TPT May 2012

T echnology N ews

An innovative tooling-change system for small batches

MILL-FLIP ® has been developed by tube and tubular products manufacturer Bosal Group. It cuts the time taken to set up tooling for new batches thanks to a novel pivoting baseplate that allows tools to be changed and prepared for the next batch while the current batch is running. Mill-Flip is fully automatic and can cut the change-over cycle to just 60 seconds thanks to its unique 90° pivoting dual baseplate design. As one tool-set is in operation, another tool-set can be prepared on the second baseplate. As the batch finishes, the first baseplate is swung out of the way and the second takes its place. Mill-Flip is fully self-contained and autonomous. It does not require external lifting equipment or any operator involvement before, during or after each automatic change-over cycle. There are no rails or any raft movement on the front of the mill. The concept was developed by Paul Vanleene, a manufacturing technology specialist at Bosal. He believes that Mill-Flip will appeal to small-batch manufacturers. He said: “Specialist tube manufacturers often run small batches and so the changeover time is a major element of mill utilisation. Mill-Flip shortens and automates the changeover, making it quicker, cheaper and safer with minimal operator involvement.” Bosal, working with intellectual property specialist Scambia, is keen to license the technology, which is covered by numerous patents, to tube mill designers and builders. Tom Sütterlin from Scambia believes there are many opportunites. He said: “Mill-Flip could be a game- changer for tube mills, especially those producing small batches and short runs. We are already talking to a number of manufacturers about licensing agreements, technology transfer and pilot plant co- operation.” Bosal is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of complete exhaust systems for passenger cars, catalytic converters, tow bar systems, complete

exhaust systems for trucks and industrial applications, roof bars and roof racks, wind deflectors, jacks and toolkits, cabins, irrigation equipment, precision steel tubing and warehouse racking systems. The company has tube manufacturing facilities

in Belgium, Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Scambia Industrial Developments AG – Switzerland Website: www.scambia.ch

LINE-PIPE INDUCTION PRE-HEATING COILS

Radyne designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of Line Pipe Pre-Heating Coils. • Pipe Diameters: 50mm (2”) to 3050mm (120”) • Wall Thickness: 5mm (0.197”) to 50mm (1.97”) • Continuous Pipe Section Capability

• Delta T: 200ºC (typical) / 250ºC (maximum) • Line Speeds: Typically 200 to 350m² per hour

Radyne applications engineers have the neccesary experience in the application of bespoke software which can be used to determine the operating performance, physical dimensions and hence the number of induction heating coils that are required to pre-heat a range of API pipe sizes prior to coating.

Inductotherm Heating & Welding Ltd Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8NA, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1256 335533 info@inductothermhw.co.uk www.inductothermhw.com

28 - 31 May 2012, Moscow STAND 7-6C01

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