TPT November 2009

T echnology U pdate

Forming and welding bench for composite pipe

MAILLEFER multi-layer composite pipe manufacturing systems for PEX AL PEX pipes. The Swiss company has recently introduced new aluminium forming and welding bench components into its PCL lines. The company claims that, in comparison with what’s available in the market, it has shorter setup times, improved weld control and reduced maintenance qualify. All new PCL lines offered include the latest technology and the equipment is also available as an upgrade to existing lines. The calibration, forming, welding and compression components are mounted on three modular benches. The components are delivered pre-aligned on the modules in order to accelerate tooling set-up and reduce the risk of misalignment over time. All component parts are either in aluminium or specially treated steel to protect them from oxidation. The modules combine the following process steps: edge cutter and excess strip chopper; forming; and welding and compression. The edge cutter trims the aluminium strip to the exact width required. A special entry guide locks the strip in place, thus eliminating lateral movement. The guidance system has an adjustment point for fine positioning of the strip and the provides DURING the production of functional laser optics as well as for the development of innovative products in the optics industry it is necessary to precisely determine the purity of optical materials. This need for preciseness and sensitivity has increased dramatically over time, especially for optimisedmaterials of high quality. These materials include various quartz glasses, crystals and numerous other optical glasses, which also serve as carrier materials for quality coatings. In order to determine the quality of laser optics, the Laser Zentrum Hannover EV (LZH) has developed a laser calorimeter that is able to measure the absorption of light in the material. Specific advantages of the device are its high sensitivity, absolute calibration and a wide spectral range of the test wavelength. By using a precise temperature measurement of the material, the laser calorimeter is able to detect an absolute absorption of <1ppm (one millionth of the

cutting tools are easy to put in place and require little maintenance. The excess strip chopper is a standalone component mounted on the bench. The trimmed excess of the strip is cut into small pieces with a new style cutter, which was designed to eliminate jams caused by excess trim pieces. The cutting tools can be swapped out quickly. The excess strip chopper with its individual controls is also available as a retrofit in existing lines. A capstan is integrated directly into the bench for a more compact line length and no risk of misalignment. The forming bench accepts the usual aluminum strip found in composite pipe, plus it can also work with copper and stainless steel. Depending on the pipe constructions required, more than one strip thickness can be formed. The switch from one thickness to another is done rapidly, by swapping in spacer blocks for the specified thickness. A feed guide simplifies inner pipe insertion for the operator during start-up and pipe introduction becomes a smooth and sure operation. Either TIG or laser welding is offered with the Maillefer bench. In the case of TIG, a quick change system for replacing irradiated laser power). This preciseness can detect the smallest absorption data deriving from surfaces, coatings or impurities in the material. Absorption measurements with laser wavelengths between 193nm and 2,000nm are possible. In addition, the range between 670nm and 2,200nm is completely accessible. Measured data can be used to optimise the material, machining and coating processes. Thus, continuous improvement of respective characteristics of laser optics is possible. The laser calorimeter is industrially available at the LZH in customer-specific versions. Also, the LZH offers services for absorption measurements for a variety of laser beam sources for various industrial applications. Laser Zentrum Hannover EV – Germany

a used electrode is available. Once the change occurs, a new electrode is then placed in reserve by the operator. Brushless contacts are used to ground the formed pipe to earth during welding. The result is a maintenance free system, with no wear, no arcing and no dust. The camera is positioned before the welding point, not after. The monitor offers a clear visual control on the joining of the butt edges. Finally, the compression tools make up the last components of the bench and they include an opening and closing mechanism for easy feeding the pipe during start-up. Maillefer SA – Switzerland Fax +41 21 691 2143 Email: info@maillefer.net Website: www.mailleferextrusion.com

 The Maillefer multi-layer pipe system

Measuring optical purity precisely

Tube mill electrodes DIAMONDGroundProducts, UK, specialises in electrodes for the welding process. Welders can spend thousands of dollars on welding equipment, but if they do not select and prepare their electrodes properly, then their welding results can be poor, inconsistent or problematic. Diamond Ground Products claims that its Tube Mill electrodes can improve weld quality and productivity, by offering CNC- machined, high-quality and long lasting electrodes suitable for tube manufacture. The company states that it is dedicated to the improvement of weld quality and welder productivity. The company’s ongoing management philosophy is to provide quality products and receptive service. Diamond Ground Products Ltd – UK Fax: +44 1480 453649 Email: sales@diamondground.co.uk Website: www.diamondground.co.uk

Fax: +49 51127 88100 Email: m.botts@lzh.de Website: www.lzh.de

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N ovember 2009

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