TPT May 2008

T echnology U pdate

Launch of first gauge with LED as a light source

Sikora, Germany, has launched a newly developed LED 8025 XY that is both advanced in technology and design.As a pre- cursor to new measuring dimensions, LED 8025 XY ensures a reliable measurement of prevalent hose and tube types and transparent products with the highest precision. This development demonstrates Sikora’s new potential in measuring technology on hose and tube extrusion lines. The latest LED-diodes combined with high-resolution CMOS-sensor lines create the foundations for an innovative measuring device. With the help of powerful software the shadow width of the measuring object is calculated and the outer diameter precisely defined.

Especially unique is the measurement of transparent products such as medicine tubes. Within this application field the LED 8025 XY ensures optimum reliability. The integration of state-of-the-art SMD technology ensures the gauge head is very small and can easily be installed into any production line. The LED 8025 XY is designed for product diameters from 0.25 to 25mm. The traditional strengths of measuring systems by Sikora include maximum measuring precision and long-life reliability. The gauge head is equipped with vertically arranged glass windows, which offer an efficient protection against dirt. In addition, the LED 8025 XY is open at the

 LED 8025 XY provides precise measuring values for transparent products

bottom, which prevents both dirt and water contaminating the measuring area. The lack of wearing parts creates a unique freedom from maintenance. The LED 8025 XY flexible design ensures an unrivalled process optimization and cost reduction. The LED 8025 XY is equipped with an RS 485 serial interface and RS 232 diagnostic interface for the direct connection of a line control system or Sikora’s control devices – Remote 2000 or Ecocontrol 600, 1000 and 2000. Optionally, it also offers an Ethernet RJ45, Profibus interface or even an analog output.

Latest end formers for seamless drill pipe and casing tube

George A Mitchell Company, USA, has been contracted for the supply of two 500t drill pipe and casing tube end forming machines by VAM USA of Houston (TX), USA.

The two 1,000,000lb end forming machines are the largest of their type ever produced by Mitchell. The machines employ a process that is very similar to push pointing, Mitchell’s main line of equipment. However, the API drill pipe and casing material possesses yield strengths of up to 150,000 PSI. The two end forming machines prepare, via cold forming, the ends of

Sikora AG – Germany Fax : +49 421 48900 90 Email : sales@sikora.net Website : www.sikora.com

Production begins on the world’s ‘largest’ pipe-forming press

 Mitchell has delivered two 500t drill pipe and casing tube end forming machines

Baoshan Iron & Steel Co Ltd, China, has produced its first pipe on what is claimed to be the world’s largest press for the production of pipes. The press, supplied by Siempelkamp, has a press capacity

seamless drill pipe and casing tubes prior to machining a premium thread, of which VAM USA is a world leader. The tube diameters accommodated range from 4 1 / 2 " up to 10 3 / 4 ". The machines perform one of two operations: a mandrel expansion, required prior to machining a female premium thread; and a die reduction, required prior to machining a male premium thread. These machines will be installed in a totally new VAM USA facility in the Houston area, in a continuous line process. This will allow VAM to provide quick deliveries of the highest quality premium threads. George A Mitchell Company – USA Fax : +1 330 758 7263 Email : sales@mitchellmachinery.com • Website : www.mitchellmachinery.com VAM USA – USA Fax : +1 713 479 3234 • Website : www.vam-usa.com

 The new Siempelkamp O-forming press during startup

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M ay 2008

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