Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

International Metal Tube Volume 2 Issue 8

___Magazine Data___

NEWS ROUND UP • GLOBAL NEWS ROUND UP • GLOBAL NEWS ROUND UP • GLOBAL NEWS RO Comment As yet another Tube Dusseldorf exhibition looms, many companies are already planning what new products or equipment they will display at the industries premier event. New developments are seen as key to the continuation of metal tube & pipe production and processing and I would urge all our readers to pre-register for Tube Dusseldorf via www.tube.de/static/tube/start/index1.html . As the current feeling is that improvement within the manufacturing sector continues, many of those companies who had been forced to shelve or postpone developments are now once again looking forwards. Events such as Dusseldorf, show significant investment by companies who wish to be seen as proactive in terms of securing future contracts/orders coupled with the need to be seen as still supplying metal tube and pipe producers & processors with the equipment or products required. In the next issue of IMT (February/March), we will bring you some highlights from companies exhibiting at Tube Dusseldorf and the types of technology and products on display. Our aim is give you a flavour of what you can expect to see and discuss rather than an endless list of company names and booth numbers, this is best left to the organisers Messe Dusseldorf and I would urge you to visit the shows home page to get the very latest and most up to date information: www.tube.de/static/tube/start/index1.html . Vince Maynard IMT Contact Information PUBLICATION MANAGER & EDITORIAL CONTROLLER Vince Maynard +44 (0) 1732 505724 Mobile +44 (0) 7747 002286 Fax +44 (0) 1732 860052 imtmagazine@btopenworld.com EDITORIAL ADVISOR Dave Richmond editorial@internationalmetaltube.com TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS EDITOR David Young editorial@internationalmetaltube.com CIRCULATION June Bray Fax 01268 711567 PUBLISHER - PAUL BARRETT hartswoodmedia@aol.com REPRO BY Anton Print Solutions antonprint1@btconnect.com www.antonprintsolutions.co.uk DIGITAL CONVERSION BY Print to Digital PRINTED BY Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5HX. Tel: 02392 661485 PUBLISHED BY Hartswood Media Hallmark House 25 Downham Road Ramsden Heath Essex CM11 1PU United Kingdom T- + 44 (0) 1268 711560 F- + 44 (0)1268 711567 www.internationalmetaltube.com www.internationalmetaltube.com IMT December 09/January 2010 1 10 Industry News Products & Equipment News 29 Tube Measurement 32 People Industry and academics are working in Unison The University of Hull is helping a high-tech metalworking machinery business to expand internationally, as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, which links UK businesses and universities. Scarborough based Unison Ltd manufactures tube bending machinery for a variety of high-precision applications in industrial sectors including automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding. As part of the KTP programme, Unison has employed business school graduate Shona Lloyd, who graduated in 2005. Her core role is the development of a marketing strategy that takes into account both the evolving geographic and sales opportunities for Unison's product portfolio, and the company's expertise in designing and manufacturing all-electric metalworking machinery. "As well as focusing on developing a new marketing strategy for this enterprising business, I will be studying for my Masters degree using Unison as the heart of my dissertation, which will be really rewarding," commented Shona Lloyd, “and this new KTP project offers me the chance to experience a different sector, and with the backing of the University, get my teeth into an important long-range project, so I leapt at the opportunity." Company profile Unison is a world leader in tube bending and end-forming technology. Founded in 1973 to design and build computerised control systems for industrial processes, the company rapidly gained specialist knowledge of automated tube bending. In 1995 it launched its first proprietary all-electric tube bending machine; today the company produces a wide range of servo-controlled machines, spanning tube diameters from 6-170mm. Applications involving small batch sizes, expensive materials, and high bending precision are key markets for its machines. Based at Scarborough, North Yorkshire, the company is the UK's only manufacturer of CNC tube bending equipment. Over the past decade it has consistently pushed the boundaries of this technology: among its latest advances are a laser measurement system that dynamically measures the accuracy of bend angles and automatically compensates for any errors. Unison's marketing director, Peter Wilkinson, added: "We are delighted to have Shona Lloyd onboard and welcome the opportunity to engage with the fresh thoughts and ideas that she brings. Her experience and expertise will help Unison to investigate new international opportunities and shape our product in the future." John Munro, lecturer in Marketing and Business at Hull University Business School in Scarborough, is supervising the KTP on behalf of the University. "Needless to say, we are delighted that a graduate from the business school has been appointed and I look forward to working with Shona over the coming months." This KTP project is one of a number organised by the University’s Knowledge Exchange, which co-ordinates business activity for the University. KTPs are part-funded by the Government and are open to organisations of any size which have a feasible strategic need. More information on Unison Ltd at tel: +44( 0) 1723 582868 enquiries@unisonltd.com www.unisonltd.com More information regarding KTPs at the University of Hull, please contact Liz Ringrose on tel: +44 (0)1482 464909 or l.ringrose@hull.ac.uk Product pirates blight the valve industry P iracy is on the increase – and not only on the world’s seas. Copying brand products has long been big business and has, as a result, become a massive predicament for the world’s economies. If you add to this the acute problems caused by intellectual property theft, industry can, and will, benefit from the protection of recently introduced international initiatives designed to contain the situation. The best case scenario is where product pirates are caught. Rotork, the UK manufacturer of valve actuators, successfully took an Asian company to court for contravening design rights, copyright laws and trademark laws. The product pirates were then forced to take down their stands at trade fairs in both Germany and the Netherlands. Rotork is not an isolated case. Affected companies, in order to protect their products and avoid sales losses, are taking legal action in an attempt to stop counterfeiting. However, companies generally try to avoid publicising the fact that they themselves have been victims, fearing a damaged reputation can cause a further reduction in turnover. The increasing threats of product piracy are no longer a marginal phenomenon. A paper titled “Intellectual Property Protection – Manufacturing Industry’s Options to Combat Product Piracy” has also come to the same conclusion. This form of business crime is currently estimated to cost companies 660 billion euro, which amounts to nine per cent of the world trade volume. Mechanical and plant engineering, and therefore the valve industry, has been particularly hard hit by the development. In particular complete machines are being imitated but, so are spare parts and components. German companies are frequent victims of the product pirates. The estimated annual loss totals approximately seven billion euros as reported by the VDMA. According to the VDMA investigation, the biggest loser, as far as product piracy is concerned, is the valve industry, which loses 60 million euros per annum alone, actuators being the second most seriously affected area. Successful searches for bogus machines and components have occasionally been made at trade fairs, and as a result, counterfeiters can be easily seized and their operation closed down.. Andreas von Kiparski, the CEO of Flowserve Flow Control GmbH, has a sense of “satisfaction” when learning in the media that customs officials were again successful in catching product pirates. He is delighted to see that the controls have been tightened, but he still does not feel that the measures to combat the wrongdoers are having any lasting success. “Greater political pressure has to be put on countries where product piracy is prevalent.” A large percentage of the imitations and counterfeits stems from China. According to a survey made by the VDMA, China was named by 71 per cent of the affected companies as being the country where the imitations originated, followed by Taiwan (12 per cent), India (11) and South Korea (10). Infringements are made primarily against patent rights followed by breaches of brand rights, utility patents and registered designs. Nevertheless, von Kiparski sees that “a start has been made” the biggest loser is the valve industry, which loses 60 million euros per annum alone, actuators ‘ being the second most seriously affected area ’ by governments in countries like China to make a determined effort to get to grips with counterfeiters. This will only happen when each and every company becomes fully aware of the effects of product piracy. Illegal business methods should not be tolerated, and are the reason why the EU commission has set up the European Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy. The new institution will take action against counterfeiting and other violations to intellectual property rights. The German federation has launched the “Pro Original” – “Choose the original – choose success” campaign to make people aware of the counterfeiting problem. Bayer Technology Service has for example developed a process which is able to register and recognise the natural surface structure of an object. Key word: individual safety feature – so that there is no future for people doing business under false pretences. Sick AG, a German manufacturer of sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications in plant and process automation, has devised solutions to detect visible and invisible markings. A new process to identify valves in valve terminal systems has been developed by Bosch Rexroth. Product piracy has hit the industrial valve industry in a number of different ways, yet it is here that Flowserve GmbH sees an opportunity. Whenever there is a counterfeiter induced loss of markets in the low end sector, an innovation further up the ladder can lead to a new market being created. Especially as high end quality technology is “not so easy to copy.” Disassembling and reassembling high end valves is a complex process as it is difficult to adjust the various pressures, temperatures and revolutions so that the valve can perform properly. But the most effective solutions are maybe to be found in the countries where product piracy is most prevalent. Asian countries, in the view of experts, are making technological advances at an ever faster rate. They are increasingly being confronted by counterfeiting activities in their own country which in turn makes them more sensitive to the problem. Product piracy will diminish when great strides in technology are made in the same nations. Petra Hartmann-Bresgen Kathrin Kleophas tel: +49 (0)211/4560-541 tel: +49 (0)211/4560-544 fax: +49 (0)211/4560-87 541 fax: +49 (0)211/4560-87 544 HartmannP@messe-duesseldorf.de US Aerospace tubing manufacturer first to attain Nadcap accreditation Salisbury, MD - January 5, 2010- Plymouth Tube Company's - Salisbury Mill - has attained Nadcap accreditation for both heat treating and material testing laboratories. The Salisbury mill is the first North American tubing manufacturer to earn the dual accreditation from Nadcap for seamless stainless aerospace tubing. By manufacturing in accordance with Nadcap approved processes, Plymouth assures its customers around the