TPT September 2013

Technology News

Flexible cutting robot MANUFACTURERS of offshore

Mr Kranendonk added: “We further extended the reach of the robot by placing it on a track, which results in an effective cutting area of 60 square metres. In this way, the robot can travel alongside large tubes and beams and make every possible cut.” Tubes up to 900mm in diameter can be fed through the floating chuck for cutting on both sides without reclamping, which saves time. Besides requiring flexibility, offshore manufacturers put high demands on the accuracy of cuts. If parts do not perfectly fit, manual welders have to spend hours to adjust the gaps. Mr Kranendonk said: “We implemented a smart measuring system that adjusts the cutting path to match the actual product. The laser calibrated robot adapts to any deviations that may occur. This technology results in perfectly cut material and better fits for connecting parts.” The system features open software, meaning that the end-user’s preferred cutting strategy can be incorporated

constructions require flexible automation for the variety of steel profiles they use. Tubes and H/I beams are used to create giant rigs, jack-ups and topsides. Kranendonk, the robot technology centre from Holland, introduces a new machine that offers great flexibility by cutting tubes as well as beams on the same system. “With the tube and beam cutting system, manufacturers of offshore constructions need only one investment to handle most of the steel profiles they use,” explained marketing manager Jan Kranendonk. “The production flow is improved as the system is able to proceed cutting while loading or unloading takes place at the other side. This multi-station setup saves in square metres as well.” Using a robot gives high flexibility for cutting complex shapes in large tubes and beams. The system processes tubes up to 2,300mm in diameter and beams up to a width of 1,250mm.

Cutting tubes and beams

in the set-up of the system. Thanks to automated programming, a CAD- interface and easy editing of parameters, there is no need for in-depth robot knowledge. Therefore, only one operator is needed to run the system. Kranendonk has more than 25 years of experience in robot cutting lines for the offshore industry.

Kranendonk – The Netherlands Website: www.kranendonk.com

SIDE LOADING FOR FAST TOOL CHANGE AND NO LIFTING REQUIRED • Infinitely adjustable expansion & reduction • High production capability TUBE END FORMING AV65

• Up to Ø 152mm • No tube clamping required • End form on or near bends • High quality build with practical platforms • Full 12 month warranty. • Twin Head Machines also available

Unit 24, Padgets Lane, South Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 0RB, England. T: +44 (0)1527 518520 E: info@avamatic.co.uk W: www.avamatic.co.uk Germany: Tel: 02150 2500 Netherlands/Belgium: Tel: (04756) 6888 USA: Tel: 708 272 7880

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S eptember 2013