TPT January 2008

T echnology U pdate

Versatile range of tube punching lines

Apollo Srl, Italy, has produced punching machines for tube, tubular sections and profiles for over 30 years. The company’s Twin machine is produced in different lengths, and can be supplied with tubing loading/unloading storage to reduce operator work. Using a double-gripper manipulator, pipe is loaded, punched and unloaded in a specific basket. The Twin is capable of punching four slots at the same time and working two pipes simultaneously, doubling productivity. It is equipped with two opposed heads and can be supplied with a third vertical head. The machine can be equipped with tools which give the machine high tube sliding speed without scratching, and can work semi-oval or rectangular tubes without blisters. The working accuracy is ±0.2mm from the first to the last hole. Operator safety is ensured by photocell barriers integrated with strong nets. Shifting from one pipe to another is rapid due to tool and accessory changeover systems, through fittings,

and by limiting the number of screws to a minimum. The ‘Twin Semplificata’ is a punching line supplied with fewer accessories than other

machines, but with the same building characteristics. It allows a 30 per cent saving on purchase price, and can be equipped with the same tools as the classic Twin line.

› The Modular punching machine is equipped with a quick punch changeover

bar warehouse, it can provide a maximum endurance up to one hour, in automatic mode.

The company has launched two new punching machine models, PMV and Modular, suitable for small and medium production. PMV is available in two tonnages: 30T and 50T. It is a vertical single-punch model suitable for punching pipes and flat bars, and can punch traversal holes or slots on one side only. The Modular is available in different versions, with between one and three punching heads. It is equipped with a quick punch changeover, and is designed for punching material of an average size

Apollo Srl – Italy Fax : +39 0536 851273

Email : info@apollosrl.com Website : www.apollosrl.com

‘Jumbo’ tube laser cutter expands range capability

LaserTube Cutting, UK, a division of Tubes (UK), which serves the furniture, automotive and light fabrication sectors, has announced new product solutions for its cold formed and hot finished ranges of structural hollow sections. This increased capability is possible due to the arrival of a new tube laser machine. The aptly named ‘Jumbo’ is claimed to be the largest tube laser in the world, and can process tubes up to 508mm diameter, square sections up to 400x400mm, and rectangles up to 500x300mm, all to a maximum thickness of 16mm, including weld preparations. The Jumbo laser, which is claimed to be the first of its type in the UK, has a maximum input length of 18m and maximum finished lengths of 15m, and the ability to process open section. The company has invested in three tube lasers over the last 7 years. This investment also includes an LT Combo that was installed early in 2007. The LT Combo is used for the profiling of tubes up to 225mm diameter, square sections up to 160x160mm, and rectangles up to 200x100mm, in finished lengths up to 6m long.

fi Apollo’s PMV is available in 30T and 50T models

and with limited thickness. Its power does not exceed 8T. The machine consists of a closed-ring structure, aimed at guaranteeing punches, and long-lasting dies.

Apollo also produces an accessory for flat bars, which keeps the bars straight during punching, avoiding the annoying and costly operation of straightening. If equipped with a simple and convenient

Baosteel order new non-destructive testing systems

BaoSteel, China, has ordered three testing systems for the inspection of longitudinally welded large-diameter pipes. The systems will be supplied by Karl Deutsch, Germany, a specialist in the field of non-destructive testing. Non-destructive testing is an integral part of the manufacture of large-diameter pipes destined for the transport of gas or oil. The first testing system monitors the welding quality in an early stage of the production using 18 probes. The second system, with 30 probes, allows for the final inspection relevant to the user of the pipes. The third testing system is responsible for the pipe ends, which are later joined by circumferential welds during pipeline construction. Test results are produced for each pipe, and are archived for later retrieval.

LaserTube Cutting – UK Fax : +44 121 601 5084 Email : info@lasertube.co.uk Website : www.lasertube.co.uk

Karl Deutsch – Germany Fax : +49 202 714932 Email : info@karldeutsch.de • Website : www.karldeutsch.de

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J anuary 2008

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