Technology News
136
M
arch
2014
High-speed steel and plastic
pipe cutting
FINNISH company Exact Tools Oy has
developed a new method to cut pipes,
and has launched a range of steel and
plastic pipe cutting systems along with
cutting accessories.
The PipeCut range of pipe cutting
systems provide a fast, easy, safe and
precise way to cut and bevel pipes and
tubes on site, producing a straight,
ready-to-install finished surface in a
multitude of diameters and materials,
and eliminating many of the problems
associated with pipe cutting.
Available models range from the
PipeCut 170 and 170E systems for cutting
15 to 170mm diameter steel and plastic
pipe, to the PipeCut P400 for cutting and
bevelling, in one process, plastic pipe
from 100 to 400mm in diameter with a
wall thickness up to 25mm.
Each model can be supplied with a
choice of three different blades: TCT
(tungsten carbide tip) blades for general
use in cutting steels, copper, aluminium,
plastic and multi-layer materials;
cermet with ceramic tips for heavy-duty
applications such as cutting stainless
steel and acid proof steel; and diamond
discs for cutting cast iron pipes. Exact
pipe cutting systems are suitable for
cutting a wide range of tubes and pipes,
including spiral duct tube ranging from
75 to 1,000mm in diameter, with wall
thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 6mm.
The systems are aimed at industrial
pipe installers in power generation,
refinery and chemical plant, hospital and
other construction sites, house building
and renovation, shipbuilding, wood pulp,
fresh and waste water systems, heating
and cooling systems, gas installations,
maintenance and repair work. They are
easy to use on steel, cast iron, stainless
steel, aluminium, copper and most types
of plastic.
The cutter firmly grips the pipe to be
cut, with the blade being automatically
positioned to cut correctly. The entire
weight of the cutter rests on the pipe.
When started, the blade chips the pipe
surface rather than grinding it, producing
a burr-free cut surface that is ready for
installation. The operation is dust-free,
and does not produce any sparks.
Each system is supplied with its own
pipe holders (except the V1000 model,
for which they are an optional extra),
pipe saw, Allen keys, CD user manual
and carry case. Other features include
the ability to cut pipe at floor level,
increased productivity through fast
cutting speeds, and improved working
environment and user safety, including
fire safety.
Exact Tools Oy
– Finland
Fax: +358 9 43667550
Email:
Website:
Exact PipeCut 280E
in use
Mill manufacturer
RAFTER
Equipment
Corporation
manufactures tube mills, pipe mills, roll
forming machines, cut-off machines
and other related mill machinery. The
company provides equipment for tube
and pipe sizes from 4.76 to 610mm
(0.188" to 24") OD.
Rafter has supplied mills using
high-frequency induction (HFI), high-
frequency contact (HFC), TIG/plasma
and laser welding. Its equipment
has been used for the production of
tubular products such as mechanical,
structural, HSS, energy, OCTG,
refrigeration, automotive, appliance,
and others.
With increased focus on OCTG
products, many pipe producers are
increasing mill capacity. The most
popular area on the mill for upgrade
focuses on the weld squeeze box. In
2013, the company supplied or received
orders for weld boxes for a 114.3mm
(4.5"), a 273mm (10.75"), a 317.5mm
(12.5") and a 610mm (24") pipe mill.
Also in 2013, Rafter introduced a
new machine design for the roll forming
industry. The design is targeted at custom
roll formed profile producers that require
high-quality machinery with quick-
changeover capabilities. The machine
includes design features borrowed from
Rafter’s tube mill machines to provide
for faster changeovers and easier long-
term maintenance.
Rafter manufactures its equipment
solely within the USA, which allows
it to better control the manufacturing
process to ensure shorter overall and
more on-time deliveries. In many cases,
the company can ship orders before the
promised delivery date.
Rafter Equipment Corp
– USA
Fax: +1 440 572 3703
Email:
Website:
Rafter’s RT-4500
weld squeeze box
