This research work is devoted to the theoretical study of the pipe calibration on a mandrel. The aim of the study is to improve the precision of the calibrated pipes. As the paper shows, it is advisable to apply different methods of research depending on the purpose of the study of metal forming processes: mathematical, computer or physical simulation. Analytical review of existing mathematical models of the pipes calibration on a mandrel showed that the set of assumptions adopted in the mathematical modeling does not allow assessing the precision of the pipes during calibration. Therefore, finite-element method simulation package was used for this research. Research method and pipes precision index were developed on the basis of the computer simulation using Deform-3D package. The investigations have allowed us to get the dependence of the pipe precision on technological factors and to identify the root cause of reduced efficiency calibration – extrafocal deformation.

The study proposed the model of “guide mark” defects formation on the internal surface of pipes, produced on PRM mills of PRP – 140. The research of pipe forming at plug rolling mill with stub mandrel has been carried out; regularities of the dimensionless parameters characterizing the deformation of the gap release, depending on the reduction ratio, were determined. The model of “guide mark” defect formation on the internal surface of the pipe has been proposed. This allows for lesser wall thickness variation of rough tubes. It has been shown that, when using dioctahedral pass designs in comparison with hexagonal pass designs the proportion of displaced volume along the pipe axis is greater but the value is lower; thereby, the risk of “guide mark” defect forming is reduced.