TPi April 2008

developments products &

Efficient production of irrigation pipe

Yem will produce single-layer pipe made of PE-HD with a diameter between 70 and 160mm. The line is headed by a KraussMaffei Berstorff KME 75-36 B/R extruder with throughput up to 700kg/h. In addition to the QuickSwitch core components (pipehead, suction bell and calibration basket), the system also has a vacuum tank, spray baths, haul-off and cutting equipment modified for QuickSwitch dimension change. The QuickSwitch line allows Pancar Yem to change dimensions within minutes. This compares favourably with a conventional pipe extrusion line, where changing pipe dimensions involves the time and cost of changing components, stopping the line, lost production, the start-upprocess and thewaste produced as the line is restarted. QuickSwitch reduces these costs to a minimum. Drip irrigation systems are increasingly popular because they make effective use of water. As the name implies, water is dripped directly to the roots of each plant at a rate that exactly matches the needs of the plant. This highly

efficient use of water reduces water consumption and labour costs, power consumption and fertiliser use. At the same time, it increases fruit quality and quantity. KraussMaffei is a manufacturer of machines and systems for plastics and rubber processing, with three divisions – injection moulding technology, extrusion technology and reaction process machinery. The group offers a wide range of solutions that include specialised and fully integrated turnkey systems. KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH – Germany matthias.andreesen@kraussmaffei.com www.kraussmaffei.com New 130 amp bevel consumables Hypertherm has announced the addition of new 130 amp bevel consumables to its HyPerformance ® (HPR ™ ) Plasma family of products, which will allow lower power bevel cutting with the HPR130 and the HPR260. The addition of the new consumables will extend the existing bevel capabilities currently available by enabling high quality, full bevel cutting capabilities up to 45° on thin plate. The consumables, which will enable the cutting of both mild and stainless steel, are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to improve cut quality, consistency, and overall performance while lowering the operating cost of its systems. Dave LaPrade, business team leader of Hypertherm mechanised systems commented, “We believe the extension of these new 130 amp consumables to our already existing bevel product line will be very well received in a market that is looking for this capability.” Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced metal cutting systems for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing and automotive repair. Its product line

From June 2008, Pancar Yem in Konya/ Turkey will be producing irrigation pipe on a QuickSwitch extrusion line from KraussMaffei. Pancar Yem is a subsidiary of the agricultural conglomerate Konya Ş eker, one of Turkey’s largest sugar producers. The pipe produced by Pancar Yem will be deployed in Konya Ş eker’s company-owned sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. Because the irrigation systems need to be adapted to local situations, the pipes are produced in different dimensions and in relatively small batches. This makes KraussMaffei Berstorff’s QuickSwitch extrusion line an effective and cost saving solution. It allows Pancar Yem to meet requirements with very short lead times and low stock levels. On a QuickSwitch line, pipe dimensions can be changed automatically at the touch of a button within a matter of minutes, without interrupting production.

The QuickSwitch line that KraussMaffei Berstorff is commissioning for Pancar

Stainless steel specialist Jürgen Witte Nederland BV is well known in the market for stainless steel pipes and fittings. Being one of the largest German stockists for special grades, and due to close, long-standing contacts with well-known European manufacturers, the company can fulfil requirements and quickly realise special solutions. The company’s stock includes pipes, elbows 90°, 180°, SR, LR, 2.5xD, tees, reducers, stub ends, collars, flanges to ASME and DIN, and high pressure fittings 3,000 and 6,000 lb to ASME. Dimensions for seamless products include OD up to 8", partly up to 10", thin wall and heavy wall, sch 10s up to 80s, partly up to XXS. For welded products dimensions are OD up to 20", thin wall, sch10s and 40s. Seamless grades include 321/1.4541, 321H, 316Ti/1.4571, 904L/1.4539, duplex UNS S31803/1.4462 and 304H/1.4948. For welded products 904L/1.4539 and Duplex UNS S31803/1.4462 are available. The company mainly stocks products from manufacturers that are PED and AD-2000 approved. Most DIN positions are certified to AD-W2 resp VdTÜV. Jürgen Witte can also quote for other high quality grades, such as nickel alloys.

Jürgen Witte Nederland BV – Germany www.witte-nederland.de

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Tube Products International April 2008

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