TPT November 2009

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Technology Update
N ovember 2009 65 ›
MAILLEFER provides multi-layer
composite pipe manufacturing systems for
PEX AL PEX pipes. The Swiss company
has recently introduced new aluminium
forming and welding bench components
into its PCL lines. The company claims
that, in comparison with what’s available
in the market, it has shorter setup times,
improved weld control and reduced
maintenance qualify. All new PCL lines
offered include the latest technology and
the equipment is also available as an
upgrade to existing lines.
The calibration, forming, welding and
compression components are mounted on
three modular benches. The components
are delivered pre-aligned on the modules
in order to accelerate tooling set-up and
reduce the risk of misalignment over time.
All component parts are either in aluminium
or specially treated steel to protect them
from oxidation. The modules combine the
following process steps: edge cutter and
excess strip chopper; forming; and welding
and compression.
The edge cutter trims the aluminium
strip to the exact width required. A special
entry guide locks the strip in place,
thus eliminating lateral movement. The
guidance system has an adjustment point
for fine positioning of the strip and the
DURING the production of functional laser
optics as well as for the development of
innovative products in the optics industry it is
necessary to precisely determine the purity of
optical materials. This need for preciseness
and sensitivity has increased dramatically
over time, especially for optimisedmaterials of
high quality. These materials include various
quartz glasses, crystals and numerous other
optical glasses, which also serve as carrier
materials for quality coatings.
In order to determine the quality of laser
optics, the Laser Zentrum Hannover EV
(LZH) has developed a laser calorimeter
that is able to measure the absorption of
light in the material. Specific advantages of
the device are its high sensitivity, absolute
calibration and a wide spectral range of the
test wavelength.
By using a precise temperature
measurement of the material, the laser
calorimeter is able to detect an absolute
absorption of <1ppm (one millionth of the
cutting tools are easy to put in place and
require little maintenance.
The excess strip chopper is a
standalone component mounted on the
bench. The trimmed excess of the strip
is cut into small pieces with a new style
cutter, which was designed to eliminate
jams caused by excess trim pieces.
The cutting tools can be swapped out
quickly. The excess strip chopper with its
individual controls is also available as a
retrofit in existing lines.
A capstan is integrated directly into the
bench for a more compact line length and
no risk of misalignment.
The forming bench accepts the usual
aluminum strip found in composite pipe,
plus it can also work with copper and
stainless steel. Depending on the pipe
constructions required, more than one
strip thickness can be formed. The switch
from one thickness to another is done
rapidly, by swapping in spacer blocks for
the specified thickness.
A feed guide simplifies inner pipe
insertion for the operator during start-up
and pipe introduction becomes a smooth
and sure operation.
Either TIG or laser welding is offered
with the Maillefer bench. In the case of
TIG, a quick change system for replacing
irradiated laser power). This preciseness
can detect the smallest absorption data
deriving from surfaces, coatings or impurities
in the material. Absorption measurements
with laser wavelengths between 193nm
and 2,000nm are possible. In addition, the
range between 670nm and 2,200nm is
completely accessible. Measured data can
be used to optimise the material, machining
and coating processes. Thus, continuous
improvement of respective characteristics
of laser optics is possible.
The laser calorimeter is industrially
available at the LZH in customer-specific
versions. Also, the LZH offers services for
absorption measurements for a variety of
laser beam sources for various industrial
applications.
Laser Zentrum Hannover EV – Germany
Fax: +49 51127 88100
Email:
Website:
a used electrode is available. Once
the change occurs, a new electrode is
then placed in reserve by the operator.
Brushless contacts are used to ground
the formed pipe to earth during welding.
The result is a maintenance free system,
with no wear, no arcing and no dust.
The camera is positioned before the
welding point, not after. The monitor offers
a clear visual control on the joining of
the butt edges. Finally, the compression
tools make up the last components of the
bench and they include an opening and
closing mechanism for easy feeding the
pipe during start-up.
Maillefer SA – Switzerland
Fax +41 21 691 2143
Email:
Website:
Forming and welding bench for composite pipe
Measuring optical purity precisely
 The Maillefer multi-layer pipe system
Tube mill electrodes
DIAMONDGroundProducts, UK, specialises
in electrodes for the welding process.
Welders can spend thousands of dollars
on welding equipment, but if they do not
select and prepare their electrodes properly,
then their welding results can be poor,
inconsistent or problematic.
Diamond Ground Products claims that
its Tube Mill electrodes can improve weld
quality and productivity, by offering CNC-
machined, high-quality and long lasting
electrodes suitable for tube manufacture.
The company states that it is dedicated
to the improvement of weld quality and
welder productivity. The company’s
ongoing management philosophy is to
provide quality products and receptive
service.
Diamond Ground Products Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1480 453649
Email:
Website: