TPT January 2024

The international magazine for the tube & pipe industries

ISSN 0953-2366

JANUARY 2024

VOL 37 NO 1

US$33

min

max

4 - 8 Number of cameras

5 Min. object diameter (mm)

720 Max. object diameter (mm)

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INDEX Editorial

3R solutions...................................................................................9 AMETEK Engineered Medical Components................................63 ASMAG GmbH...............................................................................8 Baekchun Precision Co Ltd..........................................................38 Ernst Blissenbach GmbH.............................................................14 BLM Group.............................................................................42, 45 Bültmann GmbH....................................................................23, 54 Controle Mesure Systemes..........................................................24 Corinth Pipeworks........................................................................58 CorrosionRADAR......................................................................... 62 Element Materials Technology.....................................................59 ESAB. .......................................................................................... 51 Faccin Group...............................................................................37 Fives Group.................................................................................33 Graebener Maschinentechnik......................................................22 iNPIPE Products..........................................................................62 ISEND.......................................................................................... 28 Jepson Power..............................................................................47 Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG..................................................16 Lantek.......................................................................................... 40 Magma Global..............................................................................59 Magnetic Analysis Corp................................................................. 8 MBS GmbH..................................................................................50

Messe Düsseldorf..................................................................49, 59 Metalube Group...........................................................................13 Moreschi Srl.................................................................................48 MSG Maschinenbau GmbH.........................................................31 Officine MTM ................................................................................ 23 Pemamek Ltd...............................................................................12 Polysoude SAS............................................................................39 Randolph Tool Co Inc...................................................................48 Rohmann GmbH..........................................................................29 Rosen UK.....................................................................................61 Sabic............................................................................................ 17 Sikora AG..................................................................................... 10 SMS group...................................................................................20 Sofratest....................................................................................... 32 Sweco.......................................................................................... 58 Tri Tool Technologies...................................................................64 Tru-Cut Saw Inc...........................................................................54 Tube Southeast Asia.................................................................... 10 Uniflex Hydraulik GmbH ............................................................... 24 Unison Ltd........................................................................18, 38, 45 US OCTG Manufacturers Association......................................... 60 Yamazaki Mazak UK....................................................................53

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JANUARY 2024

Tube mills

• Market leader • Complete range of tube diameters ‡ mm-ˆ‰Š mm

Finishing

• Complete finishing floors • Automatic flexible packaging solutions

Digital solutions • OTOMES manufacturing execution system • Advanced control software

Industry can do it

Mill to finishing under historical brands of Abbey, OTO, Bronx & Taylor-Wilson

Visit us at Tube Fives’ stand E April | Düsseldorf, Germany www.fivesgroup.com tubeandpipe@fivesgroup.com

CONTENTS

Editor

Rory McBride

Design & production

Lisa Wright

Sales & marketing

Jason Smith UK, Italy, USA, Canada, India & ROW jason@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 834684 Linda Li Asia 亚洲 linda@intras.co.uk Tel: +44 1926 834685

2 Editorial index 8 Industry news 9 Diary of tube events 22 Technology news 34 Industry 360

Advertising co-ordinator

Liz Hughes

Subscriptions

Louise Jennings

Accounts manager

Louise Jennings

Web Design/Developer

Andrew Barnes

Social Media Administrator Milly Harrison

Founder

John C Hogg

All rights reserved – © Intras Ltd ISSN 0953-2366

36 Tube bending, end forming & swaging 46 Cutting technology, sawing & saw blades 72 Advertisers index

Published by Intras Ltd Unit 32, Tangent Business Hub,

Shirebrook, Nottinghamshire NG20 8RX UK Tel: +44 1926 334137 • Fax: +44 1926 314755 Email: tpt@intras.co.uk • Website: www.read-tpt.com

Intras USA Danbury Corporate Center, 107 Mill Plain Road, Danbury CT 06811, USA Tel: +1 203 794 0444 • Email: doug@intras.co.uk

Tube Products INTERNATIONAL www.read-tpi.com

This publication and its full contents of layout, text, images, and graphics is copyright protected. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s written permission. The publisher, owners, agents, printers, editors and contributors cannot be held responsible for and hereby exclude all liability whatsoever for errors, omissions or the accuracy and claims printed or inferred in the editorial or advertisements published in this, previous or subsequent editions or for any damages, costs or losses caused thereby. Tube & Pipe Technology reserves the right to edit, reword and subedit all editorial submissions in accordance with editorial policy. Tube & Pipe Technology expressed graphically or by text is a registered name and style trademark of Intras Ltd, UK. All matters relating to this disclaimer are governed by the laws of England. US Copies only: Tube & Pipe Technology (ISSN No: 0953-2366, USPS No: 023-507) is published six times a year: January, March, May, July, September and November by Intras Ltd and distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA. Periodicals postage paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Tube & Pipe Technology, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA 19032.

