TPI January 2009

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30 Tube Products International January 2009
developmentsproducts &
Bending simulation software
Software from 3R software solutions, Germany, is used extensively in German
shipyards such as Blohm + Voss, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the Keppel
Group, and Wadan Yards (previously Aker Yards), as well as in the fields of
automotive and plant construction, such as Boehringer Ingelheim and Bilfinger-
Berger.
The company’s Kolli bending simulation, now in its seventh generation, has
become a benchmark for collision testing software, and can be customised to
meet most users’ demands.
Interfaces are available for most common third party programs, including
Tribon™, AutoCAD™, Inventor™, and Unigraphics™, and interfaces to other
software can be implemented if necessary.
Rather than requiring a selection from a list of pre-created machine and tool
models, which may or may not be appropriate, Kolli 7 includes editor modules
for tools, machines and materials.
These allow users to create three-
dimensional models of the actual
machines and tools used in their
pipe shop. Multi-layered tools
can be created in minutes, and
modifications and extra features
of machines can be included
when the model of the machine
is created.
The material editor makes it
possible to take the special pro-
perties of different metals into con-
sideration, such as differences in
elasticity (springback values).
Isometric display of the tube
created by the bending data
allows for easy visualisation,
and the program independently
looks for alternative solutions
if a collision occurs during
simulation.
In combination with other 3R programs, like the Ramp workshop control system
or the RoniCAD construction program, the client can use the advantages of an
integrated software framework.
Because every program accesses the same database, there are no compatibility
problems. Users will be able to streamline and control the entire fabrication
process, from planning and construction to quality control.
Progress of individual jobs can be checked at any point, so that the operator is
always aware of the production status of every item.
Each version of Kolli, Ramp, RoniCAD and other 3R programs is customised,
ensuring users have the features they need, rather than additional, unnecessary
features. This makes 3R programs both easy to learn, and comfortable to
operate.
3R software solutions – Germany
•
3R’s Kolli 7 bending simulation software S S
Lightweight
ultrasonic flaw
detectors
Sonatest has launched the lightweight
and performance-focused Sitescan D
Series ultrasonic flaw detectors, as a
result of consultation with operators in
the field, R&D investment and application
experience.
Whilst delivering high performance
and advanced software features, the
development team also ensured that
the user interface is easy and quick to
use.
The Sitescan D’s powerful software and
technology is housed in a lightweight
and ergonomic case, which has been
designed for comfort and day-long use.
Display size has not been sacrificed,
and the battery life runs at a maximum
of 18 hours.
Sonatest’s Sitescan D-10 features a S S
broad-band amplifier
The Sitescan D also introduces a new
menu navigation scroll wheel, giving
fast and easy access to functions
and enabling single-handed menu
changes.
The keypad is further enhanced,
with new direct access keys allowing
immediate access to essential
parameters in the field such as gate
control or adjustment, and user buttons
which can be assigned to the operator’s
preferred menu items or actions.
In addition to these performance
parameters, Sonatest claims that the
Sitescan D Series is the most flexible
flaw detector on the market.