globe they are purchasing materials produced and tested to the highest standards set by the industry. Nadcap accreditation is becoming widely accepted as the standard in the worldwide aerospace industry. The audits at Plymouth Tube - Salisbury were performed by PRI (Performance Review Institute). In addition to Nadcap the Salisbury mill also is certified under ISO9001:2008 and AS9100 surveillance (International Aerospace Quality Management Systems). To meet these standards, process controls and testing procedures are utilized to insure proper heat treatment of materials, eliminating the chance of inner granular corrosion thereby reducing the risk of field failures. Plymouth's customers' further benefit from these process controls as it provides tubing that demonstrates uniform, repeatable mechanical properties, resulting in improved downstream fabricating processes. Steve Bohnenkamp, VP Sales & Marketing at Plymouth Tube said, "We have been providing high quality tubing to the aerospace industry since the 1920's. Earning Nadcap accreditation for both heat treating and material lab testing reinforces our long term commitment to being a leading supplier of tubing and special shapes to the global aerospace industry." More information on Plymouth Tube at: tel: 001 630 791 2831 or Andy Millett ptca@plymouth.com COPRA® Technology Roll Forming the Future data M Sheet Metal Solutions GmbH Am Marschallfeld 17 83626 Valley Germany Tel: +49 (0) 8024 / 640 -0 Fax: +49 (0) 8024 / 640 -300 e-mail: datam@data-m.com http://www.data-m.com www.roll-design.com Roll forming website Formtek launch their new roll forming web resource This new site is a resource for information about roll forming. From equipment and tooling, to product consideration when evaluating the manufacturing process. The information on the site is built from our long experience specifying roll forming applications, as well as engineering and manufacturing solutions for our customers. Additionally, the site includes a detailed request for quotation page, where customers can submit detailed information about their roll formed product, and upload CAD or PDF drawings. Formtek, as part of our comprehensive plan to meet or exceed the heightened demands of the roll forming industry, has taken delivery of a new five-axis, dual-chuck, machining center for its Cleveland location. This addition, along with their existing CNC equipment and other machines currently on order, will enable Formtek to produce roll tooling more efficiently, by eliminating many of the time-consuming steps currently involved in tooling manufacture, while simultaneously increasing the quality and consistency of the tooling produced. Along with our manufacturing cap­abilities, we have four full-time engineers and multiple technicians available to design, test and provide on-site services. We offer in house design and manufacture, test and strip development facilities and a competitive turnround on orders. Feel free to visit our new website, or send us an email with any questions. We appreciate your existing business and look forward to continued work with you in the future. More information on the Formtek Group Or contact Dawn Studniarz on tel: 001 216 292 4460 DStudniarz@formtekgroup.com www.rolltooling.com BSG – 1st Chinese manufacturer of stretch-reduced welded tubes Taifeng Steel chooses Weldac Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG in Hilden / Germany received an order to supply a Stretch Reducing Block and a Rotating Hot Saw which are the core of the new continuous production plant. The order was placed by China National Petroleum Corporation for the construction of a new welding tube plant at its subsidiary Baoji Petroleum Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. in Baoji / China. Baoji Petroleum Steel Pipe was originally founded in 1958 and at that time, BSG was the first Chinese manufacturer of tubes using the submerged arc welding method, and the company nowadays produces 1.25 million tons of steel tubes per year. With this new welding tube plant, BSG leads the way for tube production in China and will be the first manufacturer of welded and stretch reduced tubes. The new plant layout will allow for a continuous tube welding and stretch reduction. After completion, the new plant will produce up to 300.000 t/a of high-quality welded tubes with excellent tolerances and perfect material properties. The range of products includes tubes within a diameter range of 60.3 to 177.8 mm with wall thicknesses of 4.83 to 13.72 mm according to international standards for applications in the oil and gas industry. The 3-roll Stretch Reducing Block in "Star Drive" design, which will be used for the first time in a tube welding plant, will roll all finished sizes out of only one mother size of 193,7 mm diameter. The SRB will be designed for the use of up to 24 non-adjustable and adjustable stands with a nominal roll diameter of 360 mm. The last three stands used in the block are adjustable finishing stands, the other stands are non­adjustable reducing stands. The quick change system for the stands and the roll shop will considerably reduce the required quantity of changing stands for optimum production. The Rotating Hot Saw type RHS 1000, will be installed between the SRB and the cooling bed, and will allow the production of different tube lengths with tightest length tolerances. Thus, complicated batch conveyors and saws behind the cooling bed can be omitted and this reduces the investment and maintenance costs. Supervision of assembly and commissioning, and the training of operators as well as the transmission of process ‘know­how’ are also the responsibility of Friedrich Kochs GmbH. Commissioning of the new tube mill is planned for the second half of 2011. Jörg von der Heiden Marketing Manager Freidrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG tel: +49 2103 79 01 51 fax: +49 2103 54 028 v.d.Heiden@kocks.de welder from EFD Induction Major Chinese steelmaker Taifeng Steel has purchased a Weldac induction welder from EFD Induction. The system will be used to weld 219 x 10 tubes for the domestic and overseas automotive industry. The Weldac, which is to be installed at Taifeng Steel’s new mill in Xintai in the eastern province of Shandong, is the first to be assembled and tested at EFD Induction’s own Chinese facilities. Commenting on the sale, Climber Zhao of EFD Induction in China, said: “The purchase is of course a sign of Taifeng Steel’s trust and confidence in EFD Induction’s capabilities, but it is also an indication that the automotive sector is recovering from a difficult past two years.” According to Zhao, Taifeng Weldac 600 Steel were particularly impressed by EFD Induction’s manufacturing and support facilities in China. “Previously, all Weldac systems sold in China were assembled and tested by EFD Induction in Europe. So this sale to Taifeng Steel represents a real milestone in the development of EFD Induction in China.” The Weldac 600 from EFD Induction is a single-cabinet converter that delivers a constant power factor of 0.95 at all power levels. Automatic load matching ensures full output power across a range of tube sizes. The system uses rugged, short circuit-resistant IGBT transistors for exceptionally high uptime and output. Each EFD Induction Weldac comes with a five-year warranty for its inverter modules, including driver cards. More information on EFD Induction on tel: 0047 3550 6060 ow@efdgroup.net www.efd-induction.com Emerson announce 2010 web seminars programme Emerson’s web seminars demonstrate how wireless and digital technologies enable easier and more profitable operations Emerson Process Management announces an extensive 2010 programme of free web seminars that focus on the use of smart technologies within the process industry. The programme follows on from the highly successful series of events in 2009 when hundreds of delegates were shown how Emerson’s Smart Wireless technologies could be applied to enable operational improvements. The new programme runs from February to May 2010 and covers six key topics including Smart Wireless and I/O options such as the latest electronic marshalling, a powerful new technology that streamlines design and installation for users. Each webinar is in English and is repeated on consecutive days to accommodate multiple locations and time zones. To join, delegates need to register in advance at www.EmersonProcess.eu/Wireles sWebinar The 45 minute webinars will use typical applications based on existing installations to demonstrate how digital technologies such as wireless can improve plant efficiency; increase the effectiveness of operations and maintenance staff, and provide advanced warning of problems before they have a negative effect on the process. Tailored to the needs and interests of plant management, projects, operations, and maintenance personnel across the process industry, the seminars will be fully interactive, enabling delegates to pose questions directly to the presenters during the event. The programme starts on Feb 1st and 2nd with ‘(Doing) More with Less’ which focuses on the challenge that all producers face to do more with less. Next in the series on February 15th and 16th is ‘Wireless in Projects – A Faster, Cheaper, Manageable Infrastructure’. This is followed on March 1st and 2nd by ‘Improving Production with Wireless’ which focuses on the dramatic improvements that the use of wireless technologies can make to production. The programme continues on March 15th and 16th with ‘More Reliability and Less Maintenance with Wireless’ which covers maintenance effectiveness and efficiency. On April 12th and 13th ‘I/O on Demand: Decide what type of I/O you want on your project’ looks at various I/O options including the latest electronic marshalling, a powerful new technology that streamlines design and installation for users. Finally, on May 17th and 18th will be ‘Digital Oilfield of the Future’. This webinar will look at the effects of changes in the way people are working on a day-to­day basis to produce oil and gas in a more efficient way. More information on Emerson Process management infocentral@ ap.emersonprocess.com www.EmersonProcess.eu/ WirelessWebinar Tube bending tours T he pioneer of all-electric tube bending machinery, Unison, has announced a new series of tours of engineering companies in the UK. These will demonstrate how manufacturers can reap productivity benefits from the precision and flexibility of servomotor-controlled tube bending technology. Four tours are scheduled for February, March, May and July in 2010. Each event will include visits to two advanced tube bending users, plus a tour of the Advanced Manufacturing Products, a large metalworking Research Centre (AMRC), and a subcontractor which operates technical tube bending workshop at extensively in the furniture Unison's facility. marketplace. It will allow users to The next tour will include a see several different types of all-visit to Ilkley-based Olicana electric tube benders, including Chicago tube mills opt for EFD Induction Weldac systems EFD Induction recently delivered have a single footprint layout, two of its Weldac 600 kW high automatic load matching, and frequency induction IGBT tube customized control packages welders to Chicago area tube offers a very wide range of mills. Both systems replaced operational flexibility. The use of older vacuum tube technology in IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar existing tube mills. Transistors) for the high The Chicago area tube frequency switching allows for producers will use the EFD maximum ruggedness in the area Induction Weldacs to weld tube to of power electronics for solid-customer and industry standards. state high frequency tube Both systems delivered can utilize welding. Along with the good the contact welding method or the power factor rating, high induction coil welding method. electrical efficiency and high Commenting on the delivery, current handling capabilities of Mark Andrus of EFD Induction in