TPT July 2015

44 / 96

Technology News
42 July 2015
Low-force fusion
THERMOPLASTIC pipe fusion equip-
ment expert McElroy has launched
the Acrobat™ 160, a low-force fusion
machine for 63 to 160mm polypropylene
pipe.
The Acrobat 160 allows operators
to fuse pipe for plumbing, mechanical
and geothermal projects and a variety
of other indoor applications where
work spaces are often very limited. Its
small footprint and light weight makes
it an easy machine to manipulate when
performing fusions overhead as well
as on the ground, within crawl spaces,
attics and other confines.
“The unique installation challenges
that commercial buildings present
were a perfect fit for us because of
McElroy’s extensive background in
product innovation,” said Chip McElroy,
president and CEO of McElroy. “We are
excited to offer job site solutions in this
market with the Acrobat 160 and our
entire line of polypropylene tools and
accessories.”
The Acrobat 160 can be configured
from four to three jaws without using
tools, for added flexibility in tight spaces.
The machine weighs 40lb in the four-
jaw configuration, and only 29lb in its
three-jaw set-up. The narrow jaws allow
fusions for flanges to outlet branches of
tees and most fittings.
The machine is provided with a
hydraulic power unit (HPU) and inserts
for commonly butt-fused polypropylene
pipe sizes. The facer and heater can be
loaded from the top or bottom (in the
three-jaw configuration) of the carriage,
giving the operator better access and
flexibility regardless of the joining
challenge.
The Acrobat 160 is compatible with
the DataLogger® quality assurance
tool, which allows operators to record
and document the key parameters of
the pipe fusion process to ensure the
integrity of fusion joints and increase job
site accountability.
It is also available in a productivity
package that includes a manual machine
stand and two PolyPorters®, which aid in
lifting the pipe as well as performing as
a pipe stand.
McElroy – USA
Fax: +1 918 831 9256
Email:
Website:
Transforming technologies
GFU (Gesellschaft für Umformung
und Maschinenbau GmbH), founded
in 1989, is a specialist in transforming
technologies for tubes. The company
has become an established producer
of chipless forming equipment, mostly
used for tubes.
GFU’s portfolio includes engineering
and manufacturing of upsetting presses,
swaging or calibration presses, high-
speed end-forming units, neck down
machines, expanding and reducing
machines, and forging machines.
The OCTG industry uses upsetting
presses and swaging presses made
by GFU to manufacture drill pipes and
casings.
Customers around the world are
producing oilfield pipes using machines
made by GFU.
GFU upsetting technologies are also
used in the production of automobile
components such as tube camshafts
(built camshaft), sway bars, stabilisers
and drive shafts.
The high-speed end-forming is also
used for automobile applications. This
technology, developed and patented by
GFU, is used for the gas-tight closing of
tube bottom shapes as a single-piece
solution, and without any welding.
The company states that, based on
this forming process, high-pressure
airbag vessels in millions of cars
worldwide are made on GFU end-
forming machines. Shock absorber
manufacturers use GFU knowledge for
closing the tube bottom of their shock
absorbers.
Flanged shafts, conveyor rollers,
pressure accumulators, extinguishers
and gas tanks are other examples
of products manufactured using
GFU technology. Using GFU forging
machines many companies produce
components such as axle beams
(monobloc axles). These machines also
find application in manufacturing air
suspension components and stabiliser
bars.
For applications that require
combined processes, GFU engineers
find solutions to bring these combined
processes in line.
Most of the GFU-engineered
production plants, eg for airbag
vessels, are designed as turnkey
solutions including tube separation, a
bottom closing unit, a neck-down unit,
machining equipment, cleaning station
and complete tube handling.
GFU – Germany
Fax: +49 6561 12430
Email:
Website:
McElroy’s Acrobat
160 low-force
fusion machine