague, but I only need to find materials worth looking into.

So far I know that these materials are no good: Spring steel, carbide, and aluminum (currently used). One of the engineers here was thinking about using some sort of extruded metal to accomplish this.

Thanks!

 

[metengr]

This is vague (make it out of rubber).

 

[kenvlach]

Put an enclosure around it for protection. Or, wrap with rubber or similar.

 

[arunmrao]

embed the pipe in concrete. To get a saner reply it would be better if you explain the end use.

Question is very open and you might end up getting quixotic replies.

 

[officespacer]

Yes I guess it was too vague, so I'll try again.

The pipe has to be thin to keep two materials seperated - there will be 1 material in the inside of it, and then 1 material on the outside of it. this casing will be used to make a mold of 2 materials that, after filling, the casing will be removed and they should be 2 well defined circles touching each other.

it has to be very stiff and keep its shape well because the people who insert it into the mold tend to be rough when doing such work. For these reasons, rubber would not be good because it deforms so easily, but carbide is no good because it would crack if someone dropped it at such a thin wall thickness. Cast iron might be a possibility, but I'm pretty sure that material is too brittle as well.

I hope this helps clear up what i need!

 

[Metalguy]

Hire new workers.

"When the Eagles Fall Silent
The Parrots Start Jabbering".
Winston Churchill

 

[StoneCold]

After you have followed Metalguys advice you might try stainless rolled sheetmetal. Maybe you need to make the five to ten of the spacers at a time to keep up with incidental damage.

Regards

Stonecold