TPI April 2009

Welded Tube

Investing in tube Tube Products of India is a manufacturer of precision welded tubes. Part of Tube Investments of India Ltd, the flagship company of the US$2.4 billion Murugappa Group, the company started in 1954 as a supplier of bicycle tubes to TI Cycles. Operating from four manufacturing locations in India and one in China, the company supplies precision welded tubes for boilers, air heaters, general engineering and automotive applications. The company exports tubes to North America, Canada, Australia, Europe and South East Asia, and has a marketing office in Chicago to facilitate close proximity to North American customers. Tube Products of India’s DOM tubes range from 10 to 101.6mm outer diameter, in thicknesses from 0.89 to 5.59mm. For ERW tubes, outer diameters range from 15.88 to 127mm, with a thickness range of 0.7 to 6mm. Expertise in developing customised processes for low and medium carbon steel enables the company to achieve strength levels of 1,800MPA. The company’s products are used in applications such as shock absorbers, hydraulic cylinders, propeller shafts, front forks and side impact beams. The company also supplies value added tubes and tubular components to automotive companies in India and the global market. Tube Investments of India – India info@tiindia.com www.tiindia.com

Laser welded tubes in stainless steel, pure nickel and nickel alloys Le Guellec has specialised in the cold drawing of precision tubes for over 60 years. The company’s versatile production equipment enables it to offer small, medium and large quantities within a wide size range (from 0.008" to 1" OD and 0.002" to 0.01" wall thickness). The company recently acquired a laser welding line dedicated to the production of thin and very thin walled small tubes in large volume.

concept by Hemisphere 4

Le Guellec can produce tubes as small as 0.008" OD S S

This machine is able to weld standard alloys such as stainless steel, and also exotic alloys such as pure nickel and nickel alloys. The welding quality is continuously controlled throughout production, tracking the welding system with eddy current testing. Laser welded tubing is cleaner, more concentric and does not need filler materials. The laser technology helps Le Guellec to obtain the finished product directly, making the company competitive where large volumes are involved. Due to this high volume capacity, the laser welding line can be very reactive and can adjust to requirements. Tubes are manufactured in continuous coils, but on request can also be delivered in straight lengths. The equipment obtained the accreditation of the aeronautics industry for the supply of heat exchanger tubes. It can also incorporate other elements into the tubing during processing, such as plastic jacket, wire, other tube alloys and other materials (ie composite tubes). For very thin wall small tubes running in large volumes, the laser welding solution is a top choice among design engineers.

Le Guellec SAS – France leguellec.tubes@leguellec.com • www.leguellec.com

. . . THE trade magazine for tube & pipe products, materials and ancillaries

www.read-tpi.com

44

Tube Products International April 2009

www.read-tpi.com