the Weldac, tube production and the US said: “The customers quality can be increased. have chosen our equipment based on the welders high More information on EFD efficiency, uptime performance, Induction Weldac systems and excellent EFD Induction contact: customer support. In addition, Mark Andrus, EFD Induction USA these customers now have tel: +1 248 658 0723 reported gains in weld quality”. tel (mob): +1 248 217 6146 The EFD Induction Weldac man@us.efdgroup.net 600 high frequency tube welders www.efd-induction.com controlled bending offers a range of advantages compared with traditional hydraulically-powered machinery, including very fast and repeatable set-up that can virtually eliminate scrap, precise and flexible control over the complete bending cycle, and energy savings," says Unison's Alan Pickering. "All-electric machines can pay for themselves in weeks, and these tours are designed to demonstrate their capability first-hand - from the twin head machines and a fully perspective of clever users." automated 'lights out' cell for high volume production runs that More information on Unison Ltd performs automatic tube loading, shonal@unisonltd.com bending, punching and offloading www.unisonltd.com "All-electric, servomotor- ISO 9001:2008 quality certification for Acciaitubi SPA ACCIAITUBI SPA, has recently been awarded full CERMET authorisation to meet all the stringent requirements demanded by full UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 certification. The long established Company from Lecco, Italy, is delighted to have gained this recognition, and it continues the drive to achieve the highest quality control standards since acquiring its first Quality Audit in 1987. First class quality control is an essential element of Acciaitubi spa’s continuing business success in recent years. Acciaitubi is a European Leader maintaining consistently high in the welded steel tubes and has quality standards are the best recently appointed Dr. Paolo Maggi guarantee of product integrity we as new General Manager. can offer our clients. “With forty years experience spent in building up our position in More information on Acciaitubi the European markets” Dr. Marco spa on Berera, CEO of Acciaitubi spa, tel: 0039 (0)341 227311 says “we recognise that by info@acciaitubi.it A t Tube 2010 in Düsseldorf, LAP will present laser systems for inline measurement of the diameter, straightness and contour of tubes. LAP is for the first time showcasing its new “ProfileCheck” system, a light-section based profile measuring solution for cold and hot applications. It is the ideal solution for rolling mill operators looking for a way to measure with utmost accuracy the entire profile around the complete circumference of the rolling stock. Another novelty is the “StraightCheck” system, an inline straightness gauge that derives the straightness values from measurements of the tube diameter. Also on display will be the complete array of systems for the measurement of tube and wire diameters. The LAP systems are designed for a wide range of different measuring tasks and individual line-specific factors. For example, the Antaris Scan laser scanners will be on display, as well as camera systems with a backlight unit and the laser scan micrometers of the new Metis series. These developed for a wide span of diameters from just a few millimeters through to more than one meter. Fair visitors will also have the opportunity to see a presentation of the new tube end gauge which checks the tube ends for API-compliance. While being mounted on the arm of a robot, a laser triangulation sensor measures the inner and outer contours and the wall thickness of tube ends during a 360-degree turn of the robot arm. More information on LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen contact: tel: +49.4131.951195 fax: +49.4131.951196 email: steel@lap-laser.com www.lap.laser.com Or meet us at Tube 2010 Hall 07a Stand B11 Company profile Since 1984 LAP has supplied laser-based systems for high-precision measurements of geometric dimensions, such as position, width, thickness, length, diameter and flatness, in industrial production. LAP systems excel at providing ultra-precise measurement results under harshest operating conditions. Among our regular customers are leading steel makers such as Baosteel, Posco, ThyssenKrupp Steel and Vallourec & Mannesmann. Zumbach Electronics introduces large-field diameter scanner with HLF technology For the first time a measuring head is now available offering highly accurate OD measurements of pipe and other products up to a diameter of approx. 500 mm. Systems in static or oscillating configuration are available for hot or cold processes. The number of measuring axes can be 1 or up to 6. Based on the experience with over 60'000 ODAC® laser scanners, and, with many systems in the area of seamless pipe and other products, ZUMBACH has developed the new ODAC® 550 HLF for big diameters, widths, heights, diagonals etc. This technical breakthrough eliminates all previous problems with large product systems. At the heart of the development is a new and unique optical system for collimation and scanning. This hi-tech system generates an absolutely parallel (telecentric) measuring field and supplies 1000 calibrated measurements per second (CSS = Calibrated Single Scan). Accurate measurements will be generated, regardless of product position in the measuring field. It also makes large emitter-receiver separations of 2 meters or more possible. Outstanding Features: • Large 550 mm measuring field without dead zone • Absolute parallel scanning • Top accuracy and stability, typically within 0.01 mm • No position error • Very large emitter-receiver separation possible• 1000 calibrated measurements • Extremely high scanning speed (more than 1020 m/s = Mach ) The above features open many new solutions for hot rolling, cold rolling/forming/welding applications as well as for other processes with difficult environments and allow for tighter product specifications. More information on Zumbach at: tel: +41 (0)32 356 04 00 fax: +41 (0)32 356 04 30 www.zumbach.com On-line monitoring and control equipment for over 50 years A pioneer of on-line measurement, Zumbach manufactures a comprehensive range of non-contact, on-line measuring and control instruments. Our technology is in use world-wide for such dimensional parameters as diameter, thickness, eccentricity, out-of-round and for physical or electrical parameters like expansion, capacitance, dielectric strength, and more. Typical areas where Zumbach systems are used are hot rolling mills for wire steel rod, profiles and seamless pipes, for the manufacture of welded pipes, test stands (NDT) as well as all cold processes, like peeling, grinding, straightening, polishing, etc. Besides the steel & metal industry, Zumbach technology is used successfully in the cable industry for all kinds of wire and cables, as well as in the plastic and rubber industry, for the extrusion of pipe, tubing and profiles by thousands of customers around the world, all who rely on the quality and reliability of our instruments and systems: Customer proximity through presence and human contact combined with highest quality standards for product, consulting, and service. Today, the Zumbach group is represented on all continents, as well as over 40 sales and service centres worldwide. As a result, we can offer a truly global ‘hands on’ service to all our customers, no matter where they are located. More Information on the Zumbach Group at www.zumbach.com tel: +41 32 356 0400 email: sales@zumbach.ch Swagelok introduces new compact guage valve Complete connectability from SMC Lightweight and compact, the new Swagelok® compact gauge valve is designed with a smaller footprint and for maximum performance. The design provides quick, convenient access for the isolation and venting of pressure gauges. The valve can be used with Swagelok pressure gauges. The pressure gauges are positionable with tube adapter ends, eliminating threaded connections and leak points. The smaller, lightweight footprint reduces the need for supports, which place additional stress on a system. A streamlined body features Swagelok tube Company profile Headquartered in Solon, Ohio, USA, Swagelok Company is a major developer and provider of fluid system solutions, including products, assemblies, and services for the research, instrumentation, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, power, petrochemical, alternative fuels and semiconductor industries. Its manufacturing, research, technical support and distribution facilities support a global network of more than 200 authorised sales and service centres in 57 countries. fitting end connections for leak­ “Gauge tight performance, reduced maintenance installation time and cost, plus can be very time robust tube grip and vibration consuming and resistance. operators want The design incorporates a to avoid purge valve for easy bleeding of unnecessary trapped fluid pressure between downtime with the valve seat and gauge upon their process shutoff. The purge valve is lines,” said Mike machined directly onto the body, Adkins, product eliminating potential leak points manager, valves while allowing the user to safely for Swagelok release the fluid before removing Company. “By the gauge. A permanently incorporating assembled purge cap is crimped both an integral to the valve body for operator purge valve and safety and to prevent accidental tube fitting end disassembly. connections, we are reducing leak potential and installation time for greater efficiency.” Available with either ½ in. or 12 mm Swagelok tube fitting end connections, the Swagelok compact gauge valve is constructed from 316 stainless steel. The valve is rated for temperatures up to 450°F (232°C) depending on stem and packing. A soft-seat stem with PCTFE stem tip is available, and users can choose from UHMWPE, PFA, or PEEK packing. The valve is rated for pressures up to 4,000 psig (275 bar). More information on Swagelok at: tel: +1 440-349-5934 www.swagelok.com Machine builders incorporating pneumatically operated components in their designs, now have access to even more tubing and fitting options following the production of the latest Pneumatic Piping Equipment (PPE) Catalogue from SMC, world leaders in pneumatics. Containing comprehensive details on SMC´s extensive fittings, tubing and speed controller ranges, this 218 page catalogue is literally packed with everything you could possibly need for perfect connectability. Split into three product sections, using an easy to reference coloured photo index, the PPE catalogue particularly highlights SMC’s extremely popular Series KQ2 one-touch fittings, which offer quick and easy tube insertion and release without the need for tools. Providing leak-free sealing under positive and negative pressure without any reduction to flow - a common occurrence when using compression fittings - the KQ2 range includes 50 body shapes and accommodates tubing from 2mm to 16mm diameter and equivalent imperial bore sizes. The PPE catalogue also provides details on SMC´s 17 standard and specialist tubing products, including their top selling Series TU polyurethane tubing range which is now available in 29 colour variations. Also containing details of SMC´s special made- to-order fittings ranges, plus a general user guide highlighting the most suitable products for clean room, corrosion and heat resistant and antistatic applications, this catalogue is a complete solution to all pneumatic connection needs. More information on SMC´s Pneumatic Piping Equipment catalogue at tel: 0845 121 5122 phumphreys@ smcpneumatics.co.uk www.smcpneumatics.co.uk Emerson’s 475 field communicator adds powerful valve diagnostic capabilities Temperature measurement mysteries explained with new ABB handbook Emerson announces the release of the 475 Field Communicator 3.2, which includes the new ValveLink™ Mobile application. ValveLink Mobile allows users to access predictive diagnostics from