TPT March 2012

T echnology N ews

Advanced tube technologies DREISTERN has contributed considerably to the development of new processes like laser welding of high-strength steel, integration of additional production processes such as piercing, embossing or notching into tube manufacturing lines and the production of completely new types of tubes such as multi- layer composite tubing.

Dreistern has supplied more than 60 systems around the world

Multilayer pipes have remarkable physical properties – with the corrosion resistance of plastic pipes and pressure ratings of metal pipes it does not come as a surprise that these pipes have conquered radiant heating and plumbing markets in the recent past. Dreistern supplied its first industrial production system in 1984. Since then production technology has evolved dramatically and Dreistern has supplied more than 60 systems all across the world. In the meantime markets have consolidated and settled, at least in Europe, and it seems that there is no current need for additional production capacity. As a consequence manufacturers concentrate on reducing cost

and are trying to load production schedules. As an equipment builder Dreistern is able to help with both issues. First, the biggest part of the total cost of tube manufacturing is made up by the cost for the base material itself. There are a number of possibilities to save as much as 5% of the overall cost by

optimising individual line components without the need for costly equipment. New ideas become even more interesting if, as well as saving money, they help order books to fill up too – one direction of thought could be finding new additional uses for multilayer pipe. This process requires thinking outside the classic box of plumbing and radiant heating applications. New product uses usually also bring new requirements as well. Production capabilities of today’s equipment are limited to tubing with varying diameter and or wall thickness, which might not be able to satisfy new requirements. Tests at Dreistern with slightly modified equipment have proven that existing systems can also produce multilayer pipes with layers of copper or stainless steel in lieu of aluminium. Stainless steel looks exceptionally promising. These new “species” of multilayer pipe could become a low-cost version for ornamental or chemical tubing. In order to keep cost low the thickness of the stainless steel layer can be as small as only 100 microns or even less. An inner or outer plastic tube supplies the necessary strength. Best of all, these new members to the family could still exhibit the advantages that have gained their older siblings a hefty market share within plumbing and radiant heating markets in the first place. Equipment builders like Dreistern are able to contribute their know-how during product development. This could level some bumps in the road ahead to new products.

Combined sheet/tube laser cutting system

A machine from Balliu’s LM range

THE LM series system from Belgian firm Balliu is both a sheet and a tube cutter. Wide doors give access to the complete cutting area, while linear motors ensure the fastest possible production speed. The machine is equipped with a 1,500 x 3,000mm pallet changer, and an optional indexing table allows much larger sheet sizes. The machine has a 3kW CO 2 laser, and fibre laser versions are also available. Balliu MTC NV – Belgium

Fax: +32 9 340 66 30 Email: info@balliu.be Website: www.balliu.be

Dreistern GmbH & Co KG – Germany Website: www.dreistern.com

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M arch 2012