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January issue • Business & market news • High tolerance, precise weld preparation for tubes and pipes used in aerospace

www.read-tpi.com

The trade magazine for tube and pipe products

January 2024

Photo credit: Zhu Hongzhi

ARTICLE

Tube & Pipe Technology magazine is available in print and online. Go to www.read-tpt.com for more information.

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Case study: the production of highly reliable and precise tubes for aircraft at Tubes and Ducts Moroc Aerospace in Morocco By Schwarze-Robitec GmbH

The Professional Publishers Association Member

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

The January Issue Welcome to the latest issue of Tube & Pipe Technology magazine.

January 2024 Vol 37 No 1

The forthcoming March issue is our Tube Düsseldorf Special and will feature an in-depth look at the exciting technology that will be on display at this huge event. We will also have a full list of exhibitors to help you navigate the halls and connect with potential customers. Make sure you feature within our pages to take advantage of this great opportunity to speak to the entire tube industry. This 2024 event should be the most well attended in some time. For the first time since Covid-19 we are welcoming back the entire globe. Some countries were sadly still not fully open at the time of the last event back in 2022. The March issue will also mark a proud anniversary for our company, which has now been serving the global tube and wire industries for a fantastic four decades. In this January issue of TPT we are also excited to launch a new column entitled Industry 360. It is written by a name many of you will be familiar with – Eric Lundin. Eric is a marketing manager and sales engineer at T&H Lemont, having worked in engineering and journalism for many years. We are honoured to have him working with us. Each issue Eric will be writing in detail about topics that impact on the tube and pipe industry globally. He gets the ball rolling this time with the sticky issue of inflation. If you would like to submit editorial for the forthcoming Tube Düsseldorf March issue of TPT magazine you can contact me at: rory@intras.co.uk. The deadline for the issue is 7 February. Rory McBride – Editor

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The international magazine for the tube & pipe industries

On the cover . . . Universal Tube & Rollform Equipment offers one of the largest inventories of new and used tube mills, roll formers, entry equipment, cut-offs, welders and more. The company also builds new controls and drive systems and can provide on-site support including start-up and commissioning. Since 1985 Universal has specialised

JANUARY 2024

VOL 37 NO 1

US$33

ISSN 0953-2366

in creating custom tube, pipe and roll forming lines using new, used and reconditioned machinery. The ability to mix and match pieces to build a custom line provides buyers with more budget-friendly options. When it is time to upgrade your current machinery to gain greater efficiency Universal is there for you, located in Northwest Ohio, US. New machinery by Universal & ERWTech is reliable, economical and fully supported. Complete lines are available with new entry system, rolling mill, high-frequency tube mill and welder, high-speed flying saw and packing system. Call Universal to talk about your future projects or current needs.

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INDUSTRY

ASMAG acquires 100-year-old German tube manufacturer Reika as it expands offering

acquisition of Reika is a significant achievement for ASMAG. We value the know-how that the company brings after its over 100 years of existence and we are convinced that this will further strengthen our position as a leading company in the industry.” The ASMAG Group, headquartered in Austria’s Almtal valley, is primarily engaged in mechanical and plant engineering for the metal industry, with locations in Austria, Germany, Italy and the US.

THE family-owned company ASMAG, located in Scharnstein, Austria, is taking over Reika, a German manufacturer of turnkey tube processing systems. The acquisition represents a significant step in ASMAG’s expansion strategy. By integrating Reika’s products into the ASMAG Group’s existing portfolio, a broader range can be offered to shared customers. This will contribute to consolidating its market position and aligns with the “everything from a single source” strategy. Johann Vielhaber, founder and owner of the ASMAG Group, said: “The

ASMAG GmbH www.asmag.at Magnetic Analysis Corp announces new CEO MAGNETIC Analysis Corporation Johann Vielhaber

the pandemic stronger than we were at the start and currently enjoy one of the largest order books in our company’s history. We are confident that Dan can help us build on our solid foundations and accelerate our growth. “At the same time, I would like to express our grateful appreciation for the steady stewardship that Dudley Boden has provided as president over the past seven years and the contributions he has made over his entire 22-year career at MAC.” MAC has been developing technology used for non-destructive testing for more than 95 years. It offers eddy current, electromagnetic, flux leakage and ultrasonic inspection systems for testing metals. MAC offers individual instruments as well as automated systems that incorporate materials handling and controls.

intention to retire in 2024. Mr Boden will remain a director of MAC and will assist in the transition. Mr Lawrence comes to MAC from his current role as general manager of the optical components business of MKS Instruments. He was previously a vice-president and general manager of the stellite, conforma clad and advanced materials systems businesses within Kennametal and spent a decade as a division vice president and business unit manager for the Precitech and TMC business units within Ametek. Early in his career, Mr Lawrence received management and executive training at both Danaher and GE. Mr Lawrence received his BS and MS in chemical engineering from Clarkson University, studied law at Boston University and received an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. Robert Gould, chairman of the board of directors, said: “Dan comes to MAC at an exciting time. We emerged from