Fisher® FIELDVUE™ digital valve controllers in the field and transfer the results to AMS™ Suite, the industry-leading predictive maintenance application, for in-depth analysis and documentation. The 475 Field Communicator provides universal support for all HART®, WirelessHART™ and FOUNDATION™ fieldbus devices, and is intrinsically safe so it can be used anywhere in the plant. ValveLink Mobile provides an easy-to-use tool for start-up, commissioning, and diagnosing FIELDVUE instruments in the field. As part of the 475 Field Communicator, it provides fast, touch screen access to key maintenance and troubleshooting tools. Diagnostic data can be viewed and stored locally as well as uploaded to AMS Suite for additional evaluation and diagnosis. Following a task-based approach to the human interface, ValveLink Mobile simplifies access to data with minimal clicks of the touch screen and the use of flick, zoom in, and zoom out features. Users can follow simple instructions to set up and calibrate valves and run diagnostics such as Stroke Valve, Step Response, and Valve Signature on the entire valve assembly. “By adding advanced valve diagnostic capabilities to the 475 Field Communicator, Emerson has again raised the standard for handheld communicators,” said Craig Llewellyn, president of Emerson’s Asset Optimisation business. “We continue to develop innovative ways that enable workers to be more productive in the field and easily integrate their field work into the bigger asset management picture. This seamless flow of information from handhelds to maintenance and reliability applications is another step in solidifying the connection between the plant floor and plant management.” ValveLink Mobile is available for all 475 Field Communicator and 375 Field Communicator users who have an active Easy Upgrade licence. A comprehensive new handbook covering all aspects of temperature measurement in industrial applications is now available from ABB. The Industrial Temperature Measurement Practice handbook provides a detailed explanation of the key areas that users need to consider when implementing and operating temperature measurement technology. Divided into nine chapters, the handbook explains the basics of temperature measurement, covering topics such as the thermoelectric effect and temperature dependent Ohmic resistance. The handbook continues by detailing the variety of temperature sensor options and their suitability for certain processes. All aspects are covered, including the possible errors and corrective measures associated with sensors, providing users with a detailed insight into how best to use sensors within their processes. Written by ABB's temperature experts, the guide is suitable for both novices and those with more experience in temperature measurement, explaining the key measurement principles and how best to apply ABB's technology to best effect. With over 125 years experience ABB has established a reputation as a leader in temperature measurement, with equipment installed in thousands of applications worldwide across a variety of industries. For your free PDF copy of the handbook, email: moreinstrumentation@ gb.abb.com tel: 0870 600 6122 ref. ‘Temperature Handbook', together with your name, company and address details. Simple and affordable laser cutting Small, light, easy to use, inexpensive and high-precision: these are perhaps the most important characteristics of the latest development from TRUMPF. The TruLaser 1030, which was unveiled at Blechexpo 2009, is more than just TRUMPF’s newest laser cutting system, it also offers manufacturers the ability to pursue new business opportunities. Fits into a container The compact TruLaser 1030 can be packed into a single standard container and transported very easily on a hook into the machine hall. It has a footprint of just 25 square meters requiring about half the floor space of a conventional 3 meter laser machine, but it can still handle large pieces of sheet metal. The machine’s low weight means that a floor thickness of 100 mm is completely adequate making it unecessary to strengthen the foundations or drill holes for floor anchors. As simple as a CD player The development engineers who designed the TruLaser 1030 gave great importance to simple operation. A special feature of the concept is that the user can choose between a beginner’s and a professional level. For beginners the touch panel only shows the keys which are needed for fast parts cutting. Functions such as start, stop and pause are similar to those on a home entertainment CD player. Dialogs provide intuitive guidance through the program and the technology tables run automatically in the background. As a result, people without laser cutting experience can operate the machine. At the professional level, the operator has the option of adapting all of the TEC technology values. And, with the integrated workshop programming he or she can move from the geometry file to the finished cutting program in just five steps. Inexpensive and efficient The new TRUMPF machine covers all the fundamental needs of industrial sheet-metal processors. It combines a rugged drive system and machine construction with a TRUMPF TruCoax 2 kW diffusion-cooled RF laser resonator, to provide a cost-effective laser cutting system. The TruCoax is very compact and requires only a small amount of laser gas. “Energy consumption is very low in the laser’s standby mode,” says development manager Bundschu. With a simultaneous axis speed of 85 m/min, the TruLaser 1030 can cut mild steel in thicknesses up to 15mm. Meeting a wide range of needs The machine is geared to the needs of various target groups. It is ideal for laser beginners who want to bring outsourced work in-house or who for cost reasons are switching from solid material to sheet metal. It also meets the requirements of companies wishing to expand their sheet-metal production capacity. They can, for example, produce prototypes and low-volume products on the TruLaser 1030 and use the capacity on their other machines for larger orders. The TruLaser 1030 is also a worthwhile investment as an inexpensive training machine. More information from the Trumph Group at: Anke Roser Tel: +49 7156 303 30428 www.trumpf.com Anke.roser@de.trumph.com IMT December 09/January 2010 13 Versatile bidirectional tube bender will help Stuaff to serve growing UK business The hydraulic component supplier Stauff UK has taken delivery of a new all-electric tube bending machine from Unison. Applications for the new machine range from the fabrication of batches of tubular components for OEMs in sectors such as the railways and oil and gas, to trade counter activity - which often handles requests to replicate old or obsolescent hydraulic tubing parts. Flexibility of use, and savings required, providing the means to hydraulic machine pressurised. in both energy consumption and fabricate extremely complex Scrap will also be reduced for scrap were key factors in shapes in a single automatic reasons including the Breeze 16's securing the order. The machine operation. ability to accurately replicate Stauff chose is a Breeze 16 tube Stauff appreciates the bending set-ups on demand, and bender with bidirectional operational cost savings that the graphically simulate bending servomotor-driven bending axes, all-electric bender will bring. programs for complex shapes to capable of shaping tubes of up to Electricity running costs will foresee collision problems. Stauff 16 mm in diameter. decrease by a very large margin also liked the simplicity of the The bidirectional capability because the machine only machine's graphical user allows workpieces to be consumes a significant amount of interface, which will make it easy transferred automatically energy when a bend is being to train operators. between left and right hand formed - as opposed to In addition to supporting the bending heads as many times as continuously keeping the company's large-scale • New digital laser scanner speeds welding of wind towers A new, scanning-spot laser sensor designed to automate and speed the manufacture of wind towers and other structures containing metal of different thickness has been launched by Meta Vision Systems. Designated DLS200, the sensor is produced at the company’s factory in Eynsham, Oxfordshire. The thickness of the steel plates that form the base of a wind tower can be 50mm or more, while the middle section is fabricated from lighter gauge metal and near the top, the steel is thinner still. Welding of these various gauges requires different procedures. The base is typically prepared with a U joint profile and welding takes place in several passes. The middle section requires a V type joint and is welded in one or two passes. Steel at the top is welded with a simple butt joint preparation. The DLS200 sensor has a fully programmable scan configuration, which means that a wide scan can be used for the U and V joints, but a narrow scan with high resolution can be used for the smaller butt joints. Another exclusive feature of the DLS sensor is that the stripe produced by the normal laser scan can be shrunk to a spot. This is useful for welding cap passes where the edges of the weld preparation may have melted away. At the touch of a button, the sensor can project the spot to measure and control the height of the welding head. At the same time, the machine operator can use the laser spot as a guide for controlling manually the horizontal position of the welding head. Wind tower manufacturers say that the main benefit of using the sensor to provide automatic control of the welding process is improved quality. Defects are reduced, which translates into large savings, especially considering the time and cost of repairing root weld defects in thicker material. Bob Beattie, Meta’s managing director, said: “We originally developed the DLS300, launched earlier this year, for multipass welding of very thick walled components such as nuclear vessels. “The new DLS200 sensor has a smaller depth of field with consequently higher resolution. This makes it ideal for the combination of large, medium and small weld joints that are common in wind tower fabrication. “There is no other sensor on the market that is so adaptable and it is generating a lot of interest for other applications as well, such as making piles for offshore structures and pipe elbow fabrication.” More information on Meta Vision Systems at: tel: + 44 (0) 1865 887900 fax: +44 (0) 1865 887901 sales@meta-mvs.com www.meta-mvs.com Novel half-inch needle valve .engineering project work in sectors such as railway equipment, mobile machinery and coach building, the processing industry is a major target for the new machine. The company has just launched a new range of high pressure, high integrity, twin-ferrule stainless steel compression couplings. The combination of its tube bending capability and this new product range will place Stauff's Sheffield factory in a strong position to service oil, gas and other processing industry applications. It will allow them to fabricate, assemble and supply complete rigid tubular instrumentation subsystems to OEMs. Commenting on the order, Unison's Jim Saynor said: "Stauff's request for bidirectional bending capability makes this an unusual machine, and it's one of the most flexible benders we have ever built. The diverse range of work that Stauff handles from its Sheffield factory will be a real showcase for the versatility of all-electric tube bending." The flexibility of the new tube bender is aided by a datalink with a coordinate measuring machine, providing Stauff with an automated means of replicating any tubular part. The sophisticated new tube bending capability is the latest in a long line of investments that Stauff UK has made, to establish it as one of the principal players in the UK's fluid power and related markets. More information on Unison Ltd: www.unisonltd.com tel: +44 (0) 1723 582868 enquiries@unisonltd.com boosts reliability A novel new half-inch (12.7 mm) bore instrumentation needle