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ECEMBER
2011
Bending
Manipulation of a length of
tubing of various sizes entails
vulnerability: to breakage, wrinkling,
scratching, marking, humping,
collapse, excessive springback,
and link failure, among others.
The methods by which these
threats are circumvented may vary,
but never the results. The sole
standard applicable to the finished
workpiece is always “bent the best
way.” The companies on these
pages are some of the best in the
world at this difficult task.
Software
The expression “human-machine
interface” was once spoken
with awe, as the direction and
management of a production
run of tube and pipe were being
moved from the plant floor to a
room with windows, high above
the action. Now, that interface
is taken so much for granted as
to have fallen out of the working
vocabulary – the universal sign of
a rousing success and a vital part
of the industry in terms of helping
to improve efficiency.
Special feature
This special feature looks at a
bronze alloy pipe that was part of
a pump assembly that appeared to
be leaking at numerous locations,
but close visual inspection
found no cracks. An acoustic
microscope revealed not only
the cracks but also their unusual
arrangement. The pipe was filled
with water under pressure and
observed for leaks. Water soon
appeared on the outer surface of
the pipe, but it could not be traced
to a single leakage point.
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CONTENTS
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Experiences gathered in the operation
of the 12¾" tube welding plant
By Frank Lagac, SMS-Meer GmbH and M Caldonazzo,
Arvedi Tubi Acciaio SpA