TPT July 2013

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Industry News
6 July 2013
Precision is a key to success
HIGH accuracy is the key to success
for ultra high strength couplings used
in down hole drilling applications. Easy
thread up, reliable operation and strict
adherence to API standards are the
minimum requirements.
Since couplings are manufactured
from micro alloyed quenched and
tempered steel, high precision and
high capability equipment is required
for the first process step: cutting the
blanks from the pipe. API couplings
are furnished in two classes: Class T
and Class SM (metal spray). The latter
has a superficial hardening process,
based on nickel, chrome, boron and
silicon, that provides better erosion and
corrosion resistance.
A manufacturer of couplings in
Central America decided to purchase
the RingSaw® made by German manu-
facturer Reika. The machine features
a cutting head that orbits the fixed
workpiece. Due to the special cutting tool
design and process, the cut is almost
completely square and free from burrs.
Reika states that its RingSaw
products provide outstanding lifetimes,
high operating cost savings compared
to conventional carbide saws, and
higher output. The company was able
to offer a solution for the production of
API couplings with the RingSaw as its
core. The line is completed by additional
stations, such as built-in robot handling
systems, automatic length measuring,
and automatic palletising of couplings in
special containers.
The RingSaw line of machines
for cutting pipes, profiles and rods
can be used for workpieces within a
diameter range of 10 to 610mm with
wall thicknesses from 1 to 150mm.
The machine concept is purely electro-
mechanical without any hydraulics, and
is therefore oil-free. The cutting process
is dry, but can be optimised either with a
mini coolant or full-emulsion system.
The machine bed is totally oil-free and
designed as a closed water draining and
reservoir area, so there is no need for
additional foundations apart from basic
machine fixings. The chip conveyor can
be connected directly to the machine
bed. The RingSaw is equipped with a
housing that offers operator safety and
environmental protection.
Reika GmbH & Co KG – Germany
Fax: +49 2331 96 90 36
Email:
Website:
Reika’s RingSaw
Tube 2014 already well booked
AROUND one year before the number
one international trade fairs wire and
Tube get under way one thing is certain:
both industrial fairs are already benefiting
from a lot of bookings.
For 2014 exhibitor figures and
booked space levels similar to 2012
are expected. 1,178 exhibitors showed
innovations covering all aspects of pipe
and pipeline systems in space of around
48,500m2 at Tube 2012.
Tube, and tube and pipe accessories,
will be in Hall 1 and in Hall 2 where a
large Chinese contingent is present,
while Halls 3, 4 and 7 are showing
the pipe production and pipe retail
sectors. Forming technology for hollow
materials is being shown in Hall 5;
pipe-processing machines along with
the major areas of welding, cutting
and surface technology follow in
neighbouring Hall 6. Machinery and
plant for pipe production is located in
Hall 7a and parts of Hall 6, while the
Plastic Tube Forum special show is
being held in the adjacent Hall 7.1.
Messe Düsseldorf – Germany
Website:
The Tube
show in 2012