valve gives plant engineers the means to improve reliability, and save both money and space, in process and instrumentation applications involving viscous and contaminated media. Today, such applications are often implemented using much larger and more expensive piping valves. Believed to be the first of its type on the market, the half-inch needle valve has been developed by the instrumentation products division of Parker Hannifin - the global leader in motion and control technologies. Parker's new H-series needle valve is available in two forms: as either a discrete hand valve for controlling media flow, or integrated into a monoflange-style manifold for the safe 'double­block-and-bleed' connection of instruments to process lines. The large flow path of the half-inch H-series needle valve makes it much less prone to blockages or related problems when dealing with viscous and contaminated media. Such issues can lead to measurement errors, necessitating costly maintenance or even process shutdown while problems are fixed. The new valve also offers a metal-to-metal seal. This provides a bubble-tight shut­off mechanism and operation over a very wide temperature range of ­55 to +538 degrees C in its standard stainless steel form. The H-series valve has a bore size of 1/2 inch/12.7 mm, with a Cv value of 2.6. In its standard form the valve is fabricated from 316 stainless steel, and is rated for operation at pressures up to 6,000 PSIG (414 barg). The metal to metal sealing of the new valve also meets the firesafe requirements of ISO 10497 (the international equivalent to the API 607 and BS6755 Part 2 standards). The valve design can help process engineers achieve new levels of compactness and performance in a wide range of process and instrumentation applications involving difficult media. These applications include level measurement in refineries, chemical injection, gas lines that are prone to hydrate formation, and process lines carrying dangerous gases. The monoflange variant in particular extends application potential, as these space-saving manifolds are often favoured in sensitive applications such as skids for oil and gas platforms. By extending the bore size of monoflange needle valves to half an inch, engineers can now employ monoflange form-factor manifolds on skids handling liquid or gas media that are prone to hydrate deposition - saving considerable weight and size compared with conventional double-block-and­bleed manifolds. More information on Parker Hannifin on tel: +44 (0)1271 313131; ipd@parker.com ipdsales@parker.com International Metal Tube To start receiving your FREE copy of IMT magazine please complete in full the registration form below, for individuals outside of Europe we will be providing the magazine in a digital (cover to cover) version to ensure the fastest delivery. The printed version is however available outside of Europe via a subscription. To receive your free copy simply return this form either by fax on +44 (0)1268 711567 or post it to: Hartswood Media, Hallmark House, 25 Downham Road, Ramsden Heath, Essex, CM11 1PU, United Kingdom. I reside outside of Europe and would like to receive a printed version of the magazine and would like to subscribe at the discounted rate of £100.00 per year (Outside UK a sterling draft is required, or add £10 to cover charges). I do not want to receive a printed version of the magazine but I do want to access the online version of International Metal Tube. Section 1 Type of Business: . D Non-Ferrous pipe producer . H Pipe End User . A Ferrous tube producer . E Tube/Pipe Supplier . I Machinery/equipment . B Non-ferrous tube producer . F Tube/Pipe Buyer & lubricant supplier* . C Ferrous pipe producer . G Tube End User . I Other *Please note, we will not include machinery/equipment & lubricant suppliers in our circulation list. A separate database for free copies will be maintained and used on a rotational basis. Section 2 Job Title/function: . D Engineering Management . H Maintenance Management . A Corporate Executive . E Mill Director/Manager . I Sales/marketing: . B Management . F Purchasing . J Other: . C Production Management . G Product R&D Management Section 3 Purchasing Responsibilities: . A Ferrous tube . E Tube/pipe manufacturing machinery . I Plant engineering & maintenance . B Non-ferrous tube . F Process technology tools/equipment . J Other . C Ferrous pipe . G Measuring/control technology . D Non ferrous pipe . H Testing Section 4 Do you influence/authorise purchasing decisions? Yes . No . Please tick Section 5 what is your company’s main area of activity/application? Please tick a maximum three boxes: . A Automotive . F Chemical & pharmaceutical . K Utilities . B Non-automotive transport . G Petrochemical . L Agriculture . C Aerospace . H Mining . M Nuclear . D Defence . I Construction . N Other . E Oil and gas . J Food & drink Section 6 Number of Company Employees: . A 1-49 . D 250-349 . G 1000+ . B 50-99 . E 350-499 . C 100-249 . F 500-999 If you wish to receive further promotions from us or other carefully selected companies, please tick the boxes: . post . fax . email Important: To process your registration this form must be completed, signed and dated I would like to receive International Metal Tube Herber 1100S Centreline boost tube bending – boost profits, speed and accuracy Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed – say’s Lennart Claesson, Managing Director Herber Engineering AB, The Swedish based manufacturer specialising in ‘All Electric’ tube bending production machines. Herber has since 1945 supplied thousands of tube forming solutions to satisfied customers the world over. We have the ability to offer our customers sound innovative advice based on more than sixty years experience of designing, building and supplying state of the art: tube-bending and handling equipment. All supported by time served Herber service engineers. Our latest models 1100S & 2100S are ‘All Electric’ centreline boost bending mandrel tube bending machines. Capable of variable radii tool changes and bending of complex shapes up to 80mm/od or 110mm/od x 1.5mm/wt. Perfect machines to use as a stand alone or part of an ‘All Electric’ production cell. Providing significant benefits during mainstream production runs such as improved quality, eliminating time and material waste and boosting profits. Herber offer a family of twenty mandrel tube bending machines including two models for dual, right and left hand bending, Plus two five axis twinhead benders. All featuring user friendly state of the art CNC controls. Software packages that includes: Sponder, an IT system with two functional platforms; Sponder Information; that turns vital data into production statistics and Sponder Remote; service that allows continuous online process monitoring and swift failure detection from any place in the world. Lennart Claesson concludes by saying Herber’s mission is and always has been to deliver solutions to our customers production needs. Every machine is fully customised to the customer’s specific requirements. Precision in every detail is one of our key principles, and that’s a promise. More information on Herber Engineering AB Box 203 Silkesvägen 5 331 22 Värnamo Sweden tel +46 (0)370 69 95 50 fax: +46 (0)370 156 25 info@herber.se www.herber.se The transportation of all types of material is essential to the global economy. While transport by ship, rail or road is commonplace, another, more discreet type of transport flourishes – material handling via pipelines. Today, pipelines not only transport water, gas and oil, but also wet (chemical) goods and bulk materials such as coal and ore. Of these, crude oil and mineral oil products account for the largest share of all wet goods transported by predominantly consisted of Tidewater Pipeline built in the long-distance pipeline natural stone, medieval USA 130 years ago. Pipelines, however, are not an engineers used hollowed-out Approximately 255 kilometres invention of modern times. As tree trunks joined with metal long, this screwed steel pipeline much as 7000 years ago water strips for transporting liquids. between Pittsburgh in and brine were transported over Such wooden pipelines already Pennsylvania and Williamsport long distances using bamboo supplied Nuremberg’s citizens near New York, was designed as pipes in China. In India, water with water as early as 1361. The a low-cost alternative to the then ducts made of clay pipes were 19th century saw a changeover customary rail transport. already in existence 5000 years to cast iron pipelines which are Today, pipelines can not only ago. And in Europe the Romans increasingly being replaced by be found on all continents but built water conduits some 2000 plastics and/or steel materials also under water in seas and years ago to supply their capital (for high-pressure pipes) today. lakes. Today’s long-distance and settlements in the colonies. The first pipeline for pipelines are predominantly made While the Roman aqueducts transporting oil was the of steel pipes welded together. Long-distance mineral oil pipelines When the oil arrives at the head (pump) station of the pipeline and is transported through pipes to its destination by electrically operated pumps. The technology for gas pipelines is very similar to that of oil pipelines but the pump stations are referred to as compressor stations here. Long-distance lines are monitored by control centres with the help of process computers. When planning and installing mineral oil pipelines, much attention is paid to avoiding extreme ascents and descents where possible in order to ensure efficient operation of the pipeline. Over time wax (paraffin) and other solids deposit on the pipe walls thereby increasing friction loss and reducing the flow rate. To counteract this, cleaning pigs are passed through the pipelines together with the material conveyed. These also serve to remove any water that may form during a pipeline standstill or at especially low soil temperatures and that can cause corrosion on inside walls. As a rule, long-distance mineral oil pipelines are monitored and controlled centrally. The pipes themselves are monitored as well as the pumps and valves and the material handled. Special computer software can detect and even locate leakages that occur during operation or pump and valve switching processes. An efficient means of transport Long-distance mineral oil pipelines outperform all other conventional modes of transport with the lowest number of accidents involving product spills. Pipelines therefore boast a number of properties that offer advantages over other transport modes. Pipelines are reliable, safe, eco-friendly, economical and can be operated 24/7 and 365 days a year. Since they are generally laid underground, pipelines also allow the ground above to be used for agricultural purposes. There is no air pollution and noise emissions are limited to pump stations and reduced to a minimum. Pipelines usually transport their material point-to-point conveying large volumes over long distances and around the clock. The transport of mineral oil over long-distance lines is by far However, long-distance pipelines are very capital intensive. The investment required for ‘ one kilometre of pipeline amounts to between €1 and 2 million ’ the most efficient mode of transportation compared to the other means available here. vessel (pipe body). This is why pipelines consume the least amount of energy for transport compared to road, rail transport and even inland navigation. However, long-distance pipelines are very capital intensive. The investment required for one kilometre of pipeline amounts to between EUR 1 and 2 million. If mountains or stretches of water have to be crossed the costs are naturally higher than in a flat terrain. The costs incurred per ton-kilometre are almost independent of the distance covered whereas with all other modes of transport the relative transport costs drop with increasing distance. In pipeline transport, however, the fixed and variable costs for