TPI January 2009

developments products & Bending simulation software

Lightweight ultrasonic flaw detectors

Software from 3R software solutions, Germany, is used extensively in German shipyards such as Blohm + Voss, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the Keppel Group, and Wadan Yards (previously Aker Yards), as well as in the fields of automotive and plant construction, such as Boehringer Ingelheim and Bilfinger- Berger. The company’s Kolli bending simulation, now in its seventh generation, has become a benchmark for collision testing software, and can be customised to meet most users’ demands. Interfaces are available for most common third party programs, including Tribon ™ , AutoCAD ™ , Inventor ™ , and Unigraphics ™ , and interfaces to other software can be implemented if necessary. Rather than requiring a selection from a list of pre-created machine and tool models, which may or may not be appropriate, Kolli 7 includes editor modules for tools, machines and materials.

Sonatest has launched the lightweight and performance-focused Sitescan D Series ultrasonic flaw detectors, as a result of consultation with operators in the field, R&D investment and application experience. Whilst delivering high performance and advanced software features, the development team also ensured that the user interface is easy and quick to use. The Sitescan D’s powerful software and technology is housed in a lightweight and ergonomic case, which has been designed for comfort and day-long use. Display size has not been sacrificed, and the battery life runs at a maximum of 18 hours.

These allow users to create three- dimensional models of the actual machines and tools used in their pipe shop. Multi-layered tools can be created in minutes, and modifications and extra features of machines can be included when the model of the machine is created. The material editor makes it possible to take the special pro- perties of different metals into con- sideration, such as differences in elasticity (springback values). Isometric display of the tube created by the bending data allows for easy visualisation, and the program independently looks for alternative solutions if a collision occurs during simulation.

Sonatest’s Sitescan D-10 features a S S broad-band amplifier

3R’s Kolli 7 bending simulation software S S

In combination with other 3R programs, like the Ramp workshop control system or the RoniCAD construction program, the client can use the advantages of an integrated software framework. Because every program accesses the same database, there are no compatibility problems. Users will be able to streamline and control the entire fabrication process, from planning and construction to quality control.

The Sitescan D also introduces a new menu navigation scroll wheel, giving fast and easy access to functions and enabling single-handed menu changes. The keypad is further enhanced, with new direct access keys allowing immediate access to essential parameters in the field such as gate control or adjustment, and user buttons which can be assigned to the operator’s preferred menu items or actions. In addition to these performance parameters, Sonatest claims that the Sitescan D Series is the most flexible flaw detector on the market.

Progress of individual jobs can be checked at any point, so that the operator is always aware of the production status of every item.

Each version of Kolli, Ramp, RoniCAD and other 3R programs is customised, ensuring users have the features they need, rather than additional, unnecessary features. This makes 3R programs both easy to learn, and comfortable to operate.

3R software solutions – Germany info@3-r.de • www.3-r.de

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Tube Products International January 2009

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