TPT March 2010

T echnology U pdate

Laser sensor that increases speed of welding

A NEW laser sensor has been launched by UK manufacturer, Meta Vision Systems, for all types of mechanised and robotic welding. It is the first such unit to incorporate high performance image processing in the sensor head itself, rather than needing a separate computer, and has many applications throughout manufacturing industry. Installing the new Smart Laser Sensor (SLS) at least halves the cost of automating arc welding equipment and robot welders, claims the company, compared with using conventional laser sensors. The cost can be a small fraction of the previous outlay if the welding equipment has an Ethernet or CANbus interface, allowing direct connection of the SLS. Other functions of the SLS, in addition to seam tracking during welding, include inspection of the bevel on pipe ends before welding, and of the weld bead after it is laid. Tracking position detection and measuring accuracy are to within ± 0.1mm. The sensor was developed by Meta in collaboration with CRC-Evans Pipeline

International, Inc of Houston, USA, the world leader in pipeline welding, which was the launch customer for the product and has worldwide exclusivity for its use in pipelines. Meta will be servicing demand for the sensor in all markets other than pipeline. The nature of narrow gap welding in pipelines makes it impossible to have precise alignment all around a given weld joint due to irregularities in joint fit-up as a result of variations in pipe diameter and ovality. The SLS measures these changes in real time during welding. Tracking data is sent via a high-speed interface to the motion control system driving the external welding system. The resulting closed loop control ensures reliable, noise-free data transmission, ensuring that the welding electrodes are always where they should be. Meta Vision Systems Ltd – UK Fax: +44 1865 887901

Email: sales@meta-mvs.com Website: www.meta-mvs.com

The laser sensor from Meta Vision Systems

fast cleaning of pipe ends!

...TPP 5090 polish machine

With the TPP 5090 tube and pipe ends as well as plates can be polished very quickly. Both inside and outside at the same time.

Both spindles of the air driven TPP are adjustable to the thickness of the pipe wall or plate thickness. Also speeds are adjustable.

Th. WORTELBOER B.V. Sluisweg 9, 6582 AG Heumen Holland tel. +31(0)24 358 65 14, fax +31(0)24 358 70 79 info@wortelboer.ws

www.wortelboer.ws

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