TPT March 2007

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Technology Update
30 March/April 2007
Scotchman Industries, USA, has
launched its new Advanced Feed
System, which allows companies to
increase productivity, decrease set-
up time, reduce operator errors and
eliminate waste.
The Advanced Feed System, coupled
with a Scotchman circular cold saw,
turns a semi-automatic machine
into a fully automated production
machine. Once material is secured
in the indexing clamp, the system
automatically moves the material into
position, clamps the material, and cycles the
machine with ±0.004" repeatable accuracy.
Operators can either manually enter
dimensions or pull a cut list from the
controller, which can store up to 99
programs.
Cut list information can also be downloaded
directly from a PC, reducing the chance of
operator error. One-off cuts are completed
by keying in the desired cut length in inches,
fractions, or metric, and pushing ‘start’.
The Scotchman system can be used as
a programmable stop system or a fully
automatic programmable push feed system
with an optional material clamp. Optional
optimising software can calculate how to
best optimise selected material for the
highest yield.
Scotchman Industries Inc – USA
Fax: +1 800 843 5545
Email:
Website:
Specialised technology
achieves optimal seam weld
Thermatool has announced a new
technological development designed to
enable tube and pipe producers to achieve
the optimal seam weld. HAZ (heat affected
zone) Control Technology takes what
the tube maker already knows ‘works’
and ‘does not work’, and combines it with
scientific knowledge. This shortens weld
area changeovers, quickly develops new
mill setups, and achieves faster mill speeds.
HAZ Control allows online production
monitoring to help mill operators achieve
required quality standards.
HAZ Control Technology is a first step
towards directly controlling the pipe or
tube seam weld’s metallurgical properties.
It provides a different approach from
the current practice of focussing on the
parameters that create the weld – ie
mill speed, welding power level, welding
frequency.
The technology provides consistent welding
of a wide range of materials, coatings,
gauges, and d/t ratios (all on one mill if
desired).
Also available are optimal ID and OD weld
beads, extended life of scarfing tools and
impeders, and repeatable optimal welding
parameters to maximise yields, increase
uptime, and reduce scrap.
Thermatool Corporation – USA
Fax: +1 203 468 4281
Email:
Website:
Inductotherm HWT
(Thermatool Europe) – UK
Email:
Website:
Latest cutting systems for auto components
Reika, Germany, has delivered another four complete cutting systems for DOM tubes
to the largest tube producer in central America. The machines are to be installed in the
customer’s value-added production centres for tubular automotive components.
The lines are of the new ‘Compact’ series, with high performance outputs for automotive
suppliers, and tube-machining cells consisting of a rotary cut-off unit and a chamfering/
facing unit. The rotary cutting heads can either be equipped with standard carbide
inserts or with chip-less
cutting disks, reducing the
tool cost per piece.
As the cutting operation
is dry, the parted tubes
can easily be transferred
into the facing and cham-
fering unit. Subsequent
measuring stations for
length, roundness, straight-
ness or specific measuring
applications can be
integrated with SPC-
capability and evaluation.
The energy consumption of the new lines is low, as washing and drying operations are
necessary due to the clean and dry cutting process.
Multi-machine operation can be achieved because of the automatic packaging systems
on the exit side of the machines. The gantry-type packaging systems are integrated in
the machine controls and can be easily programmed according to the necessary box
size and the required packaging pattern.
The market for hot rolled tubes is booming, in particular for OCTG applications, and
Reika has reported high demand for its new machines and turnkey lines for straightening,
cutting and bevelling. The company will participate in September’s International Tube
Ukraine Conference in Dnepropetrovsk, where it will present new developments in tube
finishing lines for seamless pipes.
Reika GmbH & Co KG – Germany
Fax: +49 2331 969 036 • Email: • Website:
› Reika’s ‘Compact’ series of tube-machining cells
› The Advanced Feed System from Scotchman Industries
Advanced Feed System enables full automation