A mandrel (1) for providing a tubular article, comprising a supporting structure (2) for the sliding guiding of a side wall (3) constituted by a plurality of plate-like elements (4) which can move according to a rule of motion which provides for a forward stroke and a return stroke. The elements (4) are guided in a translational motion by way of the presence of members (5) for the coupling and guiding of the elements (4) to the supporting structure (2). The mandrel (1) comprises a plurality of actuators (6) which are functionally associated with the plate-like elements (4) for the controlled translational motion, along the guided path, of the elements (4) according to presettable rules of motion.