the ton-km output are constant and linear across the entire length of the pipeline. Increasingly higher wall thicknesses Pipelines often operate under high pressure, which means the materials they are made of have to meet high requirements. Weak points can be the welding seams of longitudinally welded pipes or pipe elbows. As a rule, the highest pressure occurs right after the material has passed through the pressure generators (pumps or compressors). Towards the end of the pipeline the wall thickness can often be reduced with a positive side effect on costs. Nevertheless, here possible impact shocks caused by closing valves must be taken into account – shocks that can be compensated for by extra reinforcements near such valves or near pump stations. Demand is now also growing for acid-gas resistant pipe steels. If the oil or gas conveyed contains hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen-induced cracks can form inside the pipes. In this process the hydrogen sulphide reacts with the water or water vapour contained in the oil or gas forming sulphuric acid which attacks the pipe wall. The resulting corroding releases hydrogen, which in turn diffuses into the steel causing cracks. This can only be avoided by steels with a high degree of purity and a regular micro-structure Due to the rising demand for energy, the development of new oil and gas fields is of increasing importance. The new producing regions have particular requirements for the materials used. In regions where pipelines are exposed to low temperatures, geologically unstable ground and extremely corrosive environments make especially high demands on the steel grades employed. However, the rising demand for super high-strength pipes is not only a result of the pipes’ environment but also of growing commercial requirements. In this connection leading producers of large-diameter pipes have further developed the manufacturing process of X100 grade steel pipes in order to optimise the process parameters from plate rolling to surface coating with a view to achieving significant improvements in mechanical pipe properties. Press Contact Tube 2010: Petra Hartmann-Bresgen Kathrin Kleophas tel: +49 (0)211/4560-541 tel: +49 (0)211/4560-544 tel: +49 (0)211/4560-87 541 tel: +49 (0)211/4560-87 544 7 HartmannP@messe­duesseldorf.de 7 KleophasK@messe­duesseldorf.de Industry looks optimistically to the future: Wire 2010 and Tube 2010 still on successful course With just three more months to go till the doors open Tube and Wire 2010 – the international trade fair for tube, wire and cable. The event will celebrate for the 12th time, the latest trends and technologies in tube manufacture and finishing, and wire manufacture and processing. Manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, will be showcasing their product ranges at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 12 -16 April 2010. For five days the exhibition halls on the Rhine, will be the meeting place for top international decision-makers who will find a complete overview of available ‘know-how’ in the tube, wire and cable industries. More than 70,000 visitors from around the globe are expected to attend, all looking to establish new international contacts, to consolidate existing business, and to explore the latest ideas, products and thinking. Tube 2010 With 1,037 exhibitors from 47 countries - Tube covers the entire area in Halls 1 to 7.0 with a stunning range of the latest technology and equipment. Event: Tube 2010 International pipeline and OCTG technology, Venue: Halls 1 to 7.0 of the Tube and Pipe Trade Fair. process technology tools and Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. Organiser: Messe Düsseldorf. auxiliaries, measuring and control Opening hours: 12-15 April 2010, Exhibits: Raw materials, tubes technology, text engineering and 9am-6pm; 16 April 2010, 9am­ and accessories, tube specialist areas including 5pm. manufacturing machinery, used logistics, environmental care, Prices: Daily ticket, €30; season machinery, tube and pipe trade, profiles and profile technology. ticket, € 65; reduced ticket, €10. Current processes and applications, from pipe and tube manufacture, processing and finishing will be on display. These include raw materials, pipes and tubes and essential accessories to machines for pipe and tube production. Plus, second-hand machines and tools for process engineering and auxiliary products, as well as measurement and control technology. Test engineering and specialty areas such as warehouse automation, control and monitoring systems round off the most comprehensive display in 2010. As in 2008, a separate Tube 2010 at a glance: exhibition area is dedicated to Pipelines and OCTG technology. In 2010 there will also be another specific area devoted to ‘sections and sections engineering’. Machinery, equipment and technology particular for the manufacture of sections will be on show. Wire 2010 From mid January, 1135 companies from 49 countries have booked into Halls 9-12 and 15 – 17. The participation of an aluminium manufacturer from Mexico is a very exciting development. Moreover, companies from Egypt, Estonia, Columbia and the United Arab Emirates are coming to Düsseldorf for the first time to present themselves, their products and services at the no. 1 industry event. Wire 2010 will be featuring machines and equipment for the manufacture and finishing of wire. Plus, tools and accessories for process engineering, as well as materials and special wires. New products and technologies for cable, measurement and control technology and test engineering will also on display. Specialty areas such as logistics, conveying systems and packaging round out the offerings. Up-to-date information on both trade fairs can be found on their Internet portals at www.tube.de and www.wire.de. Your press contact in 2010: Petra Hartmann-Bresgen Kathrin Kleophas tel: +49-(0)211-4560-541 tel: +49-(0)211-4560-544 fax: +49-(0)211-4560-87541 fax: +49-(0)211-4560-87544 HartmannP@messe­duesseldorf.de KleophasK@messe­duesseldorf.de Catalogue: €25 from Verlag Neureuter Fair Media, Westendstrasse 1, 45143 Essen, Germany; tel, +49 (0) 201 36547 301; fax, +49 (0) 201 /36547 325. More information: www.Tube.de. Events Update - Fabtech 2010 Countdown to FABTECH 2010 is underway The show returns to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, November 2-4, 2010. This represents the first time in four years that the event will take place in the Southeastern corridor, a region that continues to see growth and expansion in metal fabricating, manufacturing and infrastructure. FABTECH 2010 is expected to draw 22,000 attendees and over 1,000 exhibiting companies covering more than 350,000 net square feet of floor space. It is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, finishing, and welding equipment and technology. Buyers and sellers from around the world will come together at this exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, problem-solve, and discover new products and vendors. Visitors will see nearly 2,000 pieces of equipment in action on the show floor and more than 500 new product debuts. In addition to viewing the latest products, attendees will benefit from a comprehensive array of educational programs, featuring more than 100 expert-led presentations. In addition, the 2010 FABTECH event will include special features attendees have come to expect from the show, including keynote presentations and free sessions in the Solutions Showcase. New for 2010, the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) will join the event and host a new Finishing Technologies Pavilion on the show floor. The pavilion will feature exhibitors displaying a wide-variety of finishing technologies, including liquid finishing, powder coating, curing, and plating. CCAI will also produce conference programming focusing on these same technologies. The addition of the Finishing Pavilion allows manufacturers to visit one show that covers all metal manufacturing processes from beginning to end. FABTECH 2010 is cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), and Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI). Registration for FABTECH 2010 will be available beginning April 1, 2010. More information on FABTECH 2010 www.fabtechexpo.com In-Line Diameter and Shape Control For Hot and Cold Processes – For Any Pipe, Tube, Profile STEELMASTER Gauges PROFILEMASTER® Gauges Hi-speed laser scanning. Measurement of diameter, ovality, Advanced vision technology (light-section). height, width and diagonals. s Possible measuring modes sStandard measuring ranges up to 500 mm s1 up to 6 measuring axes sMeasuring frequency: 1000/s for each axis New! Measuring solutions for round and non-round products. Captures also asymmetrical shape deviations of round, oval and polygonal products. s Any shape sStandard measuring ranges up to 300 mm s1 up to 6 laser/camera modules Visit us at: Moscow, Russia May 12 -15, 2009 Booth FOB02 Worldwide Customer Service and Sales Offices: Pittsburgh, PA, USA Zumbach Electronic AG – SWITZERLAND (H.Q.) Zumbach Bureau France – FRANCE Zumbach Electronics Far East – TAIWAN May 04 -06, 2009 Zumbach Electrónica Argentina S.R.L. – ARGENTINA Zumbach Electronic GmbH – GERMANY Zumbach Electronics Ltd. – UK Booth # 1211 Zumbach Electronic S.A. – BELGIUM Zumbach do Brasil Ltda – BRAZIL Zumbach Electronic Co., Ltd. – CHINA P.R. Zumbach Electronic India Pvt. Ltd. – INDIA Zumbach Electronic Srl – ITALY Zumbach Electrónica S.L. – SPAIN Zumbach Electronics Corp. – USA Plus more than 40 agencies www.zumbach.com ZUMB.707.0092.E_Feb.09 March 2010 sees the opening of the 6th BORU International Pipe and Fittings Fair at the Instanbul Expo Centre. The focus for many national and international tube manufacturers, BORU will open its doors from Tuesday 4th March to Saturday 7th March inclusive. Given the huge increases in both domestic and natural gas demand, Turkey now ranks as the second biggest tube producing country in Europe. Up to September 2008 over 3.2 million tons were produced, of which 1.6 million tons were exported. A year on year growth in stainless steel tube consumption of between 5 to 7% - plus, an average 10% growth in the mild steel sector is an added stimulus to many investors, buyers and producers in this vibrant area of All buoyant for Boru’s sixth outing municipalities and commerce. With the continued support of The International Tube Association (ITA), BORU 2010 offers a superb platform to showcase your company’s expertise and products in this very significant market. Be they, steel, stainless steel, thermal, cast, copper, aluminium, plastic, concrete, galvanized or even iron and asbestos then BORU 2010 is the venue for you. The visitor profile includes buyers and specifiers from Water and Sewer Systems Directorates, Contractor Companies, Public Agencies, Engineers and Architects, Agricultural Credit Cooperatives, Agricultural Societies, Construction Materials Dealers, Municipality Officials, plus the Shipping, Plumbing, Manufacturing and Supply industries. the Turkish economy. This momentum continues apace with record levels of investment in natural gas pipeline projects, major local infrastructures, and the construction of new housing developments. Turkey is a buoyant market and a growing one. BORU 2010 will be the natural focus of manufacturers, producers, contractors and buyers to meet, discuss and explore the very latest systems and technology available in the dynamic Turkish economy. Organized by the Ihlas Fair Organization and fully supported by major establishments such as ISKI, GDA , UGETAM, KOSGEB, DÇÜD, POMSAD, ÇEB D and GESAD. BORU 2010 in addition, is supported by many chambers of industry, local government, district Participating exhibitors from Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Ukraine, India, Canada, Bulgaria, England, Czech Republic, Romaine, United Arab Emirates, Korea, Taiwan, Austria, Poland, Greece, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, Serbia and the USA will