TPT July 2009

T echnology U pdate

3D tube measuring technology

Pipe cutting and facing machine with outside clamping

Suhner, a leader in metal surface finishes and treatment, has launched the UTG 9-R belt sander for pipes. The sander is compact and strong, with a drive power of 1,000 Watt, and is easy to handle, ergonomic and simple to use. The UTG 9-R can be wrapped around pipes thanks to an adjustable tilting contact roller, with a maximum 220º contact without the  Suhner’s UTG 9-R belt sander in action Basic elements of AICON’s TubeInspect system have been redesigned. For measuring the tubes, TubeInspect HS uses ten digital cameras with higher resolutions. Moreover a spatial reference point field made from glass, being especially stable with respect to shape and temperature, is located in the measuring cell. Thus the measuring system can resort to reference points in different spatial planes, which leads to a more precise measurement of the tube geometries. Also in terms of the software, basic changes have been implemented. TubeInspect HS makes use of AICON’s new software version 4.5 with an improved algorithm for higher measuring accuracy. Dr -Ing Werner Boesemann, AICON’s president, explains the added value of the new TubeInspect system: “Let’s take a closer look at an injection pipe. This pipe must fit exactly into the available installation space The production of tubes is shaped by narrowing tolerances and, as a consequence, very precise inspection equipment with high measuring repeatability is required to control the production in a reliable way. AICON has reacted to this demand and launched the new camera-based 3D tube measuring system TubeInspect HS.

– and this space becomes more and more confined. Furthermore, the connectors of the tubes have to be very accurate because it is not possible to compensate any deviation from the target geometry during assembly in case of such an inflexible and short pipe. This is the reason why the tolerances for injection pipes are getting smaller. With TubeInspect HS it is possible to inspect the geometric features of these pipes with the required precision and in a reliable way. This is impossible with traditional measuring methods such as coordinate measuring machines.” TubeInspect HS achieves precision (of up to 50µm) and repeatability. The measuring results can be documented clearly, using graphical reports. TubeInspect allows for the measurement of any tube geometry independent from surface colour or texture, while TubeInspect HS measures tubes with diameters ranging from 2mm to 100mm. The measuring range of the system is 1,080mm x 980mm x 500mm. AICON 3D Systems GmbH – Germany

Protem Sas, France, has launched the CTA series of pipe cutting and facing machine with outside clamping. The CTA model is designed for production or prefab workshops. It allows cutting and bevelling tube sections at the right length. Cutting issquareandthebevelanglesare very precise. The machining capabilities are straight cut, 30° bevelling with land, and double bevelling at 37.50°. The cold machining process gives a clean surface finish and does not affect the material features of the pipe. A unique machine, it allows cutting and bevelling of various tubes. The standard machine ranges are 2-12" OD (60-323mm) with a wall thickness of 4-18mm (carbon steel) and 4-15mm (stainless steel); 6-16" OD (168.3mm to 406.4mm) with wall thickness of 4mm to 25.4mm (carbon steel and stainless steel); 12-24" OD (323.9mm to 610mm) with a wall thickness of 4mm to 25.4mm (carbon steel and stainless steel); and 16-30" OD (406.4mm to 762mm) with a wall thickness of 4 to 25.4mm (carbon steel and stainless steel). The dimensions of the wall thickness for the biggest three ranges are dependent upon the bevel form and angle. The machine operates with an effective cutting principle, which involves a stationary tube. The tube is immobilised in the outside clamping systems. The tool bits mounted on the rotating plate are put into rotation around the tube in order to perform the cut. The feed and back up of the tool bits are achieved entirely mechanically during the rotation of the tool holder plate. While cutting, the machine performs bevelling on both ends. This radial cutting principle does not allow any counterboring or deburring.

Fax : +49 531 58000 60 Email : info@aicon.de Website : www.aicon3d.com

New generation belt sander for pipes

risk of overheating or loss of heat in the case of thin-walled pipes. The belt sander can be used on pipes ranging in diameter from 20 to 70mm. The new product is designed and built to ensure safety. Access to the open abrasive belt is only possible inside the work zone. The rest of the belt is covered, to protect against accidental direct contact.

Belts have the unfortunate characteristic that they drawdust with them as they return after sanding, and then release this dust into the surrounding area via the transmission rollers. This problem has been eliminated by the virtually complete protection of the abrasive belt. Suhner Italia Srl – Italy Fax : +39 035 225 965 Email : info.it@suhner.com Website : www.suhner.com

Protem Sas – France Fax : +33 4 75 57 41 49 Email : contact@protem.fr Website : www.protem.fr

60

J uly 2009

www.read-tpt.com

›