(MAC), which specialises in instruments and systems for the non-destructive testing of metals, has appointed Daniel Lawrence as president and chief executive officer. He will be the fifth leader in MAC’s 95-year history. Mr Lawrence will succeed president Dudley Boden, who announced his

Magnetic Analysis Corp www.mac-ndt.com

Daniel Lawrence, president and CEO, Magnetic Analysis Corporation

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JANUARY 2024

DIARY OF EVENTS

2024 8-11 January

Customised pipe shop concepts for automated fabrication of pipe spools

Steel Fab Sharjah, UAE www.steelfabme.com 25-28 March Global Industrie Paris, France www.global-industrie.com

15-19 April Tube Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany www.tube.de

which allows for streamlined production planning, monitoring and documentation. Work orders can be prepared in order to make the best possible use of machine capacities and operator qualifications, while also taking material availability and scheduling into consideration. All operations can be tracked and traced, and it is possible to create customised reports and documentation of all workshop activities. Customers around the world have profited from 3R’s services, which helped them achieve significant savings, of up to 50 to 70 per cent on the shop floor, and up to 70 to 90 per cent of time savings in work preparation and documentation. 3R solutions will exhibit at Tube 2024 and can be found in Hall 5, booth A12. Its experts will be happy to answer questions or demonstrate examples of successful projects worldwide.

3R SOLUTIONS is a leading supplier of integrated smart solutions for the automated fabrication of pipe spools. The company has more than 40 years of experience in the planning and execution of turnkey projects, providing customised pipe shop concepts, designed to meet the specific requirements of its customers. By conducting an in-depth analysis of the customer’s goals and expectations, as well as discussing any concept with all stakeholders (engineering, fabrication, HSE, quality control and maintenance), the company can determine the optimal combination of software, machines and handling systems. This cooperation with leading machine manufacturers gives 3R the ability to draw on their expertise, while the customer has the benefit of only having one point of contact, rather than having to coordinate the activities of multiple companies onsite. Another advantage is the comprehensive and integrated suite of software applications offered by 3R,

15-19 April MACH 2024 Birmingham, UK www.machexhibition.com

11-13 May China (Guangzhou) International Metal and Metallurgy Exhibition Guangzhou, China www.julang.com.cn

11-13 June FABTECH Canada Toronto, Canada www.canada.fabtechexpo.com 25-28 September Tube China 2024 Shanghai, China www.tubechina.net 15-17 October FABTECH Orlando, Florida, USA www.fabtechexpo.com 22-25 October EuroBlech Hanover, Germany www.euroblech.com 27-29 November Tube India Mumbai, India www.tube-india.com 3-5 December ValveWorld Expo Düsseldorf, Germany www.valveworldexpo.com

3R solutions www.3r.de 3R offers a comprehensive and integrated suite of software applications

All shows are correct at the time of going to print, but are subject to change. Please check to ensure the event is going ahead

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INDUSTRY

Sikora named one of the top medium-sized businesses to work for in 2024

importance to working together in an appreciative manner and to making the working conditions at Sikora as attractive as possible.” Sikora AG employs around 400 people in Bremen, Germany and at its 13 international subsidiaries. In addition to its own company restaurant and company health management with massages and yoga classes, the company offers many benefits such as flexible working hours, capital forming benefits, individual training opportunities and regular employee events to promote exchanging and getting to know each other.

SIKORA has been named as one of the top employers in the medium-sized business sector 2024. It ranked seventh in the area of electronics, according to Focus-Business and its research partner, FactField GmbH. The view of 650,000 employee were evaluated from the results of an online survey and existing online evaluations of employers were analysed from 36,000 companies. Companies with at least one location in Germany sized between 11 and 500 employees and with an average rating of at least 3.5 out of 5 were taken into account. The final ranking of the companies resulted from the rating average and the number of ratings depending on the number of employees. Around 4,000 employers with the best scores across all groups were included in the final ranking. “The numerous positive evaluations of our company fill us with pride,” said Holger Lieder, executive board at Sikora. “Only with highly motivated employees, who feel comfortable in their working environment, we can distinguish ourselves from other companies and be successful on the market in the long run. Therefore, we also attach great

Holger Lieder, executive board at Sikora AG, with the award certificate

At the ‘creative deck’ on the top floor of the production building, employees find new working environments with numerous creative areas, quiet workplaces and extended meeting rooms.

