TPT January 2007

F eatures

V ol 20 No 1 January/February 2007

42

Taking care of business forms the essence of the technology behind handling, bundling and packaging systems. The experts in this area know that mechanical innovation does not stop with the manufacture of a product. It must be carefully conveyed, handled and dispatched with the same military precision used in all other areas of production. From diabolo conveyance and vacuum gripping systems to robotic automation and CNC bundlers, here we showcase the latest in this field of dynamic mobility and protection. A highly specialised field, welding technology is always on a rollercoaster ride of innovation and discovery. Arguably the most difficult field to automate, the selection of a welding method must always suit the application in question, whether it be pipeline welding or small lot production of thin wall automotive parts. And a whole plethora of welding technology is available to choose from, including cold process, laser, orbital, plasma arc, TIG, MIG/MAG, ERW and inductive welding. Here we focus on the latest developments in the field of welding for the tube and pipe industry. With a largely expatriate population of 1.3 million, Dubai is now the place to do business in the Middle East and has welcomed an increasing number of regional offices, conglomerates and multinationals. Due to take place from 13-16 January, the much anticipated Tekno/Tube Arabia exhibition comes at a time when business is flocking to the United Arab Emirates, with exhibitors and visitors alike also expected to flock to Tube Arabia. Here we feature essential information, the exhibitor/stand details, and a selection of the technology on offer. Tekno/Tube Arabia 2007: Show Feature Systems for Handling, Bundling & Packaging Welding Technology, Equipment & Consumables

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T echnical A rticle

114 Predicting the properties of welded

rollformed tubes for subsequent processes using the Finite Element Method By Mr Albert Sedlmaier, data M Software GmbH, Germany

Illustration images used this issue courtesy of Al Fajer Information & Services, Attl a spol sro, BLM Group UK Ltd, Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH, International Tube Association, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, Ihlas Trade Fairs, S+C Märker GmbH, J Schmalz GmbH, Steel Tube Institute of North America, Strategic Images