swagers

Swagers, in industry, may refer to either the workers who perform swaging or the tools and machines used to carry out the process. Swaging is a metal forming method in which a part's diameter is reduced or expanded by deforming it with localized impact or pressure. The goal is to create joints, fittings, or end contours without removing material through cutting. Swagers often work with tubes, wires, and sheet metal, using dies and mandrels to shape the workpiece.

Swaging can be performed manually or with powered equipment. Common methods include hammer swaging, rotary swaging, and roll swaging. Manual hand tools rely on repeated blows or lever action; rotary and roll machines use continuous pressing or rotating dies to create uniform expansion or reduction along a length or at an end. Equipment uses dies, collars, and clamps to contain the part during forming and may require lubrication and alignment to ensure concentric results.

Common applications include swaged fittings for hydraulic hoses and refrigeration tubing, cable end ferrules, and structural components in aerospace and automotive assemblies. Materials range from copper and aluminum to steel. Advantages of swaging include strong, tight joints with reduced weight and no material removal; limitations include equipment cost, setup complexity, and material or geometrical constraints. Professional swagers often emphasize precision, inspection, and process control to meet relevant standards.