TPT March 2012

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Industry News
6 March 2012
Tube bending machine for China
DESIGNER, manufacturer and supplier of
tube bending and endforming technologies,
AddisonMckee of Lancashire, UK has
manufactured a new eB 80 ES RB model
machine for supply to Dinex in China.
The new machine represents a significant
alternative to the existing DB 75 machine: in
everything, that is, but cost.
A key to reducing the cost of the new
machine lay in removing the ball screw
providing the boost and allowing the
gearbox and motor instead to provide the
force required for boosting. Hence the new
machine enables freeform bending for
the full length of the bed. Given the cost of
floorspace at any facility, the new machine’s
modular design also has significant benefits if
bed length flexibility is important.
The standard machine itself is two
metres long but offers the capability to
increase in length by bolting two sections
together to extend the bed when required,
converting the machine easily and cheaply
to a three/four metre model.
AddisonMckee has always prided itself on
its innovative approach, especially when it
comes to developing most technologically
advanced control systems. Back in 1984/5
the company introduced its Mark 1 control
system incorporating the very first touch
screen. The new Mark 7 system takes con-
venience and flexibility one step further by
enabling a single control system to operate
with both hydraulic and electric machines.
AddisonMckee – UK
Website:
Hydrostatic pipe tester installed
BEG Steel Pipe Corporation, USA, has
placed an order with SMS Meer, Germany,
for the supply, installation and commission-
ing of a new hydrostatic pipe tester for
longitudinally welded large diameter pipes.
The new tester is to replace an existing tester
in the works in Panama City, Florida. BSPC
mainly produces line pipes there. With the
new tester, the company will be meeting the
growing requirements relating to new pipe
materials, dimensional ranges and, above
all, the stipulations of the international
certification authorities. Thanks to the use
of completely prefabricated assemblies,
installation will take place without any
noticeable standstill times.
The new hydrostatic pipe tester is designed
for 12.4m long large diameter pipes with
diameters of 24 to 62" (609.6 to 1,574.8mm)
and wall thicknesses of ¼ to 1½" (6.35
to 38.1mm). The maximum test pressure
is 35MPa, and the clamping force attains
40MN. The test pressure lies well above the
later operating pressure of the pipes. Project
manager Matthias Büchter of SMS Meer
said: “We have designed the tester in such a
way that we can almost fully use the existing
foundations at the customer’s works. BSPC
thus saves considerable costs.” The new
plant is designed for a higher throughput
than the existing machine. BSPC is thus
equipped to face future capacity expansions
in the works.
SMS Meer GmbH – Germany
Email:
Website:
New sales rep is
hired in Brazil
BURR Oak Tool Inc has appointed a local sales representative in Brazil. Forming Tubing
Do Brazil, located in São Jose do Campos near São Paulo, Brazil, and Burr Oak Tool
Inc, located in Sturgis, Michigan, USA, will work together during 2012 to facilitate sales
of machines, tools and spare parts of its product line in Brazil.
Forming Tubing has more than 20 years of experience working with manufacturers
in Brazil, and brings both market knowledge and an expansive business base to the
partnership. The addition of these experienced professionals in Brazil will enhance
customer service and help provide local solutions. For more than 65 years Burr Oak Tool
Inc has designed and customised production machinery for the heat transfer and tube
processing industries. Oak machines are installed and successfully operating in more than
70 countries. It provides quality machines, service and parts to customers worldwide.
Burr Oak Tool Inc – USA
Website:
The hydrostatic pipe tester