TPT July 2013

Technology News

ArcQuality convinces Outotec MINERALS and metals processing technology company Outotec, Finland, has installed an ArcQuality welding quality management system from Finnishwelding equipment manufacturer Kemppi Oy, for welding operations in its Turula engineering workshop. Outotec is also planning to expand the use of ArcQuality to its other workshops. Plant director Ilkka Hiltunen tool for the management staff, since it enables immediate intervention when there are noticeable deviations from the norm.” With the ArcQuality service, it is easy to make sure that the entire welding process is carried out in accordance with welding procedure specifications. Monitoring by this service also ensures that the welders are qualified to perform the tasks they are assigned. Possible deviations are reported automatically and in real time. own network. Updates and new features can also be quickly implemented.

Welding co-ordinator Rauno Kakkola believes that ArcQuality should become a mainstay of welding schools and that it also affects how management operates, because real-time reports are readily available. “Management must make sure that welding procedure specifications are available. At first, the system requires guidance and training. It is used to make everyone’s work transparent and employees should not feel that there is extra pressure on them because of this,” Mr Koistinen stated. Implementing the system requires an active approach from the company deploying it. Mr Kakkola emphasised that the principles of the system must

commented that quality control for welding is a key part of the workshop’s activities: “It is easier to improve the quality when production is in one’s own hands. ArcQuality is a modern, up-to- date way of ensuring quality control.” Outotec’s production development manager, Kari Koistinen, believes that high welding quality is achieved by making sure that the company employs excellent quality-control processes. Mr Koistinen said, “The manufacturer has to provide the client with the quality required and one needs to be able to prove the quality of the product to both the client and the quality assessment organisation.” Outotec Turula has a 21,000m 2 production facility along with an area for pre-treatment. The Turula workshop has around 70 MIG/MAG, TIG and MMA power sources. The ArcQuality system provides a method of verifying welding quality. Mr Hiltunen praised the system, explaining, “Previously, there were cases in which the client required data on who welded what and when. Now, the system collects all the required information automatically.” Mr Koistinen added, “ArcQuality is a highly suitable

The system can also be used in preparation for maintenance operations, and the smart reader compiles quality data even for weld-specific traceability, if necessary.

Kemppi Oy – Finland Fax: +358 3 899 428

Email: export@kemppi.com Website: www.kemppi.com

be taught to each welder individually and the smart reader device must become a personal work tool for every welder. Mr Hiltunen added, “We must explain to the welders why we are using the system in the first place.” ArcQuality is provided as a cloud service via a secure server, so the system is accessible from anywhere and does not place a burden on the company’s

The bar code from the welding procedure specifications is read into the system before welding

New rotary draw bender IN confirmation of its on-going commitment to meet the market’s growing needs, Ercolina has launched a new and improved rotary draw bender: the TB130 Top Bender. control offers easy access to auto and manual operating modes, programming, system diagnostics and multiple language capability. Programmable bend angles range from 0° to 180°, with up to 12 bends per program.

system with multiple radii available; and no hydraulic components, reducing cost and improving bend accuracy. Auto load sensing improves bend productivity while protecting machine components. Electrical components are UL, CSA and CE approved.

The TB 130, with its 130mm (5") capacity is suitable for producing consistent quality bends in large pipe, tube, squares, solids and other profiles. A strong cast iron design matched with high precision planetary reducer ensures quality, repeatable bends. An interactive PLC touch screen

Other features include independent springback compensation for each bend; USB port for software updates and unlimited program storage; digital display of counter bend die axis and bend angle; bends to CLR as small as 2D; patented quick-change tooling

CML International SpA – Italy Fax: +39 0776 404801 Email: info@ercolina.it Website: www.ercolina.com

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J uly 2013