Cladding tube for nuclear fuel rod, method and apparatus for manufacturing a cladding tube

A cladding tube for a nuclear fuel rod, the cladding tube being made from a metal, the cladding tube comprising dimples on an external surface.

A method of manufacture by pilgrim rolling of a metal cladding tube from a tubular blank, the method comprising the following steps:

• progressively deforming a blank by rolling between a mandrel inserted inside the blank and two dies disposed about the mandrel;
• reciprocally moving the two dies along the mandrel;
• and advancing the blank along the mandrel between reciprocating movements of the dies, wherein dimples are formed on an external surface of the blank during the rolling of the blank.

A pilgrim rolling apparatus for the manufacture of a metal tube from a tubular blank, the pilgrim rolling apparatus comprising:

• at least two dies;
• and a mandrel received between the dies mounted to carry out reciprocating movements along the mandrel for rolling a blank fitted onto the mandrel between the mandrel and the dies, wherein at least one of the dies has at least one punch to form dimples on an external surface of the blank fitted on the mandrel during the reciprocating movements of the dies.