TPT September 2013

Technology News

Laser measurement system monitors quality online

straightness of steel products,” said Frank Lohmann, who works in sales and distribution for the steel industry at LAP. “During the straightening process the pipe or rod turns at roughly 400 revolutions per minute on its longitudinal axis. The only logical solution therefore was to use our sensors to measure the straightness. We obtain this information by means of synchronised real-time measurement. For this measurement to be possible online, all sensors must be fully synchronised when the scan is in progress. Our STRAIGHTCHECK software provides data directly after the first straightening operation whether or not the product meets specifications. This also assures the production staff as it passes into other manufacturing processes. In general, no changes to existing production lines are required.” The laser measuring system can determine the straightness of extremely long pipes and rod steel, even for lengths up to 30m. To do so, the measuring range, ie the overall length of the products, is subdivided into one, two or three metres-long segments. These are then measured separately to determine straightness of the piece.

time and again. Does the straightened pipe satisfy the customer’s quality standards? Straightness is a significant criterion. If this is not satisfied, the rod steel or pipes cannot be sold. LAP has found a way around this problem with the STRAIGHTCHECK laser measurement system. This dispenses with time consuming and complex checks using a straight edge. The LAP solution can be integrated into the manufacturing process directly. Existing systems do not need to be adapted. “The METIS sensors in the STRAIGHTCHECK system measure the

AN immediate quality check directly after the straightening process has been completed is important in the steel industry. Thanks to LAP, the Lüneburg, Germany-based expert for laser mea- suring technology, the straightness of pipes and steel rod can nowbemeasured contactlessly. The STRAIGHTCHECK contactless measuring system by LAP provides pipe and rod manufacturers with great potential for online quality assurance – without time consuming manual measurement. Many pipe and rod steel manufacturers are confronted with the same problem

Tracking the straightening process

LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen – Germany Email: t.armbruster@lap-laser.com Website: www.lap-laser.com Secure solution for tube forming

can be carried out with high-strength materials and light construction components and, according to geometry, even independent of tools. Thus, the company offers pilot series or prototype production at minimum cost. At EMO (Machine Tool World Exposition) in Hanover, from 16 to 21 September, transfluid will be discussing this subject in Hall 4, Stand G25. transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH – Germany Websites: www.tube-processing-machines.com www.transfluid.de

are also employed in various customer projects. On request, the research department will test new forming geometries and efficient future tool concepts for their quality up to series maturity. Modern means of measurement, for example, a measuring station, which operates both optically and tactilely, ensure that components and tools are exactly measured and the results can be reliably documented. transfluid has created the opportunity for clients to precisely investigate and improve a pilot series without their own large machinery. The assessment

DEVELOPING new tube forming technology is often a frustrating process due to ever more complex requirements and smaller tolerances. However, the prototyping department of transfluid takes care of this problem efficiently. In the research department, components and tools up to 45mm pipe diameter can now be tested. Versatile testing is carried out on two axial forming machines, which offer up to 25 tons of forming force, and on a CNC-operated rotary forming machine. transfluid does not just deal with sampling of new developments for its own use. Highly precise forming tools

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S eptember 2013