Sikora AG www.sikora.net

New work environments in the ‘creative deck ’

Metal trade fairs celebrate second successful tube and wire event in Thailand

came to Bangkok to find out about industry trends at all four trade fairs and to expand their business relationships. The visitors were manufacturers, buyers and suppliers from the wire, cable, tube, foundry and metallurgy industries, as well as from the automotive, oil & gas, construction, energy, building and electrical industries. Wire and Tube Southeast Asia will once again be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 17-19 September 2025.

industries. Over 80 per cent of the 245 exhibiting companies were international. Wire Southeast Asia showcased machinery and equipment for wire production, wire processing and wire finishing, accessories, measuring, control and testing technology as well as new and further developed special wires and cables. Machines and technologies from the fields of tube manufacturing, tube processing and tube finishing complete the range of products at Tube Southeast Asia. Around 7,400 trade fair visitors, around 30 per cent of them international,

MORE than 400 exhibitors from 30 countries presented their technological highlights at the leading regional trade fairs for the tube, wire and cable industries – wire and Tube Southeast Asia. The event took place for the second time together with GIFA Southeast Asia and METEC Southeast Asia at BITEC in Bangkok from 20-22 September 2023. Joint participations from six countries complemented the line-up with their national pavilions. Wire and tube Southeast Asia are regarded in Thailand as leading regional information and trade platforms for their

Tube Southeast Asia www.tube-southeastasia.com

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INDUSTRY

Welding and production automation solutions PEMAMEK Ltd, a provider of welding and production automation solutions, has launched a new line of milling machinery. suitable for the process industry, including pressure vessel manufacturing.

One of the main advancements is the high-tech Direct Drive spindle technology that Pemamek has incorporated into the system together with the German company Kessler. The servo-driven and backlash-free technology offers less vibration and more lifetime for milling inserts. Furthermore, as in each PEMA welding and production automation solution, the efficient control system and real-time process feedback become standard features. “Several years ago, the advantages of direct drive machining technology were already demonstrated through initial machining operations using Kessler’s torque motor technology. I am proud to have been involved in this journey and I am thrilled to introduce the machinery featuring a torque motor, spindle shaft, bearings and sensors all integrated within the same compact and modular spindle unit, developed in collaboration with Pemamek and Kessler,” commented Esko Lätti, product manager at Pemamek. With the new milling technology, Pemamek continues to provide state-of-the-art solutions for heavy-duty applications. By combining precision, efficiency and reliability, Pemamek seeks to driving progress in the heavy manufacturing industry.

Designed to meet the specific needs of the wind energy sector, this innovative milling equipment offers advanced solutions for longitudinal, circumferential and edge bevelling processes. These state-of-the-art milling solutions are also

PEMA LM for long seam milling

Pemamek Ltd www.pemamek.com

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INDUSTRY

Marking 30 years at Metalube

METALUBE Ltd is celebrating the 30-year journey of Albert Molloy, global product manager for OCG and non-ferrous drawing lubricants. As an integral part of the Metalube family, the company says that Mr Molloy’s contribution, dedication and impact have been instrumental in shaping its success and global position. Mr Molloy was formerly a structural engineer who transitioned into working for a family business manufacturing wire drawing dies. It was during this time that he first crossed paths with Metalube founder David Lee – an encounter that marked the beginning of a journey that has spanned three decades. Highlights of Mr Molloy’s 30 years include developing new accounts and playing a role in expanding Metalube’s business in regions such as Turkey, the UK, Europe and beyond. Reflecting on his initial motivation for joining Metalube, he said: “A change in personal circumstances made me seek new challenges beyond my secure environment. The accountability and challenge of moving the company forward in the early years required me to be focused and be deliverable when developing new opportunities.” Mr Molloy has witnessed significant changes within the company, and notes that it has evolved into a more

Albert Molloy (front-right) marks his anniversary with the company

diverse organisation, embracing new horizons and markets. Throughout his time with the company, Mr Molloy has collaborated with a range of colleagues and teams. Looking to the future, with a focus on North America, he aims to lead Metalube in gaining a substantial market share in the region, with a new phase of growth and expansion. The Metalube Group, which includes industrial lubricants brands Metalube, Molyslip and Vapor-Tek, exports 95 per cent of its production to more than 100 countries worldwide.

Metalube Group www.metalube.co.uk

DRAWING STRAIGHTENING PEELING

BARS TUBES PROFILES

Bültmann GmbH www.bueltmann.com

Contact us: +49 2394 180 info@bueltmann.com

INDUSTRY

Ernst Blissenbach – a true tube engineering innovator

Ernst Blissenbach

longitudinally welded pipes, which were fundamentally advantageous in terms of production and tolerances, of their main disadvantage: the internal welding flash. This was to be achieved by means of a tool in which a carbide cutting ring scarfs the burr formed inside the tube during welding during the initial production process. However, as in many successful entrepreneur stories, new ideas are not always welcomed with open arms. Skepticism, especially from experts, often creates resistance to new developments and requires intensive persuasion efforts. Thus, Ernst Blissenbach had to invest not only his diligence and perseverance, but also his entire fortune in his vision. The long phase of failed attempts discouraged companions and partners, so he finally founded his own company in 1997 – at age 60, when others are considering retirement: “It’s all or nothing – that has always been my motto,” said Mr Blissenbach. “I have always taken my cue from the best of the best.” His perseverance proved him right. He achieved a breakthrough. And, thanks to his tool innovation, this led to the resurgence of longitudinally welded tubes as a market-dominating process. Ernst Blissenbach does not need much promotion for his successful process these days. The high-quality standards, long durability and refinement of inside tube scarfing tools have long been recognised worldwide – the Blissenbach systems are seen as market leading. “We are as well-known in our field as Kleenex or Coca-Cola,” said Mr Blissenbach. The company’s customers include plant engineers and pipe manufacturers whose products are used, for example, in the energy or automotive