be showing a huge range of equipment , accessories and systems. One of the most historic and exciting cities in the world, straddling Europe and Asia and its proximity to the Middle East ­Istanbul has been the epicenter for trade over the centuries. For more information on BORU 2010, please contact: Miss Zeynep Yaman - Corporate Communication Executive tel : +90 212 454 25 03 fax : +90 212 454 25 06 boruinfo@ihlasfuar.com www.ihlasfuar.com Events for 2010 6th International Pipe and Fittings Fair Venue: Istanbul, Turkey Date: 4-7 March 2010 More information: www.ihlasfuar.com Tube 2010 International Tube and Pipe Trade Fair Venue: Du¨ sseldorf Exhibition Centre, Germany Date: 12-16 April 2010 More information: www.Tube.de Tube China Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai Date: 21-24 September 2010 More information: www.tubechina.net EuroBlech – 21st International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition Venue: Hanover, Germany Date: 26-30 October 2010 More information: www.euroblech.com Fabtech/AWS Venue: Atlanta, Georgia, USA Date: 2-4 November 2010 More information: www.fmafabtech.com Valve World 2010 Venue: Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre, Germany Date: 30 November 2 December 2010 More information: www.messe­dusseldorf.de The demand for oil and gas is rising worldwide, as is the demand for pipeline pipe materials. Studies carried out by the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries OPEC, and the US Energy Information Administration before the current economic crisis, forecast that oil and gas consumption would go up by 16% and 29% respectively, by 2015. Europe, and by over 100% in the rise from 13 million tons to 15 Last year, the London-based Middle East and Asia between million tons over the same steel business consultancy CRU 2007 and 2011. Altogether, CRU period. Worldwide, almost foresaw double-digit growth forecast an increase for line 230,000 kilometres of pipeline rates for global pipe demand, pipes from 14.9 million tons in were under construction or assuming that 60% of the 2007 to 24.2 million tons in 2011. planned in autumn 2008. demand would be accounted for In October 2008 Steel Tube News The high demand for oil and by large-diameter pipes announced that demand for oil gas line pipes for the energy measuring over 20 inches in and gas pipelines would go up to sector, was mainly responsible diameter. Accordingly, the 27,000 kilometres in 2007 and to for bringing global steel pipe demand for line pipes was said 32,000 from 2009 and that production in 2008 up to the to go up by 78% in Eastern demand for welded pipes would previous year’s record level of approx 120 million tons. In the case of large pipes, (welded pipes over 406.4 mm diameter) production was estimated to grow by 1% to 18 million tons. Future opportunities for business growth in the sector of longitudinally welded large-diameter pipes were therefore foreseen especially in regions with fast growing energy needs, and those with the relevant raw materials, because of the high demand for high-quality pipes in demanding dimensions. Due to the problematic situation on financial markets, an increasing number of projects in the pipe line sector were postponed in the first quarter of 2009, while in exploration, there was no major incentive to develop new oil and gas fields because of the low oil prices. Nevertheless, the situation was largely stable for large-diameter pipes predominantly thanks to long-term projects in the energy sector that had been initiated already in 2007 and 2008. Of course, signs of a slow-down in demand could be seen here as well. Large pipe manufacturers posted a lower order intake than in the same period of the previous year. Furthermore, competition, especially in the segment of longitudinally welded pipes, became keener. Due to some very well filled order books, the large pipe sector should be in relatively good shape for 2009. But, delays in contract awarding must be expected, because of noticeably lower oil and gas prices as well as possible financial bottlenecks. This statement • • equally applies to the areas of seamless pipes and welded steel pipes made of hot wide strip (carbon and stainless steel) provided they are used in the oil and gas sectors or in power plant construction. As a result of the anticipated continued rise in global energy needs, steel pipes for the energy sector can also be expected to remain stable in 2010 – although this segment will most probably be affected by the downward price spiral of the market as a whole. Growing demand for high strengh large-diameter pipes Pipe manufacturers are faced with ever more demanding requirements regarding their upstream supplies: customers predominantly ask for higher strengths in order to be able to transport higher gas or oil quantities under higher pressure. Whilst some years ago, an operating pressure of 80 The high demand for oil and gas line pipes for the energy sector, was mainly responsible for ‘ bringing global steel pipe production in 2008 up to the previous year’s record level of approx 120 million tons ’ bar was the rule for gas pipelines, pipelines are now operated with pressures as high as 100 bar. This is why installers, who are compelled to operate their pipelines under ever harsher conditions and higher pressures, increasingly ask for large-diameter pipes in high-strength and super high-strength steel grades such as X80 and X100. In the large-diameter pipe sector, there is a clear trend towards not only ever higher quality steel grades with high resistance to low temperatures, but also towards higher wall thicknesses. According to experts in the oil and gas sector, pipe walls will have to consist of steel plates of 30 mm to 50mm thickness considering that pipelines are operated under ever higher pressures and in more demanding environments. A case in point being the spectacular Baltic Sea Pipeline, for which pipes with 34.6 mm wall thickness are already being manufactured. For operating lines consisting of large pipes where wall thicknesses of up to 21 mm are sufficient, customers especially in the oil and gas sectors take increasing interest in spiral-weld pipes. As a result, Europipe the world market leader for line pipes located in Alabama USA has recently put its second US pipe plant into operation. The new spiral-weld pipe plant in Mobile was already awarded a major order for a gas pipeline (Ruby Pipeline) running between the US states of Wyoming and Oregon. The new plant is expected to work to almost full capacity by 2010 manufacturing the 158,000 tons of 42-inch pipes (with a 13.7 mm diameter) from X70-steel. The spiral welded pipes produced in Mobile are predestined for most onshore pipelines in the USA with their lower wall thicknesses. The plant is designed for an annual output of 200,000 tons and supplies pipes in the range from 24 to 56 • Manufacturer of Seamless and Welded But-weld Fitngs in EN, DIN and ASTM norms • Seamless Elbows, Equal TEEs, Reducing TEEs, Reducers, Caps • Welded Elbows, Welded TEEs • Forged Carbon Steel Flanges TMOSB Mermerciler Cad. No:59 Tuzla-Istanbul / Turkey TEL: +90 216 581 81 00 FAX: +90 216 593 04 09 Info@uni.t.com.tr • inch external diameter with wall thicknesses between 6 and 25.4 millimetres. New pipe plants increase capacities This pipe plant is just one of many new manufacturing sites erected or commissioned throughout the world over the past few years. Since late 2008 Jiangbei Steel Processing and Logistics Co. Ltd., which is part of the Chinese steel group WISCO, has been operating a new continuous 26-inch high-frequency pipe welding plant in Wuhan on the Jangtse River. Up to 350,000 tons of pipe can be produced here annually on the production line supplied by the German plant engineer SMS Meer. The pipes to be processed measure between 244 mm and 660 mm in diameter and have wall thicknesses up to 24 millimetres. They are max. 18.5 m long. The new plant will manufacture pipes for the oil and gas industries as well as for the construction sector. For pipelines, the pipes are As a result of the anticipated continued rise in global energy needs, steel pipes ‘for the energy sector can also be expected to remain stable in 2010 ’ manufactured according to the API standard in steel grades up to X80. The casing pipes for oil drilling are also produced in compliance with API standard, i.e. in steel grades up to N80. The high demand for large pipe welding equipment continued unabated in 2008 and was reflected by another order awarded to the SMS group. Following the WISCO plant, the Chinese Tianjin Pipe Corporation (TPCO) placed another order for a RD660 HF pipe welding plant – the world’s biggest continuous pipe welding plant by its own account. This plant serves to produce high-strength oil field and line pipes complying with API standards as well as pipes for the construction sector with round, rectangular and square cross-sections in line with DIN 10219. Round pipe dimensions here range from 244.5 mm to 660.4 mm diameter, with wall thicknesses between 4.0 and 22.2 millimetres. TPCO also awarded SMS with an order for a RD355 HF pipe welding line that was commissioned in late 2009. The two lines running at TPCO’s site will have a joint annual output of 450,000 tons. JSC Chelyabinsk (ChTPZ Group) in Russia has built a new large pipe plant with an annual capacity of 600,000 tons for manufacturing longitudinally welded steel pipes with diameters of 508 to 1,422 mm, wall thicknesses of up to 45 millimetres, lengths of max. 18.3 metres and steel grades of max. K80. It is scheduled for commissioning in 2009 at the Cheljabinsk site in South Ural and will be among the most modern of its kind in the world. The pipes produced in Cheljabinsk will be joined to form pipelines for oil and gas. The pipe plant features two pipe forming presses, one 18.3 m press and one 12.2 m press. The 18.3 m long pipes offer a benefit in terms of lower pipe laying costs, as there are fewer welding seams of contrast the shorter pipes can also be produced with extremely high wall thicknesses despite their small diameters and are therefore, especially well suited for offshore pipelines where they have to resist higher pressures. Summer 2009 saw Zhongyou BSS Petropipe Co. Ltd. commission a large pipe plant supplied by SMS to Qinhuangdao, about 300 kilometres east of Beijing, China. The new plant with an annual capacity of up to 150,000 tons is thought to be the most modern of its kind in China. It will be used to make longitudinally welded steel pipes of 508 to 1,422 mm diameter with wall thicknesses up to 40 mm, lengths of up to 12.2 m and grades up to X100. One of the decisive factors for placing the order with SMS, were the benefits offered by the JCO® pipe forming press as the principal plant component. By the firm’s own accounts, the JCO® process developed by SMS flexibility plus high quality and lower investment costs than other processes. Over the past few years, it has been introduced in many large diameter pipe plants, and is considered the most suitable process for producing small pipe diameters with high wall thicknesses. The commissioned line is suited for the production of pipes complying with all major international standards such as API, ISO and DNV. Such pipes are used for lines that transport oil and gas from Chinese oil rigs in the north to the megacities in the east and south of the country. Press Contact Tube 2010: Petra Hartmann-Bresgen Kathrin Kleophas tel: +49 (0)211/4560-541 tel: +49 (0)211/4560-544 fax: +49 (0)211/4560-87 541 fax: +49 (0)211/4560-87 544 7 HartmannP@ messe-duesseldorf.de required to join the pipes Meer has become the global 7 KleophasK@ compared to shorter pipes. By way standard, because it offers more messe-duesseldorf.de TeZet comes up trumps with new tube measurement technology Innovative solutions combined with well proven and tested technology are the benchmark that drives TeZet Technik AG. Way back in the seventies when Homer Eaton developed the prisma probe, he effectively