Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making tubes of Zirconium alloys containing 1-5 percent by weight of alloying elements such as Sn, Fe, Cr and Ni. According to the invention an improved corrosion resistance can be reached by means of annealing after extrusion and between cold rollings within a well defined temperature range in the .alpha.-phase zone during considerably longer times than standardized for the purpose of reaching equilibrium between secondary phase particles and Zirconium matrix and in that way a minimum content of Fe in solid solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing tubing from hollows or workpieces which are in the form of tubes having greater wall thickness than the finished tubes. The method is carried out upon a mill of the general type known as a McKay rocker. The mandrel is allowed to float in the hollow by being restrained at the rocker crosshead by friction rather than a positive locking device. The rocking is permitted with the mandrel sliding in the crosshead so as to reduce high tensile forces which could otherwise cause mandrel failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a groove measuring gauge. The gauge has a centering headpiece and centering tailpiece for supporting a die or other workpiece mounted upon an arbor. Two guideways are used to position a gauge head near the workpiece containing the groove being measured. The gauge head has a spindle rotatably mounted therein. The spindle includes a measuring arm which extends from an interior cavity in the spindle. The measuring arm is pivotably mounted in the spindle. The exposed end of the measuring arm contacts the inside surfaces of the groove. A micrometer is mounted upon the spindle and connected to the enclosed end of the measuring arm. As the measuring arm pivots the micrometer measures the distance from the spindle axis to the surface of the groove. The spindle is preferably automatically moved to angular positions by a stepping motor. Micrometer readings are taken at each position and the profile of the groove is determined from these measurements.