HAVING been born in Remscheid, Ger- many engineering and entrepreneurial expertise are part of Ernst Blissenbach’s DNA. Bergische Land is considered one of the cradles of German industry and is known for its entrepreneurial spirit in metalworking. What emerged from this beginning? An innovation, as just one example, that has become the standard for inside tube scarfing systems. And at the same time, the story serves as an example that it takes courage and perseverance for innovations to succeed. Ernst Blissenbach himself is a textbook example of an entrepreneur – representative of the many hidden heroes who define Germany’s success in global markets. However, as with any great story, there were obstacles, difficulties and hardships for Ernst Blissenbach GmbH and the innovation that followed. At the end of the difficult post-war years and after his military service, Ernst Blissenbach successfully completed his professional training at Vaillant. Subsequently, he managed to rise from an apprentice to a respected employee in the design office. His dedication and quick thinking earned him a good reputation with his boss, Karl-Ernst Vaillant, and he was allowed to implement his own tool ideas in his free hours. Over the years, the results of his work were in such demand that in 1973 – together with his brother – he ventured into self-employment. The two brothers were very successful. However, it was the forward-looking market assessment by a leading Mannesmann employee regarding future pipe productions that triggered a technological vision in Ernst Blissenbach. The person in question had advised him to strive for the development of a tool capable of economically removing the inside burr from high frequency longitudinally welded tubes. If functioning properly, this production method could then develop into a cost effective alternative to seamless pipes in the long run. In the almost 100 years of important inventions by the Mannesmann brothers (also from Remscheid, Germany), seamless pipes were produced solely by rolling instead of welding. The Blissenbach approach was to rid

industries. When pipe welding machines are purchased for around 15 or 20 million euros, the Blissenbach system tailored to the plant is almost certainly ordered. Age is not seen as a problem, but as a future opportunity and an emancipatory tool for our economy: the 85-year-old head of the company is a successful “free-ager” still driven by a spirit of innovation. Innovations continue to be the driving force. To this end, the company maintains an in-house innovation lab where employees can work collaboratively to develop and advance new project ideas in changing configurations. “Without highly specialised people, a high-tech company has no future,” said managing partner Mr Blissenbach. “Ultimately, people are the decisive factor – their skills, knowledge and willingness to make a difference – but they also need to be given the necessary space.” For this reason, the top innovator cultivates flat hierarchies and a policy of short paths. Every employee can come to him directly with their ideas and everything is then discussed on an equal footing. From vision to global market leader – Ernst Blissenbach exemplifies innovative entrepreneurial spirit. But not only that. The still imaginative and active, now 85-year-old company patron, proves that age can be seen not as a problem, but as a future opportunity and an emancipatory tool for the economy, as knowledge and experience are valuable resources.

Ernst Blissenbach GmbH www.blissenbach.de

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JANUARY 2024

F OREVER Shijiazhuang Forever Machinery Co., Ltd.

F OREVER Shijiazhuang Forever Machinery Co., Ltd.

HF Tube/Pipe Mill Line Cold Roll Forming Machine Slitting Line and Cut-to-length Line Directly Forming to Square and Rectangular Tube Mill Line Tube/Pipe Mill Line ld Roll Forming Machine tting Line and Cut-to-length Line ectly Forming to Square and Rectangular Tube Mill Line

www.pipemill.cn

INDUSTRY

Changzhou Dongfang Special Steel chooses Kocks tube and bar mill to boost production

The focus is on SBQ products for demanding processing industries. In the city of Changzhou, the steel producer currently operates three mill lines – one mill line for producing steel profiles and two mill lines for producing steel bars with diameters between 20mm and 150mm. The 3-roll technology from Kocks is the key to maximum flexibility and productivity of the production process in the new 800,000 t/a SBQ rolling mill after 21 stands in H/V arrangement. In the small bar mill line, the RSB ® 370++/4 has been designed according to the individual requirements of Changzhou Dongfang Special Steel in order to produce straight bars in a finished size range from Ø20 to 80mm with the tightest dimensional tolerance. The scope of supply further includes the remote control for stand and guide adjustments, the equipment for the roll shop and the hardware and software for the further advanced Bamicon Octopus that assists operators in the stand and guide preparation and supports the entire tooling process. The commissioning of the small bar mill line including the RSB ® 5.0 with the further advanced design is scheduled for the end of 2024.

