TPT March 2014

Technology News

Mill manufacturer RAFTER Equipment Corporation

ready-to-install finished surface in a multitude of diameters and materials, and eliminating many of the problems associated with pipe cutting. Available models range from the PipeCut 170 and 170E systems for cutting 15 to 170mm diameter steel and plastic pipe, to the PipeCut P400 for cutting and bevelling, in one process, plastic pipe from 100 to 400mm in diameter with a wall thickness up to 25mm. Each model can be supplied with a choice of three different blades: TCT (tungsten carbide tip) blades for general use in cutting steels, copper, aluminium, plastic and multi-layer materials; cermet with ceramic tips for heavy-duty applications such as cutting stainless steel and acid proof steel; and diamond discs for cutting cast iron pipes. Exact pipe cutting systems are suitable for cutting a wide range of tubes and pipes, including spiral duct tube ranging from 75 to 1,000mm in diameter, with wall thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 6mm. The systems are aimed at industrial pipe installers in power generation, refinery and chemical plant, hospital and other construction sites, house building and renovation, shipbuilding, wood pulp, 2013, the company supplied or received orders for weld boxes for a 114.3mm (4.5"), a 273mm (10.75"), a 317.5mm (12.5") and a 610mm (24") pipe mill. Also in 2013, Rafter introduced a new machine design for the roll forming industry. The design is targeted at custom roll formed profile producers that require high-quality machinery with quick- changeover capabilities. The machine includes design features borrowed from Rafter’s tube mill machines to provide for faster changeovers and easier long- term maintenance. Rafter manufactures its equipment solely within the USA, which allows it to better control the manufacturing process to ensure shorter overall and more on-time deliveries. In many cases, the company can ship orders before the promised delivery date.

manufactures tube mills, pipe mills, roll forming machines, cut-off machines and other related mill machinery. The company provides equipment for tube and pipe sizes from 4.76 to 610mm (0.188" to 24") OD. Rafter has supplied mills using high-frequency induction (HFI), high- frequency contact (HFC), TIG/plasma and laser welding. Its equipment has been used for the production of tubular products such as mechanical, structural, HSS, energy, OCTG, refrigeration, automotive, appliance, and others. With increased focus on OCTG products, many pipe producers are increasing mill capacity. The most popular area on the mill for upgrade focuses on the weld squeeze box. In

Rafter’s RT-4500 weld squeeze box

Rafter Equipment Corp – USA Fax: +1 440 572 3703 Email: sales@rafterequipment.com Website: www.rafterequipment.com

High-speed steel and plastic pipe cutting

fresh and waste water systems, heating and cooling systems, gas installations, maintenance and repair work. They are easy to use on steel, cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium, copper and most types of plastic. The cutter firmly grips the pipe to be cut, with the blade being automatically positioned to cut correctly. The entire weight of the cutter rests on the pipe. When started, the blade chips the pipe surface rather than grinding it, producing a burr-free cut surface that is ready for installation. The operation is dust-free, and does not produce any sparks. Each system is supplied with its own pipe holders (except the V1000 model, for which they are an optional extra), pipe saw, Allen keys, CD user manual and carry case. Other features include the ability to cut pipe at floor level, increased productivity through fast cutting speeds, and improved working environment and user safety, including fire safety.

FINNISH company Exact Tools Oy has developed a new method to cut pipes, and has launched a range of steel and plastic pipe cutting systems along with cutting accessories. The PipeCut range of pipe cutting systems provide a fast, easy, safe and precise way to cut and bevel pipes and tubes on site, producing a straight,

Exact PipeCut 280E in use

Exact Tools Oy – Finland Fax: +358 9 43667550 Email: exact@exacttools.com Website: www.exacttools.com

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M arch 2014