TPi January 2019

Business & market news

Hannover Messe 2019 Hannover Messe is a trade show for industrial technology. It serves as a glob- al platform for the digital transformation of production and energy systems.

The production of tomorrow is not possible without their process knowl- edge and their diverse qualifications. Industrial intelligence therefore stands for the expansion of knowledge man- agement and the training of knowledge carriers. The theme of Hannover Messe 2019 underlines the growing importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the production and energy industries, including such areas as energy efficiency, and use and autonomous production processes, as well as challenges in terms of interfaces, protocols and security. Deutsche Messe AG – Germany

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise the production and energy industries,” said Dr Jochen Köckler, chairman of the board of show organiser Deutsche Messe. “People teach machines to act logically and purposefully to meet customer needs. AI systems generate knowledge and today, based on data and algorithms, can continuously optimise operating states or reliably predict faults and failures – in production processes, in the power grid or in logistics. That’s what Integrated Industry – Industrial Intelligence stands for.” The networking of people, machines and data is created through common platforms where they exchange and multiply their knowledge. The role of humans is that of an enabler.

In addition to six exhibition sectors – IAMD (integrated automation, motion and drives), digital factory, energy, industrial supply, ComVac, and research and technology – there are special areas for start-ups and career development. More than 90 conferences and forums round out the programme. The next edition runs from 1 to 5 April 2019 in Hanover, Germany. For 2019, the guiding theme is ‘Integrated Industry – Industrial Intelligence’, which spotlights digital networking between humans and machines in the age of artificial intelligence.

info@messe.de www.messe.de

LTI acquires TAC Technical Instrument Corp Laboratory Testing Inc (LTI) of Hat- field, Pennsylvania, USA, has pur- chased TAC Technical Instrument Corp (TACTIC) of Trenton, New Jersey, USA. TACTIC has been in the ultrasonic inspection busi- ness since 1962, developing and selling a product line of immer- sion ultrasonic inspection systems and accessories, providing parts, repairs and training, and perform- ing independent ultrasonic testing (UT) services. The combination of LTI’s long-term experience performing ultrasonic testing and working with the TACTIC equipment makes the companies an ideal match for this acquisition. McVaugh family members with Fred Beck and Howard Hunter of TACTIC services, which will be consolidat- ed into LTI’s NDT department.

The leadership team at LTI is antici- pating enhancements to equip- ment and services through a com- bined effort of the two companies, including new technology, more automation and advanced reporting. Laboratory Testing Inc is a full-service, accredited metals testing laboratory offering independent destructive and non-destructive testing services. The lab also has a metrology division that provides dimensional inspection and calibration services. LTI serves varied industries, including aerospace, defence, power generation, oil and gas, medical and automotive, and has Nadcap and A2LA (to ISO/IEC 17025) accreditations. Laboratory Testing Inc – USA

The majority of TACTIC’s standard products are designed to inspect cylindrical materials, such as tube, pipe, bar and billet. The company has also provided UT equipment to inspect hexagonal and square billet. LTI currently runs seven TACTIC immer- sion UT inspection systems under one roof on two work shifts, and is one of the company’s largest customers. The systems provide high-speed inspection of round materials to locate internal and external defects and inconsistencies in the wall thickness of tubular products. Ultrasonic testing is classified as a non-destructive test (NDT) method because it does not damage the tested materials.

“TACTIC is a perfect fit for our growing business and our companies have a long history together,” said Mike McVaugh, LTI president and CEO. “LTI was started as a non-destructive testing lab in 1984 and we have been using TACTIC equipment to perform ultrasonic testing since the beginning. They were the leader in the industry back then and still are.” TACTIC will stay at its current location and will operate as a subsidiary of LTI. The company’s president, Fred Beck, and the other employees will remain in their positions. Quoting and sales of all products and services will continue to be handled by the New Jersey facility, with the exception of ultrasonic testing

sales@labtesting.com www.labtesting.com

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL January 2019

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