THE Chinese special steel producer, Changzhou Dongfang Special Steel Co Ltd, has signed a contract with Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG for the supply of a RSB ® 370++/4 in 5.0 design. The reducing and sizing block will be installed in the company’s special bar quality rolling mill in Changzhou, China. Changzhou Dongfang Special Steel produces three million metric tons of different long products annually. The portfolio comprises alloyed carbon steels, spring steels, ball bearing steels, high-pressure boiler tube steels and gear steels.

The mill will be part of Changzhou Dongfang Special Steel’s new SBQ small bar mill line

Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG

www.kocks.de

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INDUSTRY

Sabic opens European pipe innovation centre in the Netherlands

the most complex customer challenges within fast turnaround times. In addition, it will support advanced pipe concepts in collaboration with value chain partners across the European pipe industry. Its close location to major pipe markets as well as to the Brightlands Chemelot industrial park with its focus on chemistry and new materials and to industry relevant universities at Eindhoven and Aachen provides the perfect eco-system for pipe innovations. Khalid Al-Bani, global leader segment pipe and utilities at Sabic, added: “With customised pipe material development, testing, sampling and validation capacities, the pipe innovation centre will enable Sabic to collaborate with European pipe manufacturers closer and more effectively than ever before.”

competences and capabilities. Our new pipe innovation centre in Geleen and its dedicated team are a good demonstration of our commitment to keep developing those sustainable solutions.” Sabic’s European pipe innovation centre is fully equipped for extensive pipe testing according to relevant international standards. Material testing facilities include full notch creep, strain hardening, tensile, rheological and impact testing. Pipe testing capacities span from internal pressure to notched pipe to small-scale steady-state (S4) rapid crack propagation testing. Another focus of the centre’s activities will be to accelerate the adoption of certified circular polymers from Sabic’s portfolio in new and more sustainable pipe developments. At Geleen, the pipe innovation centre team will be able to link its activities more effectively with the pipe polymer development on site and solve even

SABIC has opened its new European pipe innovation centre. The new centre is located near Sabic’s manufacturing site at Geleen, the Netherlands, and compliments the company’s existing pipe innovation centres in Saudi Arabia and China. With customised pipe material development, testing, sampling and validation capacities, it will enable Sabic to collaborate with European pipe manufacturers more effectively. Lina Prada, director polymer application development and industry solutions at Sabic, said: “Global urbanisation and population growth are driving the demand for plastic pipes and innovative new pipe solutions in a wide range of infrastructural, domestic, industrial, agri- and aquacultural market segments. We at Sabic have been bringing advanced solutions to the pipe industry for many years. Keeping the edge on innovation requires continuous development of our

Sabic www.sabic.com

Next Issue March 2024

The stationary PBM pipe end preparation machines, for fast beveling of all types of materials, are the strongest bevel machines in the market.

February 2024 7 Editorial deadline

February 2024 16 Advertising deadline

Editorial Features Tube mills & rollforming lines Tube welding machines & technology

Show issue for

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INDUSTRY

Unison family to exhibit latest technology at Tube Düsseldorf and MACH 2024

feature an 11-axis multi-stack, multi radius option for more complex shapes. Unison Synergy hybrid machines – developed to make Unison quality and reliability accessible to organisations that typically carry out repetitive tube bending tasks and do not require the rapid setup time and all-electric operation of Unison’s Breeze tube bending machines. Unison Synergy models combine electric control with advanced hydraulic operation. Available in 50mm and 80mm (maximum tube diameter) versions, Synergy models offer exceptional power and robust design with user-friendly touchscreen control and a choice of industry leading motors and drives. Pneuform wire bending machines – Pneuform was a pioneer of CNC 3D wire bending. Today its wire and small diameter tube bending machines have become the industry standard with many manufacturers of beer coolers, drink dispensers, HVAC equipment and small diameter automotive parts. Nukon Lasers UK – The Nukon Rex fibre laser machine that will be on display at MACH 2024 combines powerful 2D flat sheet metal cutting capability with optional pipe and tube cutting and marking features. It was developed primarily for subcontractors and organisations cutting small batches of varying shapes and sizes. Nukon Rex machines have an extremely compact footprint and are available with power outputs ranging from 2KW to 6KW. Nukon Rex fibre lasers offer high spec features that are standard across the wider Nukon range. These include advanced Lantek Expert CAD/CAM nesting software and American-made nLIGHT fibre lasers. Nukon Lasers UK is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Nukon’s European-built 2D, 3D and tube fibre laser cutting machines and loading and unloading solutions. Nukon fibre lasers combine high speed and high precision with exceptional value and build quality as well as exceptionally low running costs.