revolutionised tube measurement technology. He achieved this by turning non contact tube measurement into an industry standard. With the prisma probe, the user needed to touch the tube straight only once to define the tube shape, but, this had to be achieved very carefully within precise design parameters. Over time, various developments were initiated and refined, culminating with fork probes replacing the prisma probes. This in turn, offered industry many more options. For measurements with a prisma probe, the operator had to have one probe for one tube diameter, whereas a fork probe could measure multiple tube diameters. The fork probes plot both the tube diameter and the tube shape by moving the probe twice over the tube shape on one straight. The measured point is in the middle of the forkprobe space where the two measuring infrared or laser beams cross. The probes are compact but heavy, and depending on their diameter size, can sometimes prove a touch unwieldy for the operator. Cost-effective & user friendly Calling on all TeZet’s long experience in tube measurement, the challenge has been to come up with an innovative, cost effective and operator friendly system. One that had to be lighter and more manoeuvrable without losing any of the precision that TeVet have been long associated with in non- contact tube measurement equipment. Of course it is still possible to measure a tube with the traditional fork probe - but only tubes which do not have any add­ons. Today as almost all tubes have some add-ons, the new features had to incorporate more user friendly software features, in a convenient, and up to date hardware design. The new TeZet fork probe is not just a new development but an innovation. It has advantages over the conventional fork probes – those can also measure leap frogging without measurement interruption, but the additional work has to be done using different, sometimes time consuming methods and the change from non contact to contact measurement, which is still associated with probe changing. TeZet offers a hardware solution for these two important features that gives you the option of screwing an extended contact probe – even with a rubi ball probe into the intersection point of the two sides of the probe. This contact probe is longer than the two sides of the fork, so that the user can measure the add­ons – thereby eliminating the need for new calibration. This feature also simplifies the leap-frogging when measuring a tube which is longer than the workspace of the measuring device. With TeZetCAD, the user just measures through continuously, without time consuming software manipulation. It also simplifies the need for continuous measurement, i.e. when the tube is measured and the user needs to measure the add-ons, e.g. flanges or ring parts. The handling of the TeZet fork probe is easy and operator friendly. It is light and small, • .so that the user can also measure narrow bends. Innovative but simple A basically simple but very important innovation - is the laser pointer. A laser beam from the crosspoint of the two forksides and shows precisely which point of measurement the forkprobe will take. This means that there is no more laser line on the halfround surface of the tube for the length position, but does not define the precise measuring point which is situated in the crosshairs of the infrared beams of the two sides. The TeZet laserpointer can be switched on and off manually. It has proved itself especially useful where very thin tubes, such as medical supplied cannulae, very close bent bends, and where the so called bend in bend measurements are required. Approved and embedded new technology, such as the tube specific software from TeZet known as TeZetCAD, is a ‘state of the art’ tube software which has proved its reliability over many years and on many applications in the market, is equally compatible with most user interfaces. There are more than one hundred tube specialised features, which are being expanded continuously – particularly with new demands being placed on industry, as for example, the now stipulated measurement of freeform bent tubes and the necessary interpretation of the tube data for freeform benders. TeZetCAD adds up to product innovation, value for money and experience you can trust. More information on Tezet Technik at: CH-5330 Zurzach, Switzerland tel: +41 56 249 3760 fax: +41 56 249 2878 www.tezet.com Faster running speeds, maximum efficiency, better quality and still save money? Oh yes, you can..... The Kent Corporation is the world’s leader in strip accumulators and coil end welders for the tube and pipe mill industry. Kent offers several types of strip accumulators with the patented Floop as the number one machine with licensees in Asia and Europe. The Floop accumulator has allowed continuous coil feed to tube mill and roll form line in well over 50 Countries. With over 8 patents on the Floop, Kent was able to use some patented technology to improve the horizontal accumulator designs available on the market. Kent now offers several horizontal accumulators including a Horizontal Floop, to suit a variety of applications and budgets. Hands free Kent has also developed complete tube mill entry systems for fully automatic hands free operation. The company purchased Burrmaster out of the UK to offer a full line of tube end deburring machines for semi and ‘ fully automatic operation With line speeds approaching 1,000 FPM, some accumulators are limited to as little as 1 to 2 minutes of storage. Kent developed hands free automatic designs to allow one coil to be loaded and fed up to the end welder while the other coil is still running. On lighter materials, the end weld and change over can be done is as little as a minute or less. On heavier gauges, Kent Corporation has automatic feed funnel tables, feed up and coil end breakers, flatteners and fully automatic systems to speed up and coil change over and thus eliminate related safety issues. Strategic acquisitions The company has also made several acquisitions and partnerships over the past 12 years. Kent Corporation purchased Burrmaster out of the UK to offer a full line of tube end deburring machines for semi and presence in the coil end welder market with over 2,000 machines in the field. In addition to tube mills, coil end welders are now used on roll form lines, stamping lines and coil process lines. Kent Corporation’s most recent acquisition is South Services “Tube Scarfer”. This acquisition has increased Kent Corporation’s presence in the tube mill scarfing tool business and allowed Kent to offer a larger variety of tools to suit more customer’s needs. Kent Corporation has also established partnerships with overseas vendors, licensees and distributorships to better serve their customer’s world wide. Kent Corporation is the exclusive distributor for Phoenix Tool who has over 50 years experience with ID scarfing and rolling. This compliments Kent’s line of Tube mill scarfing tools, impeders and ferrite cut cff blades and Jaws and Induction Coils. Kent the ferrite has tested to have the best impedance values. The portfolio expands Kent Corporation has recently become a U.S. Distributor for “Bewo” out of Holland to offer their full product line of full automatic and semi automatic Coil Saws. Automatic re-cut systems linked to brush deburr machines can make as many as 11,000 cuts per hour. The cut quality and tolerance is better than most shears. One automated system can replace 1 to 3 shearing re-cut systems. The line also consists of tube washing, inspection, stacking, and laser cutting. Kent Corporation has a full service staff to install and repair the product line. Tube manufacturers today want to run faster, more efficiently and save money while offering better quality. Kent Corporation has continued to improve existing designs, establish partnerships and improves material qualities to keep up with these demands. ’ fully automatic operation. Kent Corporation’s lines of Corporation also purchased Lee consumable products are the More information on the Kent Shaffer Company for its best quality, design and value. Corporation contact: competitive line of coil end Some of the cut off blades and tel: 001 440 237 1290 extn 126 welders. With this purchase, Kent scarfing tools have had double deanc@kenttesgo.com Corporation nearly doubled it’s the life in the field as others. And www.kenttesgo.com New management appointments at Unilux Unilux names Kathleen Gnudi Production Manager and Diana Callahan named Inventory Control Manager U nilux, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of strobe-based industrial inspection systems, named Kathleen Gnudi production manager and Diana Callahan inventory control manager, where she will concentrate completely on purchasing and inventory control management. Callahan had managed both functions for the last seven years. Unilux made the appointments to meet the demands of expanding, more sophisticated products lines. The company will expand its engineering department in 2010 to expedite product development. Gnudi joins Unilux after spending the past 16 months as a project management consultant, helping to develop and implement hiring, production and evaluation systems. Before that, she helped major corporations such as AT&T and Tyco and startup companies set up production systems. She earned a degree in electronics engineering from DeVry University and has certifications as a Project Management Professional and for Lean and Six Sigma GBelt for manufacturing. Callahan has been involved in just about every phase of Unilux’s business operations during her tenure, including shipping and software integration. She had been in charge of purchasing before being given overall management of production and inventory. Unilux designs and manufactures stroboscopic and pulsed LED inspection lights ranging from handheld, battery-powered units for spot or narrow-strip/web inspection or maintenance or troubleshooting applications to fixed-mounted units capable of inspecting surfaces up to 36 feet (12m) wide either individually or in combination. Unilux solutions enable operators to spot defects at full production speeds and use their knowledge of products and production systems to determine the severity of defects and find and eliminate their causes. The company also combines high-speed inspection lighting with high-speed video and photography systems to provide engineering departments with visual data to develop long-term solutions to repetitive production problems. Unilux lights are designed to withstand industrial environments, including the heat and humidity of steel and paper mills. More information on Unilux, Inc., tel: 001201-712-1266 tax: 001 201-712-1366 www.unilux.com Formtek promotion Formtek Metal Forming, Inc. and Fabricating Lines, B&K history of providing innovative, announces the promotion of Metal Construction Products reliable equipment to the metal Jack Pennuto Jr. to the position and the Winpro Fenestration forming and metal processing of Director of Sales and products, managing the industries. As a single source Marketing. Pennuto has had Aftermarket parts and services provider, Formtek continues to experience in the roll forming group, as well as interfacing supply it’s customers with the industry as a Sales Engineer and Cleveland’s marketing and highest quality equipment, parts Sales Manager for Formtek and application engineering efforts and service available in the previously as a Project with the Formtek Group’s industries it serves. Engineer/Manager and tooling network of Regional Sales designer at Roller Die + Managers and independent More information on the Formtek Forming. He will be responsible representatives. Group at for establishing selling Formtek is a group of long­ tel: 001 216 292 4460 strategies for the Yoder, established companies, each sales@formtekgroup.com Dahlstrom, Tishken Forming with a well-known name and a www.formtekgroup.com 7th Biennial Valve World Conference & Expo Düsseldorf, Germany 30 Nov - 02 Dec 2010