Method for producing slots in a tube wall and slotting tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing slots () in a tube wall (), wherein a single die plate () provided with notches () is pushed into the tube () and punches () arranged in a row pierce the tube wall from the outside and in the process produce the slots (), whereupon the die plate () is rotated about its longitudinal axis out of a working position and into a withdrawal position and is pulled out of the tube (). Economical production of the slots in tubes having different cross-sectional shapes is achieved according to the invention in that during the slotting operation the tube wall () is gripped from the outside and held and is stabilized from the inside against two opposing support strips () by way of the die plate (). A slotting tool according to the invention is characterized in that a supporting tool () engages around the circumference of the tube () and in that the die plate (), as seen in the cross-sectional direction (radial direction), has two narrow sides () which are arranged at opposite ends of a longest cross-sectional extent () of the die plate (), wherein the die plate () has two axially extending support strips () between the narrow sides () and the inner side of the tube wall ().