“We are incredibly pleased to be showcasing machines from all three Unison machine tool companies at MACH 2024 and to be presenting technologies from Unison and Pneuform at Tube Düsseldorf,” commented Unison’s joint managing director, Alan Pickering. “With our world-class, British-built Unison tube bending machines, Nukon’s highly accessible premium quality fibre laser machines and our recent acquisition of Pneuform, we now offer a comprehensive choice of quality machine tool technologies for organisations and subcontractors wanting to provide precision tube and wire bending and laser cutting. We have also made significant enhancements to the Pneuform model range for 2024 and are proud to support Pneuform machines with our uncompromising levels of aftersales care.” Unison Breeze Twinhead machines – Unison pioneered ultra-precise, all electric tube manipulation and now offers the largest range of all-electric tube and pipe bending machines for diameters from 4mm to 275mm. Unison’s range of Twinhead machines has been developed for the high-speed manufacture of symmetrical tubular shapes, such as those typically used in automotive, agricultural, transport and furniture applications. Models include a 5-axis machine with optional weld-seam detection, end forming, tube marking and barcode batch reading. They also

APRIL 2024 will be a busy time for Unison Ltd, the inventors of all-electric tube manipulation, Nukon Lasers UK, and wire bending machinery manufacturer, Pneuform Machines Ltd. These three UK-based companies make up the Unison family and MACH 2024 will provide the first opportunity for their respective tech- nologies to be presented side by side since Pneuform was acquired by Unison in 2023. At the same time, at Tube Düsseldorf, the tube and wire bending capabilities of Unison and Pneuform machines will be showcased together. On show and operational at stand 550 in Hall 20 at MACH 2024, will be an all electric Unison Breeze Twinhead tube bending machine; a Unison Synergy hybrid dual-stack tube bender; and a Pneuform 3D wire bending machine. A highly powerful European-built Nukon Rex 6KW flat sheet metal fibre laser machine from Nukon Lasers UK will also be on display. At stand G27 in Hall 6 at Tube Düsseldorf, visitors will be able to discover the tube and wire bending technologies offered across the Unison and Pneuform machine tool ranges. One of Unison’s manually operated, CNC-controlled EvBend machines will also be on display. Highly affordable and specially developed for low-volume precision tube bending, EvBend models are widely used across the aerospace, MRO, motorsport and oil & gas industries.

Unison Ltd www.unisonltd.com www.nukonlasers.co.uk www.pneuform.com

Unison Synergy hybrid dual-stack tube bending machine

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QUALITY IS EVERYTHING

The UPCAST ® continuous casting technology has been a jewel since its birth – a result of technical innovation and process know-how. The legacy continues: consistent high quality is still everything.

Upward casting since 1968

15 - 19 April 2024 Düsseldorf, Germany Visit us at 9C06

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UPCAST OY , PORI, FINLAND www.upcast.com

INDUSTRY

SMS group to supply cold rolling mill to LatemAluminium in northern Spain

products in the region of northern Spain. A melting plant for aluminium scrap that the Spanish manufacturer recently acquired has already started operation. A total of about 2,000 new jobs are expected to be created. The new cold rolling mill, coupled with expertise from SMS, will support LatemAluminium in bringing tailor-made aluminium products to market. The six-high mill, equipped with SMS group’s developed CVC ® plus technology for work roll and intermediate roll shifting, combined with further actuators for flexible and precise roll gap setting, will be fully capable of producing cold strip in widths of up to 2,200mm. The mill comes with fully automatic coil and spool handling for efficient operation. SMS group supplies a fully harmonised mechatronic plant solution,

incorporating the mechanical equipment and the proven modules of the X-Pact ® electrical and automation systems that are specifically dedicated to the process of aluminium rolling. The scope of supply further includes auxiliaries such as the rolling oil recovery system and the CO 2 fire extinguishing system. The advanced rolling technology is in line with LatemAluminium’s commitment to the environment. SMS group will supply a Multiplate ® filter to clean the used rolling oil. An Airwash™ system that recovers rolling oil for economic and ecological reuse cleans the exhaust air. The first coil is scheduled to be produced on the new aluminium cold rolling mill in April 2024.

SMS GROUP, and Spanish aluminium manufacturer LatemAluminium, have announced a partnership to bring about sustainable aluminium production in the province of Castilla y León in northern Spain. During the Aluminium trade fair in Düsseldorf, Macario Fernández, CEO of LatemAluminium, and Michael Schäfer, executive vice-president flat products of SMS group, jointly presented the circular economy project for aluminium. For the ambitious new project in the aluminium market, SMS supplies a state-of-the-art aluminium cold rolling mill including ancillary facilities for environmentally friendly and sustainable plant operation. The cold rolling mill is part of LatemAluminium’s major investment project to install plants for recycling aluminium and aluminium alloys and production facilities for aluminium

