TPT May 2008

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May 2008 40 ›
Technology Update
Sikora, Germany, has launched a newly
developed LED 8025 XY that is both
advanced in technology and design.As a pre-
cursor to new measuring dimensions, LED
8025 XY ensures a reliable measurement
of prevalent hose and tube types and
transparent products with the highest
precision.
This development demonstrates Sikora’s
new potential in measuring technology on
hose and tube extrusion lines. The latest
LED-diodes combined with high-resolution
CMOS-sensor lines create the foundations
for an innovative measuring device. With
the help of powerful software the shadow
width of the measuring object is calculated
and the outer diameter precisely defined.
Especially unique is the measurement of
transparent products such as medicine
tubes. Within this application field the
LED 8025 XY ensures optimum reliability.
The integration of state-of-the-art SMD
technology ensures the gauge head is
very small and can easily be installed into
any production line. The LED 8025 XY is
designed for product diameters from 0.25
to 25mm.
The traditional strengths of measuring
systems by Sikora include maximum
measuring precision and long-life reliability.
The gauge head is equipped with vertically
arranged glass windows, which offer
an efficient protection against dirt. In
addition, the LED 8025 XY is open at the
bottom, which prevents both dirt and water
contaminating the measuring area.
The lack of wearing parts creates a unique
freedom from maintenance. The LED 8025
XY flexible design ensures an unrivalled
process optimization and cost reduction.
The LED 8025 XY is equipped with an RS
485 serial interface and RS 232 diagnostic
interface for the direct connection of a line
control system or Sikora’s control devices –
Remote 2000 or Ecocontrol 600, 1000 and
2000. Optionally, it also offers an Ethernet
RJ45, Profibus interface or even an analog
output.
Sikora AG – Germany
Fax: +49 421 48900 90
Email:
Website:
Production begins
on the world’s ‘largest’
pipe-forming press
Baoshan Iron & Steel Co Ltd, China, has
produced its first pipe on what is claimed
to be the world’s largest press for the
production of pipes. The press, supplied
by Siempelkamp, has a press capacity
Latest end formers for seamless drill pipe
and casing tube
George A Mitchell Company, USA, has been contracted for the supply of two 500t drill
pipe and casing tube end forming machines by VAM USA of Houston (TX), USA.
The two 1,000,000lb end
forming machines are the
largest of their type ever
produced by Mitchell. The
machines employ a process
that is very similar to push
pointing, Mitchell’s main
line of equipment. However,
the API drill pipe and casing
material possesses yield
strengths of up to 150,000
PSI.
The two end forming
machines prepare, via
cold forming, the ends of
seamless drill pipe and casing tubes prior to machining a premium thread, of which
VAM USA is a world leader. The tube diameters accommodated range from 41/2" up to
103 /4".
The machines perform one of two operations: a mandrel expansion, required prior to
machining a female premium thread; and a die reduction, required prior to machining a
male premium thread.
These machines will be installed in a totally new VAM USA facility in the Houston area,
in a continuous line process. This will allow VAM to provide quick deliveries of the
highest quality premium threads.
George A Mitchell Company – USA
Fax: +1 330 758 7263
Email: • Website:
VAM USA – USA
Fax: +1 713 479 3234 • Website:
 LED 8025 XY provides precise measuring values
for transparent products
Launch of first gauge
with LED as a light source
 Mitchell has delivered two 500t drill pipe and casing tube end
forming machines
 The new Siempelkamp O-forming press during
startup