TPT July 2015

Technology News

Transforming technologies GFU (Gesellschaft für Umformung und Maschinenbau GmbH), founded in 1989, is a specialist in transforming technologies for tubes. The company has become an established producer of chipless forming equipment, mostly used for tubes. components such as tube camshafts (built camshaft), sway bars, stabilisers and drive shafts. The high-speed end-forming is also used for automobile applications. This technology, developed and patented by GFU, is used for the gas-tight closing of tube bottom shapes as a single-piece solution, and without any welding.

machines many companies produce components such as axle beams (monobloc axles). These machines also find application in manufacturing air suspension components and stabiliser bars. For applications that require combined processes, GFU engineers find solutions to bring these combined processes in line. Most of the GFU-engineered production plants, eg for airbag vessels, are designed as turnkey solutions including tube separation, a bottom closing unit, a neck-down unit, machining equipment, cleaning station and complete tube handling.

GFU’s portfolio includes engineering and manufacturing of upsetting presses, swaging or calibration presses, high- speed end-forming units, neck down machines, expanding and reducing machines, and forging machines. The OCTG industry uses upsetting presses and swaging presses made by GFU to manufacture drill pipes and casings. Customers around the world are producing oilfield pipes using machines made by GFU. GFU upsetting technologies are also used in the production of automobile

as on the ground, within crawl spaces, attics and other confines. “The unique installation challenges that commercial buildings present were a perfect fit for us because of McElroy’s extensive background in product innovation,” said Chip McElroy, president and CEO of McElroy. “We are excited to offer job site solutions in this market with the Acrobat 160 and our entire line of polypropylene tools and accessories.” The Acrobat 160 can be configured The company states that, based on this forming process, high-pressure airbag vessels in millions of cars worldwide are made on GFU end- forming machines. Shock absorber manufacturers use GFU knowledge for closing the tube bottom of their shock absorbers. Flanged shafts, conveyor rollers, pressure accumulators, extinguishers and gas tanks are other examples of products manufactured using GFU technology. Using GFU forging

GFU – Germany Fax: +49 6561 12430

Email: info@gfu-forming.de Website: www.gfu-forming.de

Low-force fusion THERMOPLASTIC pipe fusion equip- ment expert McElroy has launched the Acrobat™ 160, a low-force fusion machine for 63 to 160mm polypropylene pipe.

from four to three jaws without using tools, for added flexibility in tight spaces. The machine weighs 40lb in the four- jaw configuration, and only 29lb in its three-jaw set-up. The narrow jaws allow fusions for flanges to outlet branches of tees and most fittings. The machine is provided with a hydraulic power unit (HPU) and inserts for commonly butt-fused polypropylene pipe sizes. The facer and heater can be loaded from the top or bottom (in the three-jaw configuration) of the carriage, giving the operator better access and flexibility regardless of the joining challenge. The Acrobat 160 is compatible with the DataLogger ® quality assurance tool, which allows operators to record and document the key parameters of the pipe fusion process to ensure the integrity of fusion joints and increase job site accountability. It is also available in a productivity package that includes a manual machine stand and two PolyPorters ® , which aid in lifting the pipe as well as performing as a pipe stand.

The Acrobat 160 allows operators to fuse pipe for plumbing, mechanical and geothermal projects and a variety of other indoor applications where work spaces are often very limited. Its small footprint and light weight makes it an easy machine to manipulate when performing fusions overhead as well

McElroy – USA Fax: +1 918 831 9256

McElroy’s Acrobat 160 low-force fusion machine

Email: fusion@mcelroy.com Website: www.mcelroy.com

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J uly 2015