SMS group www.sms-group.com

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TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY Circ seam milling machine from Graebener to process pipe used in wind tower construction

seam milling machine. By means of movable turning devices, the section, which has already been welded from the inside by submerged arc welding, is positioned in such a way that the seam to be processed is located directly in front of the milling head. This allows safe, and at the same time very fast, positioning on the approximately 9 circumferential seams of the respective sections – without any crane handling. An additional support, which is positioned crosswise to the section, moves the circ seam milling machine forwards and backwards. Diameters from 1.3m to 5.5m can be processed up to a milling depth of 100mm. To ensure that the wide movable pipe turning devices can also pass the circ seam milling machine, it is moved into a parking position. Thanks to the mechanical weld seam preparation, the original manual processing with gouging, grinding processes and subsequent cleaning is no longer necessary. Due to the fact that only the external tack weld seam is milled to the root of the internal weld seam with the circ seam milling machine, the existing welding procedure specifications do not need to be changed. In addition, the precise edges of the seam preparation now allow an automated welding process. VAM stated that, since the Graebener circ seam milling machine began being used, two sections of 30m length with 9 circumferential seams each can be processed per shift. Previously, more than two shifts were required for the same work, and in extreme working conditions. VAM increased the efficiency of this process by more than 50 per cent, while improving working conditions and increasing quality.

a more efficient and effective process for weld seam preparation on wind tower sections, VAM’s production team turned to Graebener, based in South Westphalia, Germany, which has been developing circ seam milling machines for many years. Together, VAM and Graebener developed a solution concept that could be efficiently integrated into the existing production line. Circ seam milling machines are usually transportable machines and are positioned on the weld seam to be processed by crane or on rails. At VAM, the process is reversed. Instead, the approximately 30m long wind tower sections pass the fixed positioned circ

GRAEBENER Maschinentechnik has successfully commissioned a circ seam milling machine for the preparation of weld seams on wind tower sections in Portugal. The customer is the company Vieira Alves Metalomecânica SA (VAM) located in Alferrarede, Portugal. Founded in 2004, the family owned company manufactures metal structures for cement and glass-ceramic production. VAM has also set itself the target of establishing the company as a manufacturer of wind towers in the renewable energy sector. VAM focuses on the quality of its products, the training of its staff and innovation in its production. Looking for

The machine is able to process wind tower sections with diameters up to 5,500mm

Graebener Maschinentechnik www.graebener.com

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TECHNOLOGY

Production of tube mills for the solar

energy industry OFFICINE MTM is a global tube mill manufacturer, which prides itself on its design, quality and reliability. With 50 years of expertise and a commitment to meeting ever changing industry demands, MTM has recently completed its third dedicated tube mill for producing sector tubes for the solar industry. The line, model MTM 120 CS W HF, will soon be delivered to and installed in the US. This achievement marks another step forward for MTM’s mission to advance a sustainable and eco-friendly future. The tube production line covers a range of outer diameters from 38.1mm (1.5") to 127mm (5") and a maximum thickness of 6.35mm (0.25"). The tubes produced by the MTM 120 CS W HF have a distinctive octagonal shape, serving as advanced, high tech components for solar photovoltaic

MTM has recently completed its third tube mill for the solar industry

solutions to its clients and is ready to see this number grow in the next few years. The company states that it has sustainability at the heart its everyday practices from employee engagement to local supplier sourcing and social responsibility within the local community.

brackets. These brackets play a central role in optimising energy generation by precisely aligning solar panels with the sun’s path. This solution enhances structural stability, simplifies mounting and installation and offers design flexibility for various applications. With three lines installed in just five years within the solar industry Officine MTM has proved his commitment in promoting innovative and sustainable

Officine MTM www.mtm-group.eu

Efficient drawing preparation for every type of tube ECONOMICAL tube drawing requires a technically perfect and equally economical pointing process. The pointing system should be flexibly tailored to the tube geometries and requirements, so that the shape of the drawing tang provides optimum conditions for both solid clamping of the tang and gentle insertion into the drawing die. Both requirements are possible when using Bültmann hybrid pointing systems. These include two pointing processes in one machine – folding tag forming and push-pointing. This well-established technology, based on combined Bültmann tube pointing machine, type HAM/PH, has been specifically developed to handle the increased requirements associated with the pointing of tubes. Due to the combination of both proven pointing methods – folding tag forming and push-pointing – integrated in one machine it is possible to point tubes with small wall thickness as well as tubes with a larger one (ratio > 1:10) in one working station. As this machine type requires very little space it is suited to retrofitting into an existing line. The simple technical concept also offers cost benefits as only one machine for this application has to be purchased instead of two.

The machine requires very little space so it is suited to retrofitting into an existing production line

Low noise emissions, as well as optimal ergonomics due to the use of tool changing devices, are additional advantages of the system. The modular design of the push-pointer modules also makes it possible to retrofit on site already existing folding tag machines with this add-on, so that a state-of-the-art pointing system can be used with a lower investment.

Bültmann GmbH www.bueltmann.com

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