TPT March 2007

Technology Update

Advanced Feed System enables full automation

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, 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

Scotchman Industries Inc – USA Fax : +1 800 843 5545 Email : sales@scotchman.com Website : www.scotchman.com

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 › The Advanced Feed System from Scotchman Industries

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 : info@ttool.com Website : www.thermatool.com Inductotherm HWT (Thermatool Europe) – UK Email : info@ihwtech.co.uk Website : www.inductotherm-hwt.co.uk

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 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’s ‘Compact’ series of tube-machining cells inserts or with chip-less cutting disks, reducing the tool cost per piece.

Reika GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax : +49 2331 969 036 • Email : info@reika.de • Website : www.reika.de

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