TPT July 2013

Technology News

MDA134G-TUBE1387X260INT-FA.ai 1 5/13/13 12:11 PM

Precise pipe measurement IN the steel industry and particularly in pipe manufacturing, quality and dimensional accuracy are essential. By integrating in the production line the automated measurement of all produced pipes using contact-free measuring systems, dimensional accuracy is significantly increased, and the process is faster and less complicated than the manual measurement of production samples. Robust LAP laser systems have proven themselves for years in real-world applications. They measure external diameters and ovality online and immediately identify flaws. LAP measuring systems help maintain consistent dimensions, reduce scrap and increase throughput. Round pipes and rectangular pipes, high-pressure pipes, water pipes, oil and gas field pipes, boiler and construction pipes, axle and roller bearing pipes: Depending on the size and application, they are welded or manufactured without seams. Many pipes must withstand high pressures and external and internal forces. Quality and dimensional accuracy are essential. The greater the dimensional accuracy of the pipes leaving the rolling process, the less they have to be refined, there is less scrap, and production is smoother. The time it takes to lay long oil and gas pipelines is significantly reduced when the pipes are dimensionally accurate. “It’s amazing,” notes Torsten Krüger, sales manager for the metal industry at LAP, “some manufacturers still use highly imprecise manual one- and two-point measuring systems. Workers place a caliper gauge directly on the glowing metal, sometimes wearing only safety glasses or protecting their face with their other hand.” This type of manual measurement is time-consuming, imprecise and very dangerous. “Modern,” “safe” and “effective” are all words that describe automated measurement using contact-free LAP measuring systems. They allow 100 per cent control and high dimensional accuracy by collecting and evaluating data from different pipe production stages as well as the finished pipe. Modern pipe production lines that use LAP laser measuring systems are able to maintain narrower tolerances than required by the relevant standards. For more than 25 years, LAP GmbH has specialised in the development, production, installation and commissioning of laser measuring systems for measuring the dimensions of unfinished and finished products in the metal and steel industry. LAP supplies solutions for extreme requirements. Despite the great amount of dust and scale, LAP laser systems yield highly precise measurements with fast processing times, including simultaneous measurement of several different sizes. The robust RDMS systems by LAP measure the outer diameter of pipes while they are being rolled. RDMS measuring systems downstream from modern pipe reducing rolling mill stands have three measuring axes offset by 120°.

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LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen – Germany Email: t.armbruster@lap-laser.com Website: